Okmulgee's WorkReady Program Helps Participants Rediscover Their Strengths

Five-day workshop provides job search skills and confidence boost for unemployed and underemployed residents

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:06pm

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The WorkReady program in Okmulgee, Oklahoma offers a five-day workshop to help unemployed and underemployed residents develop job search skills and rediscover their strengths. The program features instructors like Brad Campbell who have gone through the program themselves, and covers topics like identifying success stories, practicing interviews, and exploring additional training opportunities. Participant Joannie Hackler, a former professional who had stepped away from the workforce, found the program well-organized and helpful in preparing her to re-enter the job market, even leading her to enroll in a phlebotomy course.

Why it matters

The WorkReady program aims to address the challenges many job seekers face, from lack of confidence to gaps in employment history. By providing a supportive environment and practical skills training, the program helps participants recognize their own value and potential, empowering them to take the next steps in their careers. In a community like Okmulgee, where economic opportunities can be limited, initiatives like WorkReady play a crucial role in bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers.

The details

The five-day WorkReady workshop covers a range of topics to prepare participants for the job market. On the third day, the focus shifts to identifying 'success stories' - moments in participants' work or personal lives where they demonstrated skills like problem-solving, leadership, and responsibility. Instructor Brad Campbell, who went through the program himself, helps guide these discussions and show participants how their everyday experiences can translate into workplace value. By the fourth day, the workshop shifts to practicing interviews, with participants verbalizing the skills they've identified and addressing potential barriers like transportation or childcare challenges.

  • The WorkReady program runs a five-day workshop each week.
  • Joannie Hackler attended the program after stepping away from the workforce for several years to care for a family member.

The players

Brad Campbell

An instructor at the WorkReady program who previously went through the program himself, Campbell has a way of encouraging participants and helping them recognize their own strengths.

Joannie Hackler

A participant in the WorkReady program who had previously worked in professional environments before stepping away from the workforce to care for a family member. Hackler found the program well-organized and helpful in preparing her to re-enter the job market.

Kiska Johnson

A staff member at the WorkReady program who has helped connect participants with additional resources, such as providing baby clothes for a participant in need.

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What they’re saying

“When I came through the program, I was skeptical at first. But by Tuesday I had started to buy in.”

— Brad Campbell, Instructor

“This job is more than just a paycheck. It's really helping people.”

— Kiska Johnson, Staff Member

“I've been through a lot of different trainings, and I think their training is excellent. It's first class the way it's organized, the way it's presented.”

— Joannie Hackler, Participant

What’s next

Joannie Hackler plans to enroll in a phlebotomy course at Green Country Technology Center, which was made possible through the WorkReady program's partnerships with local training institutions.

The takeaway

The WorkReady program in Okmulgee provides a valuable resource for unemployed and underemployed residents, helping them develop job search skills, identify their strengths, and access additional training opportunities. By fostering a supportive community and empowering participants to recognize their own potential, the program plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers in the local economy.