|
Work ready region named in 13 SE Oklahoma
By Bill Hankins
The Paris News
Published October 28, 2009
A 13-county area in Southeastern Oklahoma, including Choctaw and McCurtain counties will be designated as Oklahoma’s premier work ready region, a move that could give the area an economic advantage.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce will recognize the 13 counties during a ceremony in the Kiamichi Technology Center in Idabel at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.
In addition to Choctaw and McCurtain counties, the region includes Haskell, Latimer, LeFlore, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston, McIntosh and Hughes.
The initiative was brought about by the collaborative efforts of Choctaw Nation Career Development, Kiamichi Technology Centers, Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Southeast WIB.
“Oklahoma’s premier work ready region will link economic development, education and workforce to provide a talent pool of skilled work ready-job candidates that will align with the needs of industry and goals of the individual worker,” Kelli Ostman, of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, said. “The certified region can verify to business that it has a sustainable, reliable pipeline that delivers the right workers with the right skills at the right time.”
The certification will give the area a competitive advantage in attracting new business, industry and investments. It could also help existing companies grow and improve high school graduation rates.
In order to obtain the certification, the region had to meet the qualifications of 3 percent of the existing workforce career readiness certified, 25 percent of the available workforce be career readiness certified and have an 82 percent high school graduation rate for high school seniors.
For more information on the Nov. 10 event, call Choctaw Nation Career Development at 866-933-2260.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Letter
|
|
 |
|
|
