CareerTech Conversations

Latest Episodes:

Episode 5 – “Lights, Camera, Careers” with Justin Siler Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

With the proliferation of movies and TV series, studios are turning from Hollywood to the heartland. This means filming in different locations and using a different workforce.

We speak with Justin Siler, adult and career development coordinator at CareerTech, about what his division is doing to prepare Oklahoma’s workforce for the big screen.

You can view a video of this conversation here:

https://youtu.be/qh52RomyO-Y?si=rCsIbxSXSiQx5sx3

Episode 4 – “All The Trades, Under One Roof” with John Day May 24, 2023

Show notes

From welding to carpentry, from plumbing to electrical work, trade and industrial education is one of the most diverse divisions at Oklahoma CareerTech.

Until recently, that division was led by John Day, who joined us in the studio to give an overview of this wide-reaching division, as well as his insight on where it goes from here.

You can view a video of our conversation here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzitHl0zRfg

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

SkillsUSA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Cytrf6oxkw

Learn more about Oklahoma SkillsUSA at https://www.okskillsusa.org/

SkillsUSA Lineman Rodeo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FssnmexJQ3w

Episode 3 – “Meet The New Boss” with Brent Haken Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

With the state legislature and budget negotiations in full swing, the beginning of the year is always a busy time for CareerTech. This time, however, those challenges are being met with a new person at the helm: Brent Haken.

In a conversation recorded in February, we get to know CareerTech’s new state director. He talks about his experiences as an instructor and administrator that led him to this new position and his long-term goals for advancing career and technology education in Oklahoma.

You can view a video of our conversation with Brent Haken here:

https://youtu.be/u0TLxVqw5wU

Episode 2 – “Helping Small Business Grow” with Carter Merkle Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

Have you started a small business? Do you know someone who has?

The challenges of starting out from scratch are well known, but what you may not know is that CareerTech has resources to help make growing a small business easier.

Carter Merkle of Oklahoma’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center sat down with us to talk about the ways in which OkPTAC connects small businesses in the state with government agencies.

You can view a video of our conversation with Carter Merkle here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afgk_j44IOc

You can view videos of the business leaders we talked to at ICBSSHOW here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utqBxXJhr4U

Additional links:

ICBSSHOW

OkPTAC

Episode 1 – “A Time Of Transition” with Dr. Lee Denney Aug 24, 2022

Show notes

How do you lead in a time of transition?

CareerTech’s Interim State Director Dr. Lee Denney sat down with Russell Ray to tell us about her unique role at the agency.

She also shares her thoughts about the CareerTech student organizations and the many ways the system delivers on its promises to students and businesses across the state.

You can view the video version of this conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIRLsErd3e8

Introducing CareerTech Conversations Aug 10, 2022

Show notes

Oklahoma CareerTech Conversations logo CareerTech Horizon is becoming CareerTech Conversations!

We will still be bringing you the amazing stories from people within Oklahoma’s CareerTech System, but with a slightly different approach, as they tell their stories in their own words. We will also be bringing you some of our episodes in video format on CareerTech’s YouTube Channel.

Thanks to everyone who stayed subscribed to us during our hiatus. You should already be on track to hearing our newly revamped podcast. Our first episode, featuring CareerTech’s Interim State Director Dr. Lee Denney, will be hitting your feeds soon.

Be sure to spread the word about our new rebranding, and we’ll see you soon!