Working Together, North Central OK Center of Workforce Excellence

Ponca City, OK – Partners from the region of North Central Oklahoma received official designation last week as a Center of Workforce Excellence, as approved by the Governor’s Council for Workforce Development. Earlier this year, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce began rolling out a plan for these Centers to leverage and align resources, ensuring a comprehensive workforce development system that is responsive to local and state demand.

The North Central Oklahoma Center of Workforce Excellence (NCOCWE) will be included in the State of Oklahoma marketing materials focused on economic development to assist in promoting the assets of their communities.

Serving as the convener, Pioneer Technology Center in collaboration with educational partners, business and industry representatives, and state/local agencies, applied for this designation in September. The application outlined current and ongoing efforts to create a pipeline of qualified applicants who meet the existing and future demands of the region’s key industries. These industries include healthcare, construction, protective service, manufacturing/production, and transportation/logistics.

A 30-member Advisory Council was formed to oversee the goals and sustainability of the NCOCWE. The committee represents business and industry leaders, tribal representatives, and all education venues in our region, which include area school districts, Northern Oklahoma College and the University Center at Ponca City. Additional partners include area economic development organizations, Chambers of Commerce are participating, and state agencies supporting workforce initiatives.

Traci Thorpe, Superintendent/CEO for Pioneer Tech added, “We are proud to be one of the eight centers who were just recently designated. This cohesive relationship between all regional partners is essential in ensuring our communities’ continued success. We are committed to providing support in furthering the workforce development efforts of the North Central region of Oklahoma.”