Strategic Operations & Management (S.O.M) is developing a future workforce and training initiative at the historic St. Gregory’s Campus in Shawnee, Oklahoma, designed to create a direct pathway from housing and training to certification and employment for veterans and other qualified participants.
The vision is larger than a traditional training program. S.O.M intends to build an integrated environment where participants can live on campus, develop technical skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, gain hands-on experience, and transition into meaningful employment in sectors that are increasingly important to Oklahoma and national security.
The Vision
The St. Gregory’s initiative is being designed around several connected workforce pathways:
* Drone manufacturing and UAS workforce development
* FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification pathways
* Oklahoma CLEET security training and certification pathways
* Hands-on advanced manufacturing and technical training
* On-campus dormitory housing and meal support
* Workforce placement and employer partnerships
* Leadership, accountability, and professional development
The program is intended to particularly support veterans navigating unemployment, homelessness, or the difficult transition from military service into civilian employment.
For S.O.M, the objective is not simply to provide another certification.
The objective is to create a pathway to the next mission.
Building an Oklahoma UAS Workforce
S.O.M sees Oklahoma as an emerging center for unmanned aircraft systems, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous technology.
Through the St. Gregory’s project, our goal is to connect workforce development directly to that growing ecosystem.
Participants may have the opportunity to progress from classroom instruction to hands-on manufacturing, UAS operations, security training, and eventually employment opportunities within the broader aerospace, defense, public safety, security, and autonomous-systems industries.
The concept also supports S.O.M’s broader vision of developing a domestic manufacturing workforce capable of contributing to the production and support of compliant UAS systems for government and commercial applications.
Veterans Serving a New Mission
Veterans already possess many of the characteristics employers seek: discipline, leadership, accountability, adaptability, and the ability to operate as part of a team.
Sometimes the missing piece is simply the bridge between military experience and the civilian workforce.
St. Gregory’s is envisioned as that bridge.
By combining housing, training, certification, hands-on experience, and employment pathways in one location, S.O.M hopes to create an environment where veterans can regain stability while preparing for careers in industries with long-term national importance.
More Than Workforce Development This project reflects a larger principle behind S.O.M:
People. Purpose. Progress.
When we strengthen people, we strengthen communities. When we create meaningful employment, we create stability. And when we combine workforce development with American manufacturing, emerging technology, and service, we strengthen the industrial base that supports our nation.
Build Skills. Build Purpose. Build the Future.
This initiative is currently under development, with additional partnerships, training opportunities, manufacturing capabilities, and program details to be announced as the project progresses.
Sana Mundum — Heal the World.
