Oklahoma has a growing reputation as the country's industrial hub, and it offers many opportunities for vocational degrees--and jobs--in electrical technology.

By Jessica Santina
RWM Columnist
November 21, 2006

In the beautiful rolling hills and open plains of Oklahoma, buffalo aren't the only ones thriving. Lately, the state's business trade has gotten quite a lot of attention. In particular, industries like manufacturing, energy, and nanotechnology are calling Oklahoma home.

Aside from manufacturing heavyweights like Dayton, Michelin, and Goodyear, many manufacturers of heavy construction equipment, construction materials, and plastics reside in Oklahoma. And that's good news if you're interested in a career in electrical technology. After all, who do you think keeps all their equipment running?

Well Equipped
Electrical installers and repairers who work with commercial and industrial equipment earn a great living--more than $20 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These technicians' jobs are to monitor, diagnose, and repair electrical equipment.

Technicians work primarily with programmable logic controls (PLC), which are essentially computerized equipment controls. By understanding and making adjustments to PLCs, or installing them in older equipment, electrical installers and repairers help to keep this equipment running smoothly.

An Electrical Technology Program
It's fascinating work, but it's also very complex, which is why you should start with a diploma in electrical technology from a vocational school. While enrolled in such a program, which can take up to two years to complete, you'll learn many skills that prepare you for entry-level electrical installation and repair technician jobs. These include:

• Operations and methods for DC motors and PLCs
• National Electrical Code requirements
• Installation and troubleshooting of electric motors
• A variety of computer skills related to the field of electrical technology, including Windows and DOS operating systems

You'll Be OK in Oklahoma
In addition to Oklahoma's economic diversity, the state has plenty of other bright spots. Pollina Corporate Real Estate ranks Oklahoma among the top 15 pro-business states in the nation, which is good news for every employee. The Tulsa Chamber of Commerce reports that the cost of doing business here is 15 percent below the national average. Part of that is because Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living in the country.

While attending one of Oklahoma's vocational schools, you'll find one of the most picturesque, and most underestimated, backdrops in the nation. There's an awful lot to do in this state. Oklahoma City's Bricktown, a former warehouse district that has been revitalized in the last decade, is now the fastest-growing entertainment district in the Southwest.

With a diploma in electrical technology from one of Oklahoma's vocational schools, you'll not only be qualified for one of the numerous technician jobs in the state, but you'll enjoy a great quality of life while you do it.

Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Electrical and electronics installers and repairers"
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Economic Profile & Forecast

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.