Modified: October 29, 2014 at 9:18 am • Published: October 29, 2014
Baby Boomers, the largest generation in America, who according to cnn.com, made up 24 percent of the population in 2012, are retiring in such large numbers there’s a significant and growing skilled worker shortage, specifically in the manufacturing industry.
Like many other states, Oklahoma needs skilled workers to step up and replace these Baby Boomers. Technology centers, such as Indian Capital Technology Center, and Central Technology Center, are making it possible for Oklahomans to receive the education they need to create a wealth-building career in manufacturing.
Tony Barrett, industrial coordinator at Indian Capital said, “If we don’t have somebody to come in and fill these positions as the older workforce is leaving, Oklahoma’s going to suffer economically.”
Barrett emphasized these jobs aren’t minimum wage, dead-end careers. According to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, manufacturing pay is more than $24,000 higher than other non-farm industries in Oklahoma.
Many young adults with a college degree find themselves in debt and without opportunity to build a career. This, combined with numerous job opportunities in industrial sectors, has lead to a resurgence of workers adding technical skills to their secondary education credentials.
Stephanie Pool, marketing and communications director at Central Technology Center in Drumright, said “Eleven percent of Oklahoma’s economy is manufacturing. This is a thriving job sector that offers high-skill, high-wage jobs for Oklahomans."
Pool said manufacturing is a part of almost every facet of Oklahoma’s economy. And in order to close the skills gap and keep Oklahoma’s economy on the move, employers are turning to CareerTech schools for a skilled workforce with job specific training.
Young adults should not be the only people interested in technical schools. Middle-aged individuals who are seeking to learn new skills can also benefit from more technical focused education.
The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance estimates there are more than 140,000 jobs in manufacturing in the state. “There is incredible opportunity for people who want to expand their skills and enter the workforce in a short period of time. Our hope is more Oklahomans will take a second look and rediscover manufacturing as a great quality career.” Pool said.
