Originally published in The Oklahoman | MCALESTER — A career showcase and open house will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Choctaw Business Park, 1 Skyway Drive.

Choctaw Nation Career Services is partnering with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology to develop workforce training for qualified candidates.

Students who complete a two-year program at OSUIT earn an associate in applied science in manufacturing technology, as well as a career in a highly sought-after industry with great potential for higher income.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend the open house and learn more about the program and how they can obtain a degree at little or no cost. Information on financial aid and funding assistance from the Choctaw Nation, as well as information on paid internship opportunities will be available.

Ina Agnew, vice president of student services, said the perception of manufacturing, as a dirty, backbreaking job with low pay couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The majority of manufacturing is done through automation now, making the workplace much safer and cleaner. What employers are in desperate need for are those technicians and machinists who can repair and maintain those systems,” Agnew said in a news release. “We offer students who like to work with their hands an opportunity to hone those skills and build upon them so they enter the workforce prepared to work and advance in their field.”

The manufacturing industry offers competitive salaries in a wide variety of job fields. The national average salary of entry-level manufacturing engineers is $60,000 a year, and the average annual salary of manufacturing workers is $77,000, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.

For more information about the open house, go to osuit.edu/manufacturingcareers or call 918-293-5220.