February 23, 2024

2/23/2024

Friday | February 23, 2024

Next Gen Workforce

Ask your kids how they want to live, not what they want to be. Let’s change the dynamic of what that job/career or college looks like by framing it with what kind of life does the next generation want? And how to find out what kind of life? Internships are a great way for students to figure that out. Is your high schooler a night owl? Mornings grim around the house? Maybe a second-shift job is where they will shine. How will they know?

By experiencing those jobs as an intern with the potential for second-shift hours. Jobs/careers include hospitality/restaurant, manufacturing, robotics, hospital 2^nd shift, and overnight careers such as nursing, CNA, respiratory therapist, technology, maintenance and repair, and on and on. Many of these jobs have vocational certifications, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships as well as the traditional college route.

But back to the question: “How do they want to live?” This question has so many avenues of discussion including housing, marriage, work, travel, life/work balance…. You get the picture, yes? Let’s face it: Ponca City, like many other communities, is currently in the workforce attraction and retention business. To keep our future workforce right here in Ponca City is going to take alignment to school, to work, and to play. Internships are a great way to expose your student to the jobs that best fit their wanted lifestyle, so ask them “How do you want to live?” and let’s get to work on that. Right here in Ponca City.

internship concept. Chart with keywords and icons

In Their Own Words

Dalin Sacket (left) and Annie Leaming have internships at Integris Health this semester. They are scheduled in two-week rotations in each hospital department.

Annie is a junior at Ponca City High School interested in pursuing a career in medicine. This is her first semester in the Wildcat Internship Program at Integris Health. The internship program at Integris Health sets up bi-weekly rotations in many different departments.

Annie says “I have experienced so many interesting things through my internship at Integris and I’ve only been there for three weeks! One of my most memorable experiences is scrubbing in for a C-section my first week in Labor and Delivery. I will never forget the energy and excitement I felt that day. I’ve learned so much and so quickly by being immersed in the environment every day during school. I can’t wait for the upcoming weeks and my new rotations!”

Partners in Progress

PCDA loves a good partner. And we certainly have one in Pioneer Technology Center. Here is the great thing: Pioneer Tech loves their partners as well. This year's Partners in Progress for Pioneer Technology Center is Centerline, Inc. Every year nominations across the state are submitted to showcase technology center partners.

This year, Centerline took home the statue for their support and mentoring of Pioneer Technology and the students. Seated at the table receiving the award are father and sons Engster. This family owned business began their business in the Pioneer Technology Center Business Incubator and completed the program in 1997. Centerline is the largest and one of the oldest independently owned spindle repair companies in the U.S. Congratulations on your recognition and thank you for mentoring the next generation of workforce.

So You Want to Start a Business

If you have always wanted to start a business or are currently running a hobby business that has potential, there are some free resources out there for you. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has several free resources from writing a business plan to valuing a business to buy.

The PCDA Business Plan Competition is right around the corner in April. If you want to pitch your business plan for the chance at $5000 in incentives, here is your roadmap. Click here to find out more about building a business plan and see below for the Pitch-off information sheet. Business Plans are due on Monday, March 18th and the PItch-off is Tuesday, April 2nd. Find out more information at Goponca.com.