WORKFORCE HIGHLIGHT: MidAmerica’s Electrical and Electronics Technology Program reaches its first completion milestone as participants move into Park jobs
10/19/2026
MidAmerica Industrial Park’s Electrical and Electronics Technology Program is already helping move participants from the classroom into the workforce. Sixteen of the first 20 participants completed the program, and several have secured jobs with employers in the Park.
The program was created through a partnership among MidAmerica, Northeast Tech and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology to address employers’ growing need for skilled electrical and electronics professionals. The partners formally launched the initiative in April 2025 after an initial trial during the fall 2024 semester demonstrated strong interest from students and local industry.
The collaborative model brings economic development, career and technical education, higher education and industry together to provide training aligned with employers’ needs.
MidAmerica supports the program through investments in facilities, equipment and personnel. Northeast Tech provides technical instruction and opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, while OSUIT offers stackable micro-credentials that give participants multiple entry points into the workforce and pathways for continued career advancement.
The program offers three levels of micro-credentials covering industrial electrical systems, electric motor controls, programmable logic controller fundamentals and instrumentation applications. Funding opportunities, including Northeast Tech’s 13th Year Scholarship, the Cherokee Nation Tuition Assistance Program and other workforce-training resources, are available to help make the program accessible to recent high school graduates and working professionals.
FROM TRAINING TO EMPLOYMENT
For several participants, completing the program has already led to employment with companies at MidAmerica.
Derek Bailey
Adair native Derek Bailey began building his technical foundation in high school, completing Northeast Tech’s Automation program during his senior year. He later enrolled in the Electrical and Electronics Technology Program to prepare for a career in industrial electrical systems, instrumentation and controls.
Through the program, Bailey gained hands-on experience with industrial equipment and strengthened his knowledge of electrical, instrumentation and automation technologies. He now works for GRDA as an Instrumentation Controls & Electrical Technician.
“The EET program gave me a great introduction to the different types of equipment we use and a strong understanding of the fundamentals needed to get started and be successful in this field,” Bailey said.
Aaron Back
Salina native Aaron Back has more than 12 years of experience as an audio, video and lighting technician. Looking to transition into industrial maintenance and electrical and instrumentation work, he enrolled in the Electrical and Electronics Technology Program to develop the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed for the field.
After completing the program, Back joined LSB Industries at MidAmerica Industrial Park as an E&I Technician. He now applies his electrical, instrumentation and troubleshooting skills in an industrial environment.
“The EET program provided the hands-on experience and technical foundation I needed to prepare for a career in the industrial field,” Back said.