Oklahoma lawmakers are looking at ways to expand apprenticeship opportunities for high school students as the state works to address workforce shortages in the aerospace and construction industries.
Oklahoma Representative Kevin Norwood recently held an interim study examining how CareerTech programs could connect more students with employers and prepare them for high-demand careers.
Oklahoma CareerTech State Director and CEO Brent Haken told lawmakers demand for technology center programs has increased 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many students on waiting lists.
“We have every sector of industry that is asking for more workers, and so that’s what we’re up against,” Haken said.
Among the changes discussed was allowing high school students to spend up to half of their school day in approved apprenticeship programs. Haken said current restrictions generally limit internships to two hours during the school day, making participation difficult for some employers.
CareerTech officials also discussed allowing schools to award course credit for apprenticeships, using qualified workplace mentors to supervise participating students and funding regional apprenticeship coordinators.
CareerTech Apprenticeship Manager Tonja Norwood said apprenticeships differ from internships or job-shadowing because participating businesses are developing employees for long-term employment.
“It’s not just an experience like an internship or a job shadowing,” Norwood said. “It is a long-term employee that you as a company are developing.”
Kevin Norwood said providing students with career opportunities earlier can help them determine what direction they want to take after high school.
“Any opportunities we can give students to figure out where they’re headed earlier, I think that’s a positive thing,” Norwood said.
