Students at Foyil High School participated in Oklahoma’s first statewide Career Exposure Week, an initiative to connect students and business to promote manufacturing career pathways and strengthen the future workforce pipeline.
To learn more about career options in their own backyard, Foyil students visited local manufacturer AXH air-coolers and toured its facilities. While there, students experienced the daily activities of an industrial manufacturer, as well as gained a better understanding of the various career opportunities within this key sector.
“Having access to a ready and skilled workforce is vital to the success of any business, and AXH is no exception,” said Jim Simmons, operations support manager for AXH air-coolers. “Our future employees are currently in the classroom. Connecting with students allows us the opportunity to educate them on the jobs available in our industry while at the same time enabling us to highlight the skills and training needed to be successful in those careers.”
Recent information from the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development shows the Tulsa region is facing a 16 percent skills gap between the skills and education of local workforce, and what will be needed to meet workforce needs in 2025.
“The negative perceptions surrounding the manufacturing industry impede our future workforce pipeline,” said Meggie Froman-Knight, talent development manager for the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA). “As our regional manufacturing entities continue to grow, it is imperative we work to change the misconceptions surrounding this vital economic sector. Initiatives, such as career awareness tours, are vital to generating interest for in-demand occupations and showcasing career opportunities.”
CIEDA is continually working to develop and foster the region’s workforce through connecting local business and educational partners. Any school or business interested in participating in an industrial tour can contact Meggie Froman-Knight at meggie@growclaremore.com or 918.283.8240.
About AXH air-coolers
AXH air-coolers represents more than 50 years of experience and leadership in the air-cooled heat exchanger industry. AXH’s primary goal is to provide the highest quality air-cooler product with a focus on commitment to providing reliable “on time” delivery. AXH offers a complete line of air-cooled heat exchanges that are available in a wide range of sizes, types and models to fit virtually every application requirement in natural gas compression process and power generation industries. Click here to learn more.
About the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority
The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) is a public trust organization formed in 1948 to stimulate economic growth and development for the city of Claremore. CIEDA oversees the Claremore Industrial Park and the Claremore Regional Airport, as well as facilitates the recruitment, retention, and expansion of primary industry jobs, and expansion of the sales tax base through the recruitment of new destination retail businesses. CIEDA additionally works to ensure a regional workforce pipeline through initiatives such as Partners in Education and Claremore Collective.
