MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (OBV) – The Oklahoma Workforce Commission gave Rose State College a $750,000 grant that will enable the college to launch Oklahoma’s first associate in applied science degree in simulation technology.
Rose State officials described the program as groundbreaking, saying it will directly address growing workforce needs within Oklahoma’s expanding aerospace, defense and healthcare sectors.
The simulation technology program will be the second of its kind in the U.S., and is expected to make Oklahoma a national leader in simulation technician training, according to Oklahoma Department of Commerce officials.
“Simulation technology is a rapidly growing field, and this program provides students with a direct pipeline into high-paying, high-demand careers right here in Oklahoma,” said Whitney Alvis, Dean of Workforce at Rose State College. “By combining hands-on training with stackable micro-credentials, we’re not only meeting the urgent needs of our industry partners but also providing students with the tools they need to succeed and grow throughout their careers.”
Students who participate in the simulation technology program will develop marketable skills that will enable them to troubleshoot, repair and maintain complex simulation systems used for mission-critical training in both civilian and military applications.
Those who complete the program earn four stackable, industry-recognized micro-credentials.
The simulation technology associate degree is currently being developed and is pending approval by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE).
Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance officials say that around 20,000 new workers are needed by 2028 to keep up with the aerospace and defense sector’s rising workforce needs.
More than 202 simulation-related job openings were posted over the past five years, with 17 employers actively competing for qualified candidates, according to Lightcast labor market data. Of those positions, 34 percent required an associate degree.
Timothy Smith, recruitment manager for Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC , said the new program will be an immediate solution to the nation’s workforce shortage.
“There simply aren’t enough trained simulation technicians coming out of the pipeline to meet demand, not just in Oklahoma, but across the country,” Smith said. “Rose State College is stepping up to fill that void. This program will provide our industry with a steady stream of qualified candidates who have the real-world technical skills we require. It’s a win for students, a win for employers and a win for Oklahoma’s economy.”
Dan Marticello, president and CEO at CymSTAR, LLC, a leading provider of simulation technology, emphasized the program’s strategic importance in sustaining industry growth in the state.
“The future of aerospace and defense relies on a highly skilled workforce that understands the complexity of simulation and training systems,” Marticello said. “Rose State’s new program is not only addressing today’s workforce shortages, but it’s building a long-term pipeline of professionals who will keep Oklahoma competitive in this critical sector for years to come. We’re proud to support this forward-thinking approach.”
Rose State’s simulation technology program will have a dedicated project director, workforce development staff and industry-based adjunct instructors.
The program will be continuously assessed to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with evolving industry needs and student success outcomes, according to Department of Commerce officials.
“We designed this program to be flexible, responsive and deeply connected to Oklahoma’s workforce demands,” Alvis said. “We’re grateful for the trust and partnership of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission and our industry partners, who share our vision to strengthen Oklahoma’s economy through targeted, high-quality workforce education.”
