Oklahoma’s economy is only as strong as its workforce. As industries evolve and businesses seek skilled employees, the challenge isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about ensuring that education and training programs are nimble and keep pace with industry demands in order to effectively prepare workers for the future. 

A group of state education and workforce experts tackled those issues during a panel discussion at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s OneVoice Day at the Capitol, which was attended by 150 business and community leaders. 

Tina Parkhill, the Chamber’s vice chair of government affairs, moderated the panel, which featured Kyla Guyette, CEO of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; Sean Burrage, chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education; and Brent Haken, state director of Career and Technology Education. 

For Guyette, one of the biggest problems is figuring out where workforce dollars are actually going. 

“We are spending a lot on workforce development,” she said. “The question is, are we investing it in the right places? Probably not.” 

Her team is working on a statewide public dashboard that will track workforce funding, measure program effectiveness and help eliminate duplication. The goal, she said, is to cut through the red tape and make it easier for businesses and workers to access resources that actually move the needle. 

Haken, who oversees Oklahoma’s CareerTech system, emphasized the need for flexibility and responsiveness. With 29 technology centers statewide, CareerTech is designed to adapt quickly to industry demands, whether in wind energy, healthcare or advanced manufacturing. 

“We are built to be demand-focused,” he said. “We don’t start a program unless industry says it’s needed.” 

Burrage highlighted higher education’s critical role in workforce retention, particularly in fields facing major labor shortages such as engineering, nursing and education. He noted that when Oklahoma’s universities attract out-of-state students, many choose to stay in the state after graduation. 

“Sixty percent of out-of-state students who attend Oklahoma public colleges are still working here a year later,” he said. “Higher education plays a crucial role in keeping talent in the state.” 

But even the best training programs can’t help if workers face employment obstacles. Principal among those in Oklahoma, the panelists said, is a lack of childcare. 

“It’s not just about training people,” Guyette said. “It’s about removing the barriers that keep people from working in the first place.” 

While government agencies and education institutions play a role in workforce development, panelists made it clear that businesses must also help shape Oklahoma’s talent pipeline. Companies that partner with CareerTech, universities or apprenticeship programs ensure that training efforts align with real job openings. 

“The most effective workforce solutions happen when employers are at the table,” Guyette said. “If businesses provide clear guidance on what they need, our education and training systems can deliver.” 

Panelists encouraged businesses to explore internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning programs to give students and job seekers real-world experience and enable companies to develop a talent pipeline tailored to their needs. 

“We need employers leading from the front,” Guyette said. “If you produce the competencies they need, they will hire. It’s that simple.”