Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Work Ready Weatherford

May 21, 2024

SWOSU Press Release

Work Ready Oklahoma (WRO) is hosting a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Work Ready Weatherford center. The event will take place on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1501 Lera Dr., Suite 5 in Weatherford. The community is invited to attend, meet the team, tour the new facility, and enjoy light snacks and door prizes.

In 2023, SWOSU announced a groundbreaking workforce development system, with an investment of $6.1 million over five years. The WRO contract was awarded by Oklahoma Human Services and is being led by SWOSU Project Directors Dr. Amy Barnett, Dr. Kalie Kerth, and Ms. Amy Martin.

Work Ready Oklahoma supports low-income Oklahomans by providing the skills and encouragement needed to obtain and maintain quality employment. The program focuses on the unemployed, underemployed, veterans, and individuals reentering society from incarceration. WRO’s goal is to build a skilled and motivated workforce by encouraging community well-being and economic resilience.

The program’s Employment Centers, located across Oklahoma, serve as centers of learning and development. By offering comprehensive job preparation training, WRO helps participants build resumes, prepare for interviews, and improve their communication and interpersonal skills.

Employers partnering with WRO gain access to a diverse talent pool, reducing recruitment costs and enhancing community relationships. WRO’s focus on long-term success, including ongoing support and coaching, leads to higher retention rates and a more stable workforce. By collaborating with various organizations in workforce and economic development, WRO leverages resources and expertise to support local employment challenges effectively.

The Grand Opening event is open to the public and will feature a ribbon cutting with the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Work Ready Weatherford is seeking partnerships with local employers and referral sources to further its mission of supporting economic self-sufficiency and community well-being.

Learn more about the program at www.workreadyoklahoma.com. For additional information about the event, please contact 580-302-9707. For information about SWOSU’s involvement in the Work Ready Oklahoma system and its impact on the local community, please contact Toni Ruiz at toni.ruiz@swosu.edu.