An influential national magazine ranks Oklahoma 4 th in the nation for work force training programs in its October 2003 issue. Consultants polled by Expansion Management magazine cited Oklahoma 's commitment to the Training for Industry Program (TIP), Existing Industry Program and Safety Training Program as some of the best programs of their kind in the nation.

"Needless to say, we are pleased by this news. This endorsement helps validate the quality of the business and industry training programs available in Oklahoma through the Career Tech System," said Phil Berkenbile, interim director of the Oklahoma Career Tech System. "Business and Industry Training Programs have distinguished Oklahoma 's economic development effort and underscore Career Tech's leadership in this area on a national level."

Editors of the magazine asked leading business location consultants nationwide to rank the states in terms of their training programs. Consultants considered ease of doing business and the flexibility to customize training programs when deciding where to rank states.

Central Technology Center assistant superintendent Ron Dyer says: "Our Business and Industry Program is vitally important to efforts to help local businesses improve their operations and expand. Central Tech has ongoing partnerships for employee training programs at many businesses in this region, including A-1 Machine Works, Kwikset and SpiritBank in Bristow, Bama Foods Inc. in Tulsa , BC Glass and Indiana Glass in Sapulpa , Webco Inc. in Mannford, MidSouth Technologies, Tidal Vineyards and the Drumright Municipal Hospital in Drumright, as well as many other business locations in the school district."

"These training programs address industry needs ranging from on-the-job safety to improved production processes to improve efficiency and productivity for the businesses involved. Central Tech can enhance quality and productivity by providing consulting, training and resource development assistance. Existing businesses looking for ways to streamline, improve or create new processes are encouraged to turn to Central Technology Center and the Training for Industry Programs for support," said Dyer.

The state's 29 technology centers work closely with OSHA, training more than 49,000 employees statewide in the areas of general industry and construction, hazardous waste operations, and safety and health management training.

Dyer notes that in addition to assisting over 50 different businesses in its district with training needs, Central Tech has been involved with developing business incubators in Drumright, Sapulpa and Stroud.

"For new companies locating in Oklahoma or companies already here, who are creating new jobs and adding people to their payroll, our Training for Industry Program, or TIP, is a valuable resource," said Berkenbile.