Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, recently presented Interim Study 26-110 , Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries, before the House Postsecondary Education Committee. The Sept. 8 study examined how Oklahoma can expand CareerTech apprenticeship programs to address workforce shortages and better prepare students for high-demand careers in the aerospace and construction industries. Rep. Norwood opened the interim study by discussing Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 book "Outliers," which examines how early opportunities contributed to the success of various individuals. "The Beatles played in Germany two shows a night for four months before they came to America, and it set them up for this moment of success as they rolled in, was the experience they had," Rep. Norwood said. "Bill Gates was given time on a computer, a supercomputer, before it was ever an opportunity for other students to do that. So, today's study really is looking at how we can create opportunities for outliers within these two spaces of aerospace and construction." CareerTech officials outlined several legislative and funding changes intended to expand apprenticeship opportunities for high school students and remove barriers for participating employers to increase access to workforce training. Oklahoma CareerTech State Director and CEO Brent Haken and CareerTech Apprenticeship Manager Tonja Norwood discussed these recommendations and explained how the state’s existing apprenticeship programs operate. Tonja Norwood explained the differences between Registered Apprenticeship Programs and CareerTech Apprenticeship Programs. Registered programs require at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 144 hours of related instruction. They follow an employer-led plan approved through the U.S. Department of Labor and result in a nationally recognized certificate. CareerTech programs require at least 510 hours of on-the-job learning and 90 hours of related instruction. Each participant is assigned a mentor and receives a state-recognized certificate. Both models are designed for W-2 employees whom businesses intend to develop over the long term. "It's not just an experience like an internship or a job shadowing," Tonja Norwood said. "It is a long-term employee that you as a company are developing." CareerTech leaders stated that it helps businesses establish apprenticeship programs at no cost, with one recent program moving from request to implementation within 72 hours. Haken said CareerTech currently serves about 151,000 students through K-12 programs to introduce young people to career opportunities. However, he said demand for technology center programs has increased 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many students on waiting lists. "We have every sector of industry that is asking for more workers, and so that's what we're up against," Haken said. Haken asked lawmakers to consider legislation allowing high school students to spend up to half of the school day in approved apprenticeship settings. He stated that current law generally limits internship hours to two hours per school day, which can make participation difficult for employers. He also discussed allowing schools to use 9,000-level course codes for apprenticeships and permitting qualified workplace mentors to supervise students in coordination with an education provider. "Currently, we can give 9,000-level course codes to attend a technology center," Haken said. "We are wanting the same to be available for apprenticeship opportunities for students [but] we're never going to fill the full need if we have to bring every one of them to the technology center." Other potential improvements discussed during the study included funding regional apprenticeship coordinators, expanding technology center capacity, providing career-focused curriculum and increasing access to aerospace training licenses. The study also allowed industry representatives to discuss their experiences with apprenticeship programs. "It is very important for the state of Oklahoma to recognize that if we align ourselves as a state with the space force, there's going to be a lot of really good things that come from that over time," said Jim Bridenstine, CEO of Quantum Space. Aerospace and Construction industry presenters at the study included Bridenstine; Joel Dougherty, NORDAM vice president of human resources; Bailey Perkins-Wright, senior community investor for Boeing; Bobby Stem, executive director of AOGC; Whitney Hill, owner of Central Staffing Solutions; and Scot McAdoo. Rep. Norwood said the information gathered through the study will help lawmakers understand how the state can connect more students with meaningful career opportunities. "Any opportunities we can give students to figure out where they're headed earlier, I think that's a positive thing," Rep. Norwood said. "Because kids that already have a path and a plan, they get on that and get moving and that gives them a future for a whole lot of things. So, we want to give those opportunities." The study can be watched on the Oklahoma House website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search by date for Sept. 8, Interim Study 26-110 Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, will host two interim studies this week focused on rising housing costs and classroom discipline in Oklahoma. As housing becomes more expensive, Hall's first study will take a closer look at what is driving those costs and what can be addressed at the state level. The discussion will cover free-market approaches, private property rights, regulatory burdens and the balance between affordability, quality and safety. Hall's second study will look at the role discipline plays in creating a classroom environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. The study will consider how discipline and classroom culture affect student outcomes, character development and teacher retention, as well as what lawmakers can do to better support educators. "These studies are an opportunity to hear from national experts and local leaders to get a better understanding of what is already happening in these areas," Hall said. "As we evaluate what role the Legislature should play in addressing the issues of housing costs and school discipline, we want to hear from the people who work in these fields every day. We know they can help identify where, if anywhere, state policy changes could be helpful. Once these conclude, we'll have a better idea of what our next steps should be." The housing study will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Room 206. The school discipline study will begin at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in Room 450. Both will be held at the Oklahoma State Capitol. -END- Rep. Rob Hall, a Republican, represents District 67 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Bixby and Tulsa.

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. John George, R-Newalla, vice chair, released statements today marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hildebrant, a retired Air Force veteran who served 25 years in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, watched the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks unfold while deployed near Iraq. "On September 11, 2001, I was deployed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch. Like all Americans, we watched in shock as the terrorist attacks unfolded, uncertain of what would come next. I was only three years into my military service, but 9/11 became a defining moment in my career. Every operation I supported or deployed to during the next 23 years stemmed, directly or indirectly, from the events of that day. "25 years later, America is still living with the consequences of that day. We lost 2,977 innocent lives on 9/11, and in the wars that followed, more than 7,000 American service members were killed in action. I’m not bitter. I’m grateful to have served in this era and mindful of those who never came home. "My heart is with the families of the 2,977 victims, including the seven Oklahomans, the countless first responders and the thousands of American service members who gave their lives in the years that followed. I encourage everyone to take a moment today to remember them and pray for their families. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten." George, who served in the Oklahoma National Guard for five years and the Oklahoma City Police Department for over 30 years, recalled sitting in his OKCPD office watching the events unfold. "The events of September 11th, 2001, have always stuck in my memory, as I know they do for every other American. I will always remember the civilian lives lost that day, as well as my First Responder colleagues who ran into danger and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. "Every year, this day serves as a reminder that the terroristic desire to destroy our great country still exists today. But our commitment to the freedoms of America and our willingness to aid our neighbors is even stronger than any threat. May we continue to remember the unity that bound our nation together in the days following this attack, and may we continue to pray for peace upon all affected by this tragedy." Seven Oklahomans were killed in the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks. The Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus represents veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and public safety professionals while advocating for those who serve and protect Oklahoma communities.