News Releases for October 2007
October 11, 2007
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Governor Kicks Off Workforce Summit, ND Talent Initiative
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today kicked off the 2007 Workforce Summit to help businesses and policy makers identify solutions for addressing current and future workforce needs.
With more than 2,000 new businesses and 25,000 new jobs in North Dakota since 2000, North Dakota businesses are feeling a labor pinch. On top of that, thousands of baby boomers are approaching retirement, accounting for as much as 50 percent of the current labor force in primary industries.
“This conference is intended to give businesses some practical tools for addressing workforce needs,” Hoeven said. “This is also the kick-off to a year-long statewide discussion about policies needed to best address workforce challenges.”
The governor also helped launch the new North Dakota Young Professionals network, a statewide organization designed to be a gathering place where young professionals under age 40 can meet, grow in their careers, and network.
Hoeven said the Young Professionals (YP) effort is an important part of attracting and retaining young people in North Dakota. Local YP organizations exist in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Bismarck and Carrington. The new statewide group connects the local organizations and provides a mechanism for reaching young people who live in rural areas where no local group exists.
“These Young Professional organizations have taken off in our larger communities. They are a real magnet for people in this age group,” Hoeven said. “These organizations are a vital part of appealing to North Dakota’s young, educated and motivated college graduates.”
The state Commerce Department’s Workforce Development Division is working with educators and the business community to develop and implement a comprehensive workforce strategy called the North Dakota Talent Initiative. It includes three main components: expanding, attracting and retaining talent.
Several initiatives are underway:
- The legislature approved funding for Job Service North Dakota to help make the state’s jobs web site more comprehensive, including all job opportunities and providing a one-stop site for people seeking employment in North Dakota.
- Commerce has hired a Career Specialist to work with businesses and schools to help inform students, parents and teachers about promising career opportunities in North Dakota.
- The Workforce Development Division is serving as a collection point for the workforce intelligence needed to help businesses and policy makers make workforce decisions and policies. This includes the first-ever State of North Dakota’s workforce report which is being released at the summit.
- Commerce will facilitate an interim legislative study to gather input on workforce issues at four regional focus groups during January and February of 2008. Recommendations gathered at these meetings will help policy makers develop workforce initiatives to be considered during the 2009 Legislative Session.
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