From staff reports Oklahoma’s new Manufacturing Skills Academy officially opened its doors recently, launching an education program designed to connect Oklahomans with high-demand careers in the manufacturing industry.
As one of nine American Rescue Plan Act projects managed by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, this first-of-its-kind program aims to help fill a growing workforce gap by blending technical instruction with workbased learning and real job opportunities.
According to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, the Sooner State is projected to face a workforce shortage of nearly 20,000 people by 2028. An aging population, workforce participation challenges, and shifting skill demands are among the factors contributing to the gap…