North Dakota Gov. JohnHoeven Announces Energy Education And Career Awareness Partnership

Gov. John Hoeven today, along with leaders in North Dakota’s energy sector and public schools, rolled out a new, statewide education program designed to link students with career opportunities in the state’s energy sector.

The North Dakota Energy Education and Career Awareness Partnership is a public-sector, private-sector partnership between North Dakota’s energy industry, the state of North Dakota and the Bismarck Public School District, which is the lead entity for districts throughout the state that will be participating in the program. Hoeven said he would like to see the project expanded to other industries.

The program will develop materials to support energy career exploration; promote career awareness of nontraditional careers for women and minorities; and provide career and academic information to students and parents. The group will also fund and support a statewide effort to advance the program’s goals.

“The Energy Education and Career Awareness Partnership builds on our concept of Centers of Excellence, combining education with economic development to create the finest energy industry in the nation,” Hoeven said. “Our program will not only help the energy industry meet workforce needs in the future, but will also prepare our young people for quality careers in North Dakota.”

Dr. Paul Johnson, superintendent of the Bismarck Public Schools, said: “The Bismarck School District wants students to be aware of the tremendous employment opportunities right here at home in the energy industry. Retirements during the next decade offer a unique opportunity for young people to have a well-paying job. It is our pleasure to work with these prestigious partners to support this program.”

Industry officials were similarly enthusiastic. “The success of our future will be heavily dependent on the quality of employees that we get to replace our aging workforce,” said Ron Harper, CEO of Basin Electric Cooperative. “Basin’s commitment to the North Dakota Energy Education and Career Awareness program continues to show our focus to meeting our future employment needs.”

Ron Ness, executive director of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said: “This partnership is a ‘win-win’ for North Dakota. It can help industry find tomorrow’s workforce and help youth find quality, high-paying jobs.”

Bismarck Public School’s Dale Hoerauf will serve as Project Manager, and Kent Ellis will serve as Special Projects Coordinator. It will be funded with $45,000 from the state, $30,000 from the energy industry and $10,000 from Bismarck Public Schools, for a total of $85,000.

Energy industry participants are Otter Tail Power, Great River Energy, the North Dakota Oil and Gas Association, Tesoro, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Montana Dakota Utilities and Butler Machinery. State participants include the Office of the Governor; the Department of Commerce, Workforce Development Council; and Bismarck State College. Bismarck Public School System will administer the two-year, statewide program.

http://www.governor.state.nd.us/media/news-releases/2003/10/031022a.html