Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Professional Development Institute turned its engine on for education with the donation of a CNG truck from the Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) Tuesday, May 26.
The CNG truck will be used as a teaching tool in the Professional Development Institute’s Alternative Fuels Program. In 2010, OCCC was one of the only community colleges in the nation to offer classes in converting vehicles to run on alternative fuel. Now the Professional Development Institute offers Oklahoma State Certification for CNG and LPG automotive technicians as well as other alternative fuels programs, such as CNG fleet management and safety operations.
John Claybon, director, said these programs are already booked throughout June and the truck would enhance the quality of the programs offered by the Professional Development Institute as it continues to grow.
Director of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Consultation Division Diana Jones explained that her department worked on securing the donation for about six months and that OCCC’s Professional Development Institute is perfectly aligned with the OSHA consultation program that works with high school students as they look at future career options.
“This donation helps us to extend our reach,” Jones said. “We’d love to do even more with the Professional Development Institute.”
As Commissioner Mark Costello handed over the CNG truck’s keys to Claybon, he said he was very pleased with the relationship the ODOL had built with OCCC’s Professional Development Institute.
“The alternative fuels program is a path for both young men and women who seek a career that is long lived and beneficial to the ecology, the economy and the overall well-being of Oklahoma,” Costello said. “I appreciate being able to cooperate with OCCC in this venture.”
“The Oklahoma Department of Labor and the alternative fuel landscape in Oklahoma is so important,” Claybon said. “With this donation we have furthered our relationship and increased the quality of our programs to help meet the ODOL’s needs and the needs of Oklahoma.”
ODOL attendees included Commissioner Mark Costello, Director of OSHA Consultation Division Diana Jones, Director of Safety Standards and Licensing Jim Buck, Alternative Fuels Program Compliance Officer David Lassiter and Director of Communications and Legislative Liaison Liz McNeill. OCCC attendees included Director of the Professional Institute John Claybon and Vice President for Community Development Steve Bloomberg.
For more information about OCCC’s Professional Development Institute, see /pdi or call (405) 682-7562.
About the Professional Development Institute
The Professional Development Institute (PDI) at Oklahoma City Community College is dedicated to enhancing economic growth and the quality of life for businesses and individuals by providing timely, cost effective, highly focused education, training and consulting services to improve workforce skill levels.
The PDI utilizes a network of partners with extensive resources which provides our capacity and ability to deliver successful and sustainable problem-solving services to every industry and company size. We design and deliver innovations, improvements, and solutions with a commitment to ongoing performance support that work best for your business, locally, nationally and internationally.
About the Oklahoma Department of Labor
The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) helps ensure fairness, equity and safety in Oklahoma workplaces through ethical behavior, conscientious guidance and loyal service to Oklahoma’s employers and employees. The ODOL provides professional guidance and services, supported by education and training. Services include the necessary relief, regulation and resolution for employees, employers and the public. Additionally, the ODOL provides consultation, regulation, enforcement and education information for employers, generating opportunities for everyone to work in an environment that is fair, equitable, healthy and safe.