More Than One Path
College isn't the only path to a successful future. Career technology education is helping students prepare for in-demand careers.
The future is calling for students to choose: college or tech school? For many students, a four-year college degree has long been viewed as the next step after high school. But for some, that path is either out of reach or simply not the right fit. Human experience cannot be mass produced, and every individual journey is completely unique. Today, more students are moving away from cookie-cutter standards, breaking the mold and mapping their courses more strategically. Trade schools and technical colleges offer lower tuition, hands-on skills training and a faster path to high-demand careers.
A New Path to Career Success
“I think this generation, just from my experience, they take a very practical approach to education and training,” said Randy Craven, Executive Director of Student Affairs and Partner Relations at Tulsa Technology Center.
Craven said many students are taking advantage of the opportunity to attend Tulsa Tech while still in high school, allowing them to complete academic coursework while gaining hands-on training in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and the construction trades. Many programs can be completed in one or two years, giving students industry credentials and certifications that prepare them for high-skill, high-wage careers.
Craven, now in his 32nd year as an educator, believes more students today see the value in CareerTech and technology centers as a sustainable choice for their futures than in the past.
“I remember the emphasis being almost solely on college; that was the push, and then I think over time you’ve seen school districts see the value in career tech and the occupational training programs that are provided. You see students engaged in multiple discussions about a pathway to help them achieve their goals,” he said.
Randy Craven
Why More Students Are Choosing Tulsa Tech
Program placement is highly competitive at Tulsa Tech, and applications for enrollment have grown significantly in recent years. Scholarships are available, and opportunities for tuition-free attendance are available for Tulsa-area residents.
“If a person has questions, I suggest they visit our website, and they can contact a career advisor,” Craven said. “It’s a great opportunity for young people to pursue their passion in a profession. They will receive a quality education that leads to opportunities in their respective professions. Tulsa Tech is one of 29 publicly funded technology center districts in the state of Oklahoma that operate under the CareerTech system.”
Founded in 1965, Tulsa Tech is the oldest and largest technology center in Oklahoma’s CareerTech system. The school offers a wide range of opportunities for students preparing for careers, with six campuses in the Tulsa metro area. Programs include health sciences, aerospace, pre-engineering, automotive and alternative fuels, as well as information technology.
“Our mission is to educate people for success in the workplace; that’s why we’re here, that’s why we get out of bed every morning,” Craven said. “That’s my why, and that’s what fires us up is seeing young people as well as adults maximize their potential and fulfill their dreams, and in the process also address critical workforce needs.”
Students in the surgical technology program take classes at Tulsa Tech’s Health Sciences Center.
Learn More
Tulsa Technology Center
- Six campuses in the Tulsa metro area
- Programs include health sciences, aerospace, pre-engineering, automotive and alternative fuels, construction, manufacturing and information technology
- Scholarships and tuition-free opportunities are available for many Tulsa-area students
- Visit tulsatech.edu
- Call 918.828.5000
- Schedule a visit with a career advisor
