Transforming Education Through Apprenticeship: Oran R-III School District Principal- Dr. Brent Trankler-Achieves USDOL Completion Recognition with Career WayZ
September 3, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor and Career WayZ - Missouri are proud to recognize Dr. Brent Trankler of Oran School District for his successful completion of the Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Coordinator Apprenticeship Program. This achievement highlights both his personal commitment to professional growth and the district’s leadership in advancing workforce development opportunities for students.
Program Overview:
Pre-apprenticeship Program Active
Active apprentices: 9
Goal in 2025-2026: 15-17
Occupations in Welding, K-12 Educators, and Teacher Aides
Dr. Trankler shared his perspective on the power of apprenticeship programs:
““Investing in apprenticeship programs is one of the most impactful ways to transform an organization and change lives. It builds skilled, motivated professionals who contribute directly to workforce growth and community strength. I can’t think of a single more effective use of taxpayer dollars—turning opportunity into tangible success for individuals and industries alike.””
A Journey Rooted in Apprenticeship
Dr. Trankler began his apprenticeship journey as a Welding Instructor at Sikeston Career and Technology Center in Sikeston, Missouri, where he dedicated over a decade to preparing students for high-demand careers in welding and advanced manufacturing. His leadership in this role led to transformative opportunities for students, employers, and the regional workforce. Since 2019, Dr. Trankler has been mentored by Cynthia Walker, Owner and CEO of Career WayZ, whose guidance and expertise have been instrumental in his growth as a leader in workforce and apprenticeship development.
During this time, he successfully secured and managed numerous grants and funding resources—including non-profit partnerships, employer contributions, and state grants from the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. These resources fueled program expansion, equipment modernization, and enhanced student experiences, further strengthening the career and technical education pipeline.
Donna Brake, Manager, Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development says of Brent,
““Passionate educators like Brent Trankler lead the way in providing career pathway options for Missouri’s youth through registered apprenticeship. MDHEWD is proud to invest in Brent’s work as he continues to pave the way for school districts in southeast Missouri to grow their own teachers through his apprenticeship training programs.””
Dr. Adam Friga - Superintendent, Oran R-III School District says,
““Dr. Brent Trankler has successfully completed six years of service as an Apprenticeship Coordinator. During this time, he has played a pivotal role in leading the development and implementation of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in both the Sikeston R-6 School District and the Oran R-III School District. Dr. Trankler has been instrumental in expanding educator workforce development through his active participation in a variety of training—both virtual and in-person—designed to support and sustain apprenticeship efforts. His leadership and commitment have directly contributed to the successful launch and operation of these programs, supporting educator certification and retention in our region.””
The success of leaders like Dr. Brent Trankler represents a milestone for rural communities and schools across Missouri, proving that apprenticeship is not just for industry—it is a catalyst for student opportunity, educator leadership, and regional workforce growth. You can catch a presentation from him and Harbor Freight at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Best Practices and Innovation Conference on September 24–26, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more & register: https://s1.goeshow.com/acte/best_practices/2025/index.cfm
Congratulations to the Oran School District and Dr. Brent Trankler on this outstanding achievement!
About Dr. Brent Trankler
Education
William Woods University – Doctorate in Educational Leadership, GPA 4.0/4.0 (July 2023)
University of Central Missouri – Career & Technical Education Administration Leadership Certificate, GPA 4.0/4.0 (May 2024)
Southeast Missouri State University – Specialist in Educational Administration, Superintendency Specialist, GPA 4.0/4.0 (May 2014)
Professional Experience
Oran R-III School District, Oran, MO – Junior & Senior High School Principal (July 2024–Present)
Sikeston Career and Technology Center, Sikeston, MO – Welding & Manufacturing Technology Instructor; Night Course & Industrial Site Instructor (Aug. 2009–June 2024)
Honors & Awards
MOASSP Southeast Region Exemplary New Principal of the Year – 2025
MOACTE Teacher of the Year – 2021
VFW Post 3174 Smart/Maher National Citizenship Educator Award – 2020
CareerSafe Safety Educator of the Year Semifinalist – 2020
McDonald’s Teach It Forward Award Recipient – 2020
Sikeston Regional Chamber & Area Economic Development Teacher of the Year – 2020
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools National 1st Place Winner – 2019
Below are additional publications to read more about Dr. Brent Trankler:
Schedule a consultation here: https://careerwayz.org/contact
Follow Career WayZ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-wayz-missouri/
Follow Cynthia Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-walker-46b8087a/
