The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced workforce enhancement grants for Williston State College (WSC) totaling $230,000. Workforce enhancement grants enable two-year colleges to apply for funds to help create or enhance training programs that address workforce needs of North Dakota’s private-sector employers. Projects require a dollar-for-dollar match of all state money with private funds.
WSC received this grant to develop a “Safe P” training program and a “Well Sharp” training program. The Safe P training includes safety training for lease operators and pumpers to include dump, back pressure and stuffing box processes. The Well Sharp training will train employees at a drilling site on how to recognize, prevent and address well blow-out situations. WSC secured matching funds totaling $230,763 for the programs.
“Companies continue to train current and future employees for high-demand positions for their industry,” Deanette Piesik, CEO of TrainND, a division of Williston State College. “Both programs allow individuals to upgrade their skills and knowledge to maintain well sites.”
Grant funding may be used for curriculum development, equipment, recruiting participants, and training and certifying instructors. Funds may not be used to supplant funding for current operations.
“The workforce enhancement grants help increase the capacity of our higher education institutions like WSC to provide a consistent stream of qualified workers educated right here in North Dakota,” said Wayde Sick, Workforce Development Director at the North Dakota Department of Commerce. “The partnership of industry, education, and state and local governments is needed to meet the developing workforce needs of North Dakota.”
The Workforce Enhancement Council reviews all proposals and provides funding recommendations to the commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The council consists of the private-sector membership of the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, the state director of the Department of Career & Technical Education, and the division director of the Workforce Development Division of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, who serves as the chair.
The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the quality of life for North Dakota citizens by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer valuable programs and dynamic services.
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