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  • Cort Stephens, of Audio Video Solutions, replaces Internet cable as part of the construction and remodeling project for the building and industry section at Autry Technology Center. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)

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August 10, 2011

Autry Tech making room

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Autry Technology Center officials are remodeling facilities to make more room for the expanding business and industry services program, at an estimated cost of $514,000.

Superintendent Jim Strate said the school recently completed a construction project for the building trades section and moved it to another location. The old building trades section is being remodeled to provide additional office space and a training room for the business and industry services program, which is one of the fastest growing of the school.

The construction and remodeling has been part of the school plan for about two years. Autry Tech’s partnerships have produced employees at CSC, Koch Nitrogen, AdvancePierre Foods and Oxbow Carbon, among others, he said.

“We’re adding more industry trainers and we needed more office space. It’s a good problem to have,” Strate said.

The business and industry services program will be able to do more training with the added space, he said. The old carpentry area was a huge shop. That will be divided into offices, and the current classroom will be used as a training room. The overhead door will allow moving large equipment in to do training, Strate said, plus a reception area will be added. The entrance will be similar to the areas where cosmetology and culinary arts are located and will blend with the front of the building.

“Hopefully, we will be completed by Sept. 29. We’re excited about it,” he said. “We now have people all over the campus, and this will be a central point for the business and industry training.”

Industry training continues to grow as technical changes and new equipment become available.

“The saying that education is a lifelong experience is true,” Strate said. “When you look at companies like GEFCO and Mid-Continent Packaging, they are continuing to grow and expand, and we’re also providing training for current employees. For an industrial training site, it’s huge.”

The new construction will be complete with air conditioning.

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