Alva Review-Courier -

During the month of February, Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) is celebrating CareerTech Month. NWTC is one of 29 technology centers throughout the state that are working to bring more awareness to the programs offered to high school students, adult students and business and industry throughout the state.

Activities such as community service projects performed by Career Tech student organizations, community meetings, special seminars and many other events will be taking place throughout the month of February. CareerTech will also sponsor several events at Oklahoma’s state capitol.

On Feb. 22, CareerTech Business and Industry representatives including a contingent from Northwest Technology Center, will recognize “Partners for Progress” honorees. Partners for Progress is an award given annually by each technology center to one business in their school district who has worked with the school as a partner in employee training and as an advocate for the CareerTech system. The City of Fairview will be one of the recipients of this year’s award.

“Northwest Technology Center had just over 13,000 enrollments on its two campuses during the 2016-17 school year. This number includes those enrolled in daytime programs, adult training and development programs and business and industry services. Statewide, CareerTech reaches over half a million people annually.

“The massive reach of CareerTech makes it a vital part of the educational system in our state.” stated Dr. Gerald Harris, NWTC’s superintendent. “Our mission includes not only educating these students on job skills, but also helping them to master soft skills. It is important to our area communities, that our students be ready for the workplace.”

According to the Association for Career and Technology Education, stated Harris, research shows that many of the country’s fastest-growing occupations require the technical skills taught in CareerTech education programs. Research also shows that among high school graduates entering the workforce, those with a technical education background earn more than those without this advantage.

“Students don’t have to decide between CareerTech and college,” continued Harris, “a symbiotic relationship exists between the two. In fact, high school students can attend Northwest Tech and attend college simultaneously.”

CareerTech isn’t just for high school students either. While the full-time programs are the foundation of the system, business and industry customers also benefit from the services we offer. Services include customized training and consulting, small business management, agriculture business management, Training for Industry Program funding and New and Existing Industry funding.

Harris continued, “Our system is strong because of the diversified educational opportunities that we offer to our students and our communities.”