Career tech programs in Oklahoma are drawing a record number of students for the fourth consecutive year, according to state officials.
More than 122,000 students have enrolled in one of seven student-led organizations connected to the state’s CareerTech system. Those groups include Business Professionals of America (BPA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA).
The growth comes as trade schools and technical programs see rising demand across the country. One research firm projects U.S. trade school enrollment will increase 6.6% annually over the next five years. In Massachusetts, one technical high school reported a wait list of 700 students.
Educators say cost savings are a benefit of technical training, but the long-term value comes from career readiness skills students gain.
“We know that in order to be successful in any career, that you have to be professional,” Drew Weymouth, Principal of Worcester Technical High School said. “It means you have to bring a strong work ethic, you have to have integrity, and we focus on those right from day one.”