During the last week of May, middle school students from throughout the area gathered at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview for Tech Camp 2012. The two day camp allowed students to select one area of interest and explore career options in that field. These students participated in the Jr. Chef Camp facilitated by Jon Buller, Culinary and Landscaping instructor at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview. These young ladies took a break from preparing marinara sauce to pose for a photograph. They are left to right: Taylor McKinney (Fairview), Sarah Steinbach (Fairview), Madison Souter (Fairview), Lauren Cox (Canton), Kylee Pameticky (Fairview), Brooke Burnett (Ringwood) and Ryli Powell (Ringwood).

As the oil and gas industries are booming, the demand for qualified truck drivers is increasing, with fewer candidates available to meet the demand than is needed.

“I know one oilfield company who is looking for over 500 drivers right now,” said Dan Case, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Trucking Association. “The US needs about 200,000 more full-time drivers this year – the trucking industry is overwhelmed.”

As a result of this need, Central Technology Center’s Truck Driver Training program began partnering with technology centers across the state. “We were approached by Northwest Technology Center in Alva about the possibility of providing driver training for specific companies in their area,” said Robert McClanahan, Director of Transportation & Safety Education at Central Tech. The oil industry in Oklahoma has experienced tremendous growth, especially in Northwest Oklahoma.

Central Tech began training with Northwest Technology Center in Alva in March 2011.”

“Since the program began, we have trained 65 drivers,” said Charlotte Hadwiger, Business and Industry Service Director, Northwest Technology Center in Alva, Okla. “The starting salaries for these individuals are between $40,000 per year to $125,000 per year. The companies that we work with are thrilled with our students.”

The program has also expanded training to Northwest Technology Center’s Fairview campus, to Autry Technology Center in Enid, and High Plains Technology Center in Woodward will be starting training in the next few months.

“We are in desperate need of truck drivers in our area and we have continual inquires on how to enroll in the truck driver training classes,” said Steve Kliewer, Business and Industry Services Director at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview. “The training comes from an organization with a great reputation for training truck drivers and this curriculum has been specifically developed to address the needs of oil and gas industry in our area.

The ability for Central, Canadian Valley, Autry, Northwest and High Plains Technology Centers to work together to provide training for area businesses is a testament to CareerTech’s dedication to serving business and industry. “To become a professional driver, it’s absolutely necessary to go through formal training to get the basics, learn the industry, equipment, rules and regulations of the trucking industry,” McClanahan said.

Options like the Truck Driver Training class are popular for adults looking to learn a new trade and start a new career. The short timeframe of 23 training days, with more than 50 hours of driving time, enables students to get to work quickly.

The demand for qualified drivers is high, and graduates of Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training program have a 98 percent placement rate. Graduates can expect to earn $40,000 annually in general industries, with salaries reaching $50,000 to $90,000 plus annually in the oil and gas industry.

Full-time graduates of the Oklahoma CareerTech system elevate the Oklahoma Economy by more than $2.4 Billion annually. Full-time graduates account for a small percentage of total enrollments in CareerTech programs, as it does not include individuals who choose to continue their education, or those who take advantage of Business and Industry Services, or those who participate in short-term courses.

Twenty-six Northwest Technology Center students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society earlier this month. The induction ceremony took place in the Seminar Room in front of a large crowd. Amy McClure, Academic Career Center Coordinator, Karen Koehn, Guidance Counselor and Daren Slater, Assistant Superintendent are the group’s current sponsors. Both secondary and post-secondary students who meet the requirements and are enrolled in Daytime Programs are eligible for membership in the organization.

Members of the NTHS pictured include: (back row l to r) Tyler Burton, Seth Jordan, Kamaree Lewis, Michael Lucas, Alex Curry, Austin Flynt, Derek McKinnon, Justin Micholson, George Herning, Clayton Hill, and Kyle Howell. Pictured in the middle row (l to r) include: Jeremy Carver, Maleny Ceniceros, Taelor McClure, Matt Martin, Sonya Graninger, Breana Hankins, Brooke Ortiz, Aimee Slaughter, Miranda Teeters, JemiKay Hofer, and Kalijean Weber. Pictured on the front row (l to r) include: Tyler Bailey, Christopher Shafer, Zachary Rebarchik, Tabitha Clapp, Kevin Herren, Nicole Watkins, David Weymouth, Misty Weber, Destinee Barnett and Katlyn Weymouth.

“These students demonstrated outstanding performance in their respective programs during the past year as well as meeting the stringent requirements for membership!” said Slater. “It is truly an honor for a student to be inducted into this group. There are several standards that each student must meet including academic performance, attendance, program involvement and attitude.”

The inductees were presented with lapel pins, certificates and decals. Koehn, Slater and McClure conducted the ceremony. Inductees included Sonya Graninger, George Herning, Justin Micholson, Miranda Teeters and Katlyn Weymouth, all adult students. Other inductees included: Destinee Barnett, Tyler Burton, Jeremy Carver, Maleny Ceniceros, Austin Flynt, Jessica Garnett, Dianna Gonzalez, Breana Hankins, Clayton Hill, JemiKay Hofer, Seth Jordan, Kamaree Lewis, Matt Martin, Taelor McClure, Brooke Ortiz and Aimee Slaughter, all Alva High School students. Also inducted were Cherokee High School students Michael Lucas and Derek McKinnon.Alex Curry and Kyle Howell, both students at Waynoka High School and Kalijean Weber, a student at Freedom High School were also inducted. Eight students were recognized and inducted as returning members. These included, Tyler Bailey, Tabitha Clapp, Kevin Herren, Zachary Rebarchik, Christopher Shafer, Nicole Watkins, Misty Weber and David Weymouth.

Students must be nominated for membership in the National Technical Honor Society by an instructor, an advisor and an administrator. Their application must be approved by the local Chapter Advisors, the nominating instructor and a school administrator. Students who are inducted have maintained an “A” average and have been absent for fewer than five days during the current semester. Other criteria include: honesty, service, leadership, career development, academics and skilled workmanship. The purpose of the organization is to foster the pursuit of educational and career goals to develop greater awareness within our community about the talents and abilities of students engaged in career and technology education, to provide career and technology education and to provide career and technology students a greater awareness of the world of work.

Eleven area students who will be eighth graders during the upcoming school year are participating in the Northwest Career Academy hosted by Northwest Technology Center. The four-day camp focuses on entrepreneurship, leadership and community service. It is also designed to make students aware of future career opportunities in Northwest Oklahoma. The students made application for the camp earlier this spring. After completing the application, students participated in an interview to be selected for participation.

Students participating in the Career Academy include: (top row l to r) Ralyn Waugh of Cherokee, Kyson Sackett of Fairview, Brooks Hadwiger of Alva, Dillon Cochran of Cherokee, Brianna Garner of Fairview, Ryli Powell of Ringwood, (front row l to r) Haven Davis of Cherokee, Christina Maul of Waynoka, Cathy Mapes of Alva, Casey Edwards of Aline-Cleo, and Riley Beeler of Alva.

During the camp, students are housed at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and attend training at Northwest Technology Center. The group toured Cargill Salt located in Freedom on Wednesday. The participants will work on Community Service Projects on Thursday and the camp will conclude on Friday with a parent/student luncheon at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview.

After students complete the initial camp between their seventh and eighth grade years, they will attend a half-day continuing each year through their senior year in high school. Students who complete all five years of the
training will receive a scholarship to be used for higher education upon their graduation from high school. The scholarships are sponsored by Alva State Bank, Cleo State Bank, Community Bank of Alva, Farmers Exchange Bank of Cherokee, Farmers and Merchants Bank of Fairview, Freedom State Bank, First State Bank of Waynoka, The Central National Bank of Alva and the Oklahoma Rural Rehabilitation Corporation.

Students participating in this year's program include: Riley Beeler, Cathy Mapes and Brooks Hadwiger of Alva, Kyson Sackett and Brianna Garner of Fairview, Haven Davis, Dillon Cochran and Ralyn Waugh of Cherokee, Christina Maul of Waynoka, Casey Edwards of Aline-Cleo and Ryli Powell of Ringwood.

Allan Poe, Ag Business Management Coordinator at Northwest Technology Center is the director of the program. This is the fifth year for Northwest Technology Center to host the Career Academy.

Freelin Roberts, retired Northwest Technology Center Superintendent was inducted into the Fairview chapter of the National Technical Honor Society during an induction ceremony held last week at Northwest Technology Center’s Fairview campus. Roberts and fifteen students were inducted during the ceremony. Roberts served as Northwest Technology Center’s Superintendent for 25 years until his retirement in May of 2009. Prior to his tenure at the Tech Center, Roberts also served as the Superintendent of Cherokee Public Schools and Freedom Public Schools.

Fifteen Northwest Technology Center students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at Fairview last week. Pictured are (back row l to r) Trae Stelzer, Austin Smith, Dan Niles, Luis Labra, Adam "Eric" Nunn, Jr, Kaylynn Snow and (front row l to r) Sydney Bowers, George Williams, Taylor Tucker, Emily Martens, Jennifer Red Hat, Tara Hiebert, Sydney Stanley, Ashlee Dunlap. Not pictured is Kristy Schroeder of Ringwood.

Northwest Technology Center student, Kristy Schroeder, attended the Business Professionals of America (BPA) 2012 National Leadership Conference, “Reach New Heights,” in Chicago, IL, April 25-29, 2012 and placed third in the nation in Interview Skills competitive event.  Kristy and her BPA co-advisor, Lisa Fuller, joined over 5,000 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national level business skills competitions, workshops, general sessions, and the national officer candidate campaigns and elections. “The conference allows students to experience leadership and complements classroom instruction through competing in business events,” said chapter co-advisor, Lisa Fuller, who teaches Business and Information Technology at Northwest Technology Center where Kristy is currently completing the accounting program.

Students enrolled in the Business and Information Technology program at the Alva Campus recently attended the National Business Professionals of America (BPA) Conference and Skills Contest in Chicago, Illinois.. Pictured above from left to right: Misty Weber placed 2nd in Administrative Support Concepts event, Sonya Graninger served as an intern during conference, Brandy Arganbright participated in testing, and George Herning placed 2nd in Presentation Management event. They were accompanied by their instructor Andrea Long.

Trae Stelzer placed second in the Auto Service competition at the SkillsUSA state conference in Tulsa earlier this week. Stelzer is enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program at NWTC in Fairview. His instructor is Bobby Watson.

Kristy Schroeder, a student in the Business and Information Technology
program at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview, placed first in the State
Business Professionals of America (BPA) Interview Skills competition. She
will move on to the National BPA Competition April 25-29 in Chicago, IL.

Schroder will join over 5,000 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national level business skills competitions, workshops, general sessions, and the national officer candidate campaigns and elections.

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. The organization’s activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry. BPA is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.

Business Professionals of America is assisted in this endeavor with financial support from corporations and companies including AICPA, CIW-Certification Partners, Otis Spunkmeyer, and Certiport, who sponsor BPA’s National Leadership Conference, and member career building programs and scholarships.

Schroeder is from Ringwood.

Top students from Northwest Technology Center will be attending the Business Professionals of America (BPA) 2012 National Leadership Conference, “Reach New Heights,” in Chicago, IL, April 25-29, 2012. Northwest Technology Center BPA members, Misty Weber, George Herning, Brandy Arganbright, and Sonya Graninger will join over 5,000 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national level business skills competitions, workshops, general sessions, and the national officer candidate campaigns and elections. Besides having the opportunity to excel, they’ll experience the city of Chicago IL, along with its museums, parks and other attractions.

Pictured above are the four NWTC Students enrolled in the Business and Information Technology Program at Alva who willtravel to the National BPA Competition in April. They include (l to r) Brandy Arganbright, Misty Weber, George Herning and Sonya Graninger.

“The conference will be the culmination of a school year’s worth of business education and training which members of the local chapter of Business Professionals of America at NWTC have received,” said chapter advisor, Andrea Long, who teaches multiple career majors in the Business & Information Technology program. Recently students completed at the BPA State Conference held in Tulsa and Okmulgee. There the students competed with other students across the state in business and computer events. Misty Weber placed 1st in Advanced Accounting and 5th in Payroll Accounting. Brandy Arganbright placed 1st in Legal Office Procedures and placed 6th in Advanced Office Systems & Procedures. George Herning placed 2nd in Presentation Management and 4th in Extemporaneous Speech. Sonya Graninger placed in the top 20 in Basic Office System & Procedures. At nationals, Weber, Arganbright and Herning will compete with others across the nation in their events and Graninger will complete an internship.

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. The organization’s activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry. BPA is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills.

Business Professionals of America is assisted in this endeavor with financial support from corporations and companies including AICPA, CIW-Certification Partners, Otis Spunkmeyer, and Certiport, who sponsor BPA’s National Leadership Conference, and member career building programs and scholarships.

Many students visit the state capitol in Oklahoma City as a school field trip. The group from Northwest Tech (photo below) combined the trip with a tour of the Governor’s Mansion and eating at a famous restaurant. The group joined students from High Plains Technology Center in Woodward for the activities.

The group started the day with a tour of the state capitol. Following photos with area legislators, the group had lunch. The students were joined by Representative Jeff Hickman. While the students enjoyed their meal, Hickman described a typical day on the job, answered questions about economic development and other legislative issues. This was followed by a tour of the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion. The day was wrapped up by the group enjoying an early dinner at Toby Keith’s restaurant in Bricktown.

“We have had many great experiences this year. This trip was a fun and educational way to learn about the legislative process and to enjoy some of the attractions that are offered right here in our state.” said Michael Lucas, a Cherokee High School student enrolled in the Business and Information Technology program at Northwest Technology Center.

This is the ninth year for Northwest Technology Center to have a leadership program. Students participate in a professional application and interview process. The group members attend monthly meetings with topics such as business and professional etiquette, teambuilding and leadership. The students will end the year in March at a final celebration with Oklahoma State Senator Bryce Marlatt as the speaker. The leadership class is sponsored and funding is provided by the Northwest Technology Center Foundation.

Students participating include Derek McKinnon and Michael Lucas of Cherokee, Misty Weber of Freedom, Alex Curry and Dalton Wilson of Waynoka, and Shelby Avila, Destinee Barnett, Lane Gavitt, Breana Hankins, George Herning, Kamaree Lewis, Matt Martin, Brooke Ortiz, Maria Ramos and Shelby Smith all of Alva.

Eight students who attend Northwest Technology Center in Fairview are also a part of the group. They are include Teagan Hernandez, Jessica Jackson, Tim Kehn, Bianca Lopez, Brandon Lowder, Makayla Redding and Jillian Stewart.

Fairview Regional Medical Center was honored for contributions to the development, promotion, and progress of Oklahoma's technology center system during the recent Business and Industry Day at the State Capitol of Oklahoma. The award is presented by the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers (OATC).

Accepting the OATC Partners for Progress Award for the hospital was Roger Knak, Administrator. The healthcare facility was nominated for the honor by Steve Kliewer, Business and Industry Services Director at Northwest Technology Center’s Fairview campus. “Fairview Regional Medical Center has been a great partner for our students by providing clinical training sites and by mentoring and supporting them in their pursuit of a career in healthcare.” said Kliewer.

Pictured above are: Daren Slater, NWTC’s Assistant Superintendent-Alva, Representative Jeff Hickman, Roger Knak, Administrator of the Fairview Regional Medical Center, Dr. Gerald Harris, NWTC’s Superintendent and Steve Kliewer, Business and Industry Services Director- NWTC Fairview.

The Partners for Progress Award is given annually and recognizes businesses and industries which have demonstrated their commitment to CareerTech education in a variety of ways including financial support, cooperative programs, community involvement and student sponsorships.

Dr. Gerald Harris, Northwest Technology Center’s Superintendent, said that Fairview Regional Medical Center has been a great supporter of our students in many initiatives in areas such as certified nurse aide training, certified medication aide training and the pre-nursing career major.

“The professional development and training of employees is key to the future growth of the hospital and the facility regularly participates in training activities with Northwest Technology Center. The facility is also a primary clinical training site for Northwest Technology Center students.” stated Kliewer.

For more information about Business and Industry Training Services, contact Kliewer at 580.227.3708 or skliewer@nwtech.edu.

Members of Northwest Technology Center’s Board of Education include (back row l to r) Stan Kline, Max Ott, Dean Meyer, (front row l to r) Butch Edingfield and Tom Russell.

The current Northwest Technology Center Board of Education has over fifty years of combined service.  Its longest serving member, Dean Meyer, has been on the board for thirty-three years, with one member who has just served since June.   Northwest Technology Center’s Board includes:   Tom Russell of Freedom, Stan Kline of Alva, Max Ott of Cherokee, Dean Meyer of Cleo Springs and Butch Edingfield of Fairview.   

Northwest Technology Center’s Board of Education held its first organizational meeting on April 8, 1969 at Miller’s Café in Waynoka.  At that time, the school was called the Major-Woods Counties Area Vocational-Technical School.   Those serving on the initial board included:  Harold Wilkerson, Dick Brunsteter, Charles Loomis, George Barkett and J.W. Martin.   

Others serving on the school’s board over the past three decades include:  The Honorable A.L. “Lute” Murrow of Dacoma, Glen Deweese of Waynoka, Boyd Hughes of Freedom, Louis Folks, Connie Garrison, Dr. Dan Shorter, Dennis Bushman and Earl Geis of Alva, Chuck Dreschler from the Aline area and Vinton Baker, Bob Van Meter and Marvin Martens of Fairview.  

A few highlights in the board’s history included the selection of the late Louis Folks as the OSSBA Distinguished Achievement Award winner in August of 2003.  Folks served on the technology center board from 1972 until his retirement in 2002.   The late Dr. Dan Shorter was named to Oklahoma’s All State School Board in 2007 in recognition of his 30 plus years of service to the students of Northwest Oklahoma.   Dr. Shorter served as a board member from March of 1975 until his death in August of 2005. Current Board Member Dean Meyer was honored as the Outstanding CareerTech Board Member in 2008. Meyer has served on NWTC’s Board since 1978.   

“We appreciate all of our board members and their efforts on our behalf.” stated Dr. Gerald Harris, NWTC’s Superintendent.   “We look forward to working with our current board members and thank our current and past board members for their time and dedication to our school.” 

Joanna (Wampler) Roller attended Northwest Technology Center during the 2004-2005 school year.  She was enrolled in the Health Careers Certification program and earned her certification as a dental assistant.  Roller then went on to attend Rose State College in the Dental Hygienist program.  

According to Roller her decision to enter this field came early in life,  “I decided I wanted to be a dental hygienist when I was 16 years old. I always enjoyed going to the dentist, the staff was very friendly and always made every visit a positive one. I really enjoyed getting my teeth cleaned and I was very curious about dentistry in general. My hygienist, Keena Burnet, was always very friendly and answered my numerous questions about dental hygiene.”  

Roller continued, “I earned my dental assisting certification after attending the Health program at Northwest Tech.  My dental assisting experience was such a huge key to my success throughout hygiene school and in my career as a hygienist. Already having a basic knowledge of dentistry put me ahead of the game. It also helped me to learn how to interact with the patients. Patients always have questions that extend past dental hygiene, such as what all goes into a root canal procedure, it is really nice being able to discuss all aspects of dentistry with my patients.”

“My favorite part of being a dental hygienist is the people. Every person is different and it is so much fun getting to know them and their families. I would like to encourage those from my community to always make their dental health a priority. More and more research shows how poor oral health can negatively affect the body. My small town didn't have a local dentist, so you had to be motived to seek out routine dental care.” stated Roller.

Roller is a graduate of Burlington High School.   She now lives in the Oklahoma City area , is a licensed Dental Hygienist and practices at Legacy Dental Care. 

“My positive role model was my husband James, he really motivated me to finish my education. I also got to know numerous dental professionals through my experience as an assistant that were all very encouraging along the way.” said Roller.

Have you had trouble finding a plumber or an electrician because there are simply not enough professionals in these areas to handle all of the work?  Then you will be glad to know that a new daytime program is coming to the Alva campus of Northwest Technology Center in the Fall of 2012.  According to Daren Slater, Assistant Superintendent,  “The program will be called Construction Trades and will teach students about the plumbing or electrical skills.”  Enrollment in the program is now open for the 2012-2013 school year which begins in August.

Dennis Bushman was hired earlier this year as the instructor for the program.  Bushman has more than 25 years of experience as an licensed electrician and taught construction trades in the CareerTech system prior to taking the instructor’s position at Northwest Technology Center.

The Construction Trades program will have four career majors including Plumber’s Assistant (1005 clock hours), Electricians Assistant (1050 clock hours), Entry Level Plumber’s Assistant (375 clock hours) and Entry Level Electrical Assistant (360 clock hours).  At some point in the future a career major for Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) will be added, but this program will be added in a different academic year. 

“The decision to implement this program came at the request of many in our community.  All three of these occupations, plumbing, electrical and heating and air conditioning are much needed throughout Northwest Oklahoma.” stated Slater.  “ Last year, a focus group of local contractors, area business people and private citizens met and developed a case for why these occupations would be the best fit for our area”.

Students enrolled in the Electrical Assistant program will cover electrical installation, operation, and maintenance for electrical systems in residential dwellings and commercial buildings.  Students will also cover print reading, electrical principles and measurements, function of components, equipment and motors, wiring, process control, troubleshooting and the electrical code.   After completion, students can continue toward their journeyman licensure.
Plumbing students will learn, measurement and drawings, fixtures, faucets and fittings, water supply, fuel gas systems, installing and maintaining both commercial and residential plumbing and water supplies.  Students in both programs will cover a construction core, tool handling and safety.    
After completing one of the career majors, students will be prepared to either enter the career field working toward their journeyman licensure or go on to college in the area of engineering, architecture or a related field.   Professionals with these skills may also pursue careers in the Oil and Gas Industry or Industrial Maintenance.