CTE: The House Oklahoma Built for Workforce Development - Global Career Tech Education Podcast Ep 80

CTE: The House Oklahoma Built for Workforce Development - Global Career Tech Education Podcast Ep 80 In Episode 80 of the Global CTE Podcast, I’m joined by Brent Haken, State Director of Oklahoma CareerTech, to explore how Oklahoma built one of the most respected Career technical education systems in the country by treating CTE as workforce infrastructure, not a side program. Brent shares how regional skill centers, employer partnerships, industry credentials, and even correctional education programs work together to expand opportunity across the entire state. Our conversation highlights what becomes possible when education, industry, and economic strategy are intentionally aligned. It’s a powerful look at how CTE can drive economic mobility and shape the future of workforce readiness across America. Topics Covered: Why Oklahoma leads in CTE CareerTech as economic infrastructure Regional skill centers expand opportunity Employers co design workforce pathways Credentials and second chance training Brent Haken Bio: Brent Haken is the State Director of Oklahoma CareerTech, where he leads one of the most respected statewide Career Technical Education systems in the nation. With a background in agricultural education and leadership through FFA, he has spent his career advancing workforce-aligned learning that connects students, employers, and communities. Today, he oversees a network of technology centers, school district partnerships, workforce training initiatives, and correctional education programs that serve learners across Oklahoma and support the state’s economic development strategy.