Workforce shortages across Oklahoma’s aerospace and construction industries are prompting state lawmakers to examine how apprenticeship programs can connect more students with skilled career pathways. A Sept. 8 interim study before the Oklahoma House Postsecondary Education Committee focused on expanding CareerTech partnerships and reducing barriers for employers and students.
Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, presented Interim Study 26-110, titled Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries. The study reviewed existing apprenticeship structures, workforce demand and potential legislative changes.
Oklahoma CareerTech officials outlined differences between Registered Apprenticeship Programs and CareerTech Apprenticeship Programs.
Registered apprenticeship programs require at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 144 hours of related instruction. The employer-led programs are approved through the U.S. Department of Labor and lead to a nationally recognized certificate.
CareerTech apprenticeship programs require at least 510 hours of on-the-job learning and 90 hours of related instruction. Participants receive mentorship and a state-recognized certificate.
Both models are structured around W-2 employment and long-term workforce development rather than short-term internships or job-shadowing opportunities.
CareerTech officials also said the agency can help businesses establish apprenticeship programs without charging a setup fee. One recent program reportedly moved from an initial request to implementation within 72 hours.
Workforce demand is creating additional pressure on Oklahoma’s career and technical education system. Oklahoma CareerTech State Director and CEO Brent Haken said the agency currently serves about 151,000 K-12 students, while demand for technology center programs has increased 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Haken proposed allowing high school students to spend as much as half of the school day in approved apprenticeship settings. Current law generally limits internship participation to two hours per school day, which can restrict opportunities for employers seeking longer workplace training periods.
Other proposals included allowing schools to use 9,000-level course codes for apprenticeship participation and permitting qualified workplace mentors to supervise students in coordination with education providers.
The study also examined funding regional apprenticeship coordinators, increasing technology center capacity, expanding career-focused curriculum and improving access to aerospace training licenses.
Representatives from aerospace, construction and workforce organizations also shared perspectives during the study. Participants included Quantum Space CEO Jim Bridenstine, NORDAM Vice President of Human Resources Joel Dougherty, Boeing Senior Community Investor Bailey Perkins-Wright, AOGC Executive Director Bobby Stem, Central Staffing Solutions owner Whitney Hill and Scot McAdoo.
The discussion comes as employers in both aerospace and construction seek additional skilled workers and stronger pathways from education into employment.
For construction employers, expanded apprenticeship programs could provide additional mechanisms for developing entry-level workers through structured on-the-job training and related instruction. Proposed changes to school participation rules, mentor supervision and regional coordination could also affect how contractors and other employers participate in workforce development.
The Oklahoma study reflects a broader focus on connecting students with skilled trades before graduation while giving employers greater access to structured training pipelines.
Source: OK House.
