Bismarck-Mandan is Prepared to Support New Industries With a Strong Workforce Pipeline

Access to a quality workforce is frequently ranked as the top concern for site selection decisions. Companies need to pull from a qualified talent pool to staff their operations, and hiring delays could hinder growth. The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC  has prioritized workforce development as a key initiative for several years. It has helped the community create several resources and opportunities for residents to grow relevant skills.

“Our goal is to directly meet the hiring needs of local companies while also developing a future-ready workforce,” says Summer Sturm, Workforce Development Coordinator for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. “This will help residents build lasting careers while preparing them to work for new industries that develop in the region.”

Learn about the workforce development resources available in Bismarck-Mandan to support residents from all walks of life.  

Local Resource Partners Adapt to the Changing Workforce

Bismarck-Mandan has several workforce development partners that support residents in their training and education goals. The EDC works closely with Bismarck Public Schools to develop career training curricula and shares programs available through Team North Dakota.

The EDC works as a bridge between local businesses and available workforce partners. The result is better training resources that fully meet employers' needs. 

Higher Education Institutions Work With Bismarck-Mandan Companies

Workforce development is a collaborative effort, and Bismarck-Mandan’s local colleges and universities have done a great job establishing partnerships with employers to better prepare students to fill hiring gaps. Companies tell the colleges what skills they are hiring for and provide insight into the types of equipment and tools students should be trained on. This makes them better prepared to step into vacant positions and succeed in their careers.

Here are a few colleges that the EDC is proud to showcase in Bismarck-Mandan:

• Bismarck State College: North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution has seven bachelor’s degree programs and several associate programs. It supports 4,445 students and recently completed its Advanced Technology Center to foster hands-on learning.
• University of Mary: This private college boasts more than 60 undergraduate programs and 18 master's degree programs. It supports 3,845 students. 
• United Tribes Technical College: This college offers associate degrees and certificate programs. Its student body is 575.

Successful education means finding a good fit for your learning goals, schedule, and budget. Each of these institutions meets the needs of different students and prepares them for successful careers. 

The EDC Relies on Businesses to Understand Workforce Needs

While the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC diligently monitors workforce trends, it relies on input from local employers to understand where gaps exist in the community. When companies are involved in the Chamber of Commerce and EDC, they can share their pain points and potential growth opportunities. Not only can the EDC help them find solutions, but they can also work with resource partners to develop better programs for the future.

“There are several benefits of joining the Chamber EDC, but having a voice in the future economy is one of the best reasons to do so,” says Sturm. “If you tell us what to expect from a hiring and workforce perspective, we can be proactive in our efforts instead of reacting to hiring challenges.”

Learn about the benefits of joining the Chamber EDC and become a member today.

Bismarck-Mandan Has a Strong and Growing Workforce

The population of Bismarck-Mandan has grown steadily over the years, and new companies are starting to notice this thriving metropolitan region. The future of North Dakota hangs on its workforce pipeline, and the EDC is working to keep it strong. Whether your company needs machinists, programmers, or healthcare professionals, you can find the staff you need in Bismarck-Mandan. Your workforce is waiting.