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.
The 74,000-square-foot facility, located northwest of the State Capitol in Oklahoma City, operates as a full-production environment. Over a six-month cohort, 25 participants receive paid training in key trade skills while earning certifications and building connections with potential employers. The first cohort started Sept. 2, and the academy’s grand opening was celebrated on Oct. 6.
Funded in part by an $8.1 million appropriation of ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the Oklahoma Legislature, this targeted workforce initiative will support economic growth through investment in skilled trades and the manufacturing sector.
The MSA program – developed through a multiyear collaboration with Harrison Consulting Group, manufacturers, workforce partners, and supported by state and federal funding – is designed to equip students with the technical and employability skills necessary to succeed in manufacturing – including certification as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist – while also providing a stipend to support participants as they train.
Those skills include certification as a CNC machinist. There are approximately 350 open CNC machinist jobs in the Oklahoma City metro, according to the State Chamber’s Oklahoma Business Voice.
The Academy is “the product of strong collaboration with manufacturers, workforce partners and the State of Oklahoma,” said Dr. Sharon Harrison, principal investigator with Harrison Consulting Group, which leads engagement initiatives for Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry.
Through direct engagement with Oklahoma manufacturers and using actual manufacturing equipment, students gain direct exposure to potential employers while developing their technical and problem-solving skills that are vital to the industry. MSA’s unique programming positions them to land a meaningful career in a short amount of time.
The Manufacturing Skills Academy “is more than a workforce initiative – it’s a bridge between education and purpose” by “investing in programs that teach real skills and open doors to meaningful careers,” said Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.
“When we invest in trade programs like this, we’re not just preparing workers; we’re building the foundation for stronger families, stronger businesses and a stronger state,” said Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore. “This is not just a training center; it’s a launching pad to connect students and workers to real opportunities and help Oklahoma businesses find the skilled workforce they need to thrive.”
The academy is “a catalyst for innovation, preparing Oklahomans for high-demand careers that fuel our state’s economic growth,” said Jennifer McGrail, executive director of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. “By combining hands-on training with real-world experience, we’re not only addressing the state’s workforce challenges, but also strengthening Oklahoma’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation on a national and global stage.”
OCAST was established in 1987 to grow and diversify Oklahoma’s economy through technology based innovation.
As the state’s agency for technology-based economic development, OCAST drives research, technology transfer and commercialization that lead to new businesses, job creation and improved quality of life. The agency also supports STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and partnerships between industry and higher education to strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce and global competitiveness.