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TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma’s Indian Adult Vocational Education Program recently held their graduation ceremonies at the W.W. Keeler Complex in Tahlequah. A total of 38 students graduated from the program, and 27 are already working in their field. Three others have moved on to further their education.

The CNO's Indian Adult Vocational Education Program trains students in three areas: business technology, childcare occupations and construction technology.

The business technology component prepares participants for jobs in all areas of office occupations and places a strong emphasis on computer literacy. Each student is required to complete a practicum before graduation.

The child care occupations component prepares participants to become credentialed Child Development Associates or they may choose a less intense level of training and receive a "Certificate of Completion" after completing Levels I and II of the curriculum and a two month practicum.

The construction technology component trains participants in construction skills and offer on-the-job training for some participants. Electricity and plumbing programs offer on-the-job training for the participants and all training components are offered in a classroom setting.

The Indian Vocational Education Program is funded through the Department of Education and is in its ninth year.