Kiamichi Tech celebrated a groundbreaking last week for its new Skilled Systems Training Center at the Durant campus, a project KTC says will expand training opportunities to meet the growing workforce needs of Bryan County and southeastern Oklahoma.
The 13,000-square-foot facility will house two new career training programs: Electrical Technology and Plumbing and Pipefitter Technology. Each program is designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage jobs in industries experiencing rapid growth in the area, according to KTC.
The project is funded by a $3.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Association, matched with local Kiamichi Tech funds, and supported through the regional planning efforts of the Southern Oklahoma Development Association.
Durant campus Director J. Scott Lowrance said the project represents the growth of Bryan County and the vision of KTC.
“Our mission is simple here, but powerful,” Lowrance said. “It is to prepare people for success. Our new facility will help meet the workforce needs of our region and ensuring the students and business have the training and life skills necessary to thrive. We’re proud that this is a project made possible through partnerships with the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Southern Oklahoma Development Association along with our local support and our investments.”
KTC Superintendent Shelley Free, on behalf of the Kiamichi Tech Board of Education, the Du- rant campus team and the entire district, thanked everyone for attending this exciting day.
“The skilled systems training center groundbreaking is more than just a construction project,” Free said. “It is a symbol of growth, opportunity and the commitment we all share to the future of Bryan County and southeast Oklahoma.”
She said the project is important because it directly addresses what KTC is hearing from business and industry, that there is an urgent need for highly trained workers.
“These are not just programs on paper, Free said. “They are pathways to high demand, high-wage careers.
“They are opportunities for our students to step into roles that will keep our community strong and our economy competitive. Together, these programs will prepare nearly 60 to 70 a year. When you think about the ripple effect of that, graduates stepping into jobs, families gaining stability, businesses finding the talent they need, it is clear that this project is going to have a lasting impact on Bryan County and the entire region.”
Designed with both function and inspiration in mind, KTC says the new center will include two shop spaces, classrooms with glass views into training labs, a central lobby, and covered outdoor training space. The layout mirrors the environments students will experience in the workforce, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to transition directly into industry. Local contractor Mid-Plains Construction Inc. will lead the project that is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026.
“The Skilled Systems Training Center will not only strengthen Bryan County’s workforce but will also open doors for generations of students,” Free said. “We are grateful to our partners at the EDA, SODA, and local leaders who have made this vision possible.”
In addition to district leadership and community partners, current Kiamichi Tech students also attended the ceremony.
