Partnerships build pathways for OKC’s future workforce

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and Metro Technology Centers marked the opening of the new Aviation Center at Southeast High School with a ribbon cutting earlier this month. The center is among the first “flex spaces” funded through the $1 billion OKCPS bond package approved by voters in 2022. 

The Aviation Center gives students access to classroom instruction and hands-on training in aviation and aerospace, industries that play a major role in OKC’s economy. The program introduces students to aviation careers and connects them with training opportunities after graduation. 

Students at Southeast High School now use flight simulators and maintenance equipment to learn skills tied to careers in aviation. Many participants pursue additional training in the field after high school, including higher education programs or military service. 

Metro Tech partnered with OKCPS to design the center’s programming and facilities. The Aviation Center reflects the type of public-private partnerships that prepare OKC students for the workforce while helping employers develop future talent. 

The Chamber supports education and workforce initiatives that connect business needs with training opportunities. With aerospace and aviation serving as one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, facilities like the Southeast High School Aviation Center represent long-term investments in the city’s workforce pipeline.