Manufacturing Companies Educating Broken Arrow, Union Students On Industry

Students in Broken Arrow and Union will have the chance to learn about jobs in the manufacturing industry during some classes on Wednesday.

Organizers are hopeful educating students about the industry could spark career interest and help combat workforce shortages. The economic development team for the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with both school districts.

Companies from the Tulsa metro will be speaking to about 2,600 students at the freshman academies and alternative schools at both Union and Broken Arrow. Amber Smith is a part of the chamber’s economic development team, and wants this experience to break any stigmas students may have about manufacturing jobs. She said there is a need for workers right now to help fight workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions.

“Manufacturing and healthcare make up a big part of our economic development in Broken Arrow,” said Smith. “One of our major points is career awareness and partnering with our K-12 and educational partners in the community.”

Amanda Grace works with Broken Arrow Public Schools and said the opportunity comes at the right time since many students are in the process of building their schedules for their remaining years in school.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for them to find out about those career opportunities that exist in their community and hopefully help solve some of those workforce issues where we do have a shortage of employees,” said Grace.

At the alternative schools, teams will be on-site to talk about immediate careers for students who may be graduating in the coming months.