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MidDel Technology Center students showcase welding, plumbing, cybersecurity and trades to state CareerTech board
Summary
Students from MidDel Technology Center described hands-on training, college credits, industry certifications and job prospects to the Oklahoma CareerTech State Board, which praised the programs and paused for photos before resuming business.
Students at MidDel Technology Center presented their training paths and career goals to the Oklahoma CareerTech State Board during the board's November meeting. The presentations featured first-year and returning students in welding, plumbing, cybersecurity, aircraft structures and automotive programs and highlighted both technical instruction and pathways into employment.
Ivya Quinn, a junior at Midwest City High School in the center's welding program, said shadowing and a sophomore showcase convinced her that welding was the right career. "I got in. I got in," she said of receiving an acceptance email, and described learning shielded metal arc welding and plans to attend Rose State College for a business degree to combine technical skill with entrepreneurship. Zion Rodriguez, a Del City High School senior in plumbing, described plumbing as a practical, debt-averse route to a secure career and said the credit he earns at MidDel Tech applies directly to journeyman testing.
Jocelyn Laughlin, a cybersecurity student and SkillsUSA chapter president, said the program broadened her interests to leadership and community education; she helped secure a mayoral proclamation for Cybersecurity Career Week and published an article about it. Mason Bristow, an adult aircraft-structures student, said program supports such as resume preparation help graduates transition directly to jobs at Tinker Air Force Base. Maddie Griffin, an automotive student, described earning eight ASU certifications and job-shadowing opportunities with local dealerships, and noted a 40% ongoing Snap-on Tools discount available through the center.
Board members and agency leaders applauded the students. The board paused for photographs before continuing the agenda.
The presentations emphasized CareerTech's role in providing multiple education-to-career pathways and in helping students enter skilled trades without incurring college debt.
