A right-to-work and leading WorkKeys certification state, Oklahoma offers a workforce ready, willing, technologically proficient, and highly cable of ensuring your wind energy company’s success. 

Oklahoma’s colleges, universities, CareerTech technology centers, internship/apprenticeship programs, and numerous industry specific programs ensure that you have the workers needed today as well as a pipeline of future employees.

Education and training programs and public-private partnerships specific to renewable energy technology abound across the state and include the following: 

• Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) -wind turbine technician training; alternative energy and alternative power options for pre-engineering; OSHA-approved safety training for turbine technicians
• Oklahoma State University-OKC -Associate in Applied Science degree in wind turbine technology
• Autry Technology Center in Enid - introductory courses about the wind industry
• Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno - wind turbine technician training
• Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City - wind turbine technician training for private-sector partner FriEnergy; SCADA systems training
• High Plains Technology Center in Woodward - wind turbine technician training
•  Tulsa Technology Center/Riverside Campus - composites manufacturing with turbine blade capabilities
•  Tulsa Community College - electronics technology alternative energy option
  

Available, Skilled, Affordable Workforce

 
Engineering Degrees Supporting the Wind Energy Industry on the Rise
The number of engineering degrees conferred by OSU, OU, and the University of Tulsa from 2001-2006/2002-2006 are on the rise, according to the latest data available from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

• The number of engineering degrees that support the wind energy industry grew by 33% - 375 to 500.
• The number of aerospace and aviation degrees grew by 73% - 64 to 111.
• The number of mechanical engineering degrees grew by more than 54% - 171 to 269.
• And from 2002 to 2006, the number of mechanical engineering degrees grew by 64% - 164 to 269.

Statewide Graduates & Enrollments in Fields Relevant to Wind Manufacturing:
(Five-Year Average)

• Engineering: Graduates 1,086; Enrollments 6,767
• Computer Support: Graduates 722; Enrollments 3,988
• Electrical, Mechanic, and Other Support: Graduates 727; Enrollments 3,789
• TOTAL: Graduates 2,535; Enrollments 14,543

Customized, No-Cost/Low-Cost Training
Oklahoma's Workforce Team assists your company with all human resource needs, including recruitment, workforce screening, and no-cost/low-cost customized workforce training through the state's Training for Industry Program (TIP).

Oklahoma's community colleges, universities, technology centers, apprenticeships, technical institutes, nonprofits, businesses, and state agencies work hand-in-hand to deliver companies 3 key benefits.

1. Save money: Save thousands of dollars in expenses for job analysis, training assessment, consultation, curriculum development, instructors, facilities, equipment, materials, and day-to-day training program administration.
2. Train Anywhere on Your Schedule: Your employees can receive start-up training or skills upgrade onsite, online, or take advantage of universities, community colleges, and technology centers in every part of the state. Either way, they won't waste valuable time driving to and from class.
3. Make one call: Tapping into this vast network of workforce training and education options takes one call--the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Call 800-588-5959 today!