A North Dakota State Energy Program (SEP-BIL) grant funded by Commerce is electrifying the state’s workforce development. TrainND has partnered with the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) and Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) to establish in-house digger derrick training. Essential for power line construction, this training enhances safety and reduces costs for electric cooperatives by up to 30%. Once the training unit is complete, classes will impact 100-150 students annually, ensuring a qualified workforce of digger derrick operators for North Dakota’s electric cooperatives.
This initiative accelerates career advancement in the electric industry and equips graduates with valuable, in-demand skills. By providing local workers with specialized training, the program boosts local employment and economic stability along with meeting the increasing demands for affordable electricity.