The Tulsa Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and Workforce Oklahoma recently recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of several individuals in the Tulsa Workforce Investment Area. Included in those honored were four individuals who were assisted in career choices and preparation by Central Technology Centers in Drumright and Sapulpa .

Sara Burton is a graduate of Central Tech's Administrative/Legal Asisstant Program at Sapulpa . Sara says the program increased her computer skills and taught her about the legal field, but more importantly, gave her a sense of accomplishment a with a desire to learn more. Sarah is currently employed as an Administrative Assistant/Litigation by Armstrong & Lowe Law Firm, and is attending Tulsa Community college and intends to become a Paralegal.

James “AJ” Parks is a graduate of the Welding/Fabrication Technology program at Central Tech, Drumright, and currently employed at Neilson Manufacturing, Inc. as a welder. AJ's passion for welding has influenced his oldest son to also pursue a career as a welder and AJ is planning to earn an Associate's Degree in his field at Rogers State University .

Stanislav Pypenko, Dry Sales Representive for Conway Southern Express trucking firm, is a graduate of the Central Tech Truck Driver Training program. Pypenko is from the former Soviet Union and found the language difference somewhat of a barrier to him until he discovered the trucking opportunities through the Workforce Oklahoma and Central Tech partnership.

Sydnie Swallow, ICU Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, began her career by completing her CNA training at Central Tech and the gaining her RN degree in Tulsa. Swallow was inspired to pursue her nursing career after a layoff in Tulsa . The WIA assistance made it possible for the married mother of two to “focus on my studies and not the bills. Knowing that each semester to come was a ‘for sure' thing kept me motivated towards my goal,” said Swallow.