The Leadership CareerTech program introduces participants to the 5 delivery systems of the CareerTech system and allows class members to be introduced to many different aspects of CareerTech. Participants include technology center staff, state department staff and others.
The 2008 Leadership CareerTech Class met on March 5-6 for our second meeting and a “Bus Tour” of the CareerTech system.
We loaded up on the big red Tulsa Tech activity bus and headed to our first stop at Tri-County Technology Center in Bartlesville. Tri-County, the first CareerTech center in Oklahoma, hosted us to a facility tour where we saw pre-engineering facilities, the professional development center and were treated to a three-course meal of orange tomatoes, purple potatoes and mouth watering pork chops. Students in Tri-County’s Hospitality and Tourism Career Majors cooked the meal.
Next, we were given access to and toured the Wal-Mart Distribution Center North of Tulsa, DC 7015. Freezers that go to minus 30 degrees, 2 story banana racks, dozens of forklifts and miles of metal shelving, what more could you ask for? Recollections of the last scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom dominated the conversations and some wished they would of brought their coat!!
The day concluded with dinner at Steak and Ale. Unfortunately for some we watched the Sooners defeat the Cowboys and then headed back to the hotel for networking with each other.
Our second day began at the Jess Dunn Correctional Facility. The CareerTech system includes several Skill Centers embedded within Oklahoma’s correctional facilities. When asked about the safety of working inside the Skill Center, a story was told about the Stringtown Riot in 1988. All the facilities at the prison were burned down except for the Chapel and CareerTech. The center is in a transition from construction trades to manufacturing to meet employer demands.
Our last stop of the “Bus Tour” was at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs. Charles Page is a unique high school. Recently, they have become part of Tulsa Technology Center and have integrated CareerTech courses into the high school. Student from surrounding sending schools attend class at Charles Page, along with regular Charles Page students. Traditional CTE courses like agriculture education are taught with Charles Page staff and Tulsa Technology staff teaches the automotive cluster.
Our next meeting is set for May 8 at the state capitol in Oklahoma City and will include a day of learning about legislative issues facing the CareerTech system, visiting legislators, and the much anticipated graduation.
If you have the opportunity to attend Leadership CareerTech, do so. The chance to learn about our system is invaluable and will help you in understanding your role in the system. Watch for the shadowing report and an entry detailing the “Day at the Capitol.”
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