The latest episode of Living in McKenzie County podcast welcomes listeners to an engaging discussion on Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) programs and their impact on workforce development in McKenzie County. Hosted by Vawnita Best, Community and Business Development Director for The City of Watford City, the episode gathers insights from Nikki Darrington, District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Chelsea Bulzomi, Owner and Practice Manager at Legendary Smiles; and Susan Granrud, Region 1 Director at Job Service North Dakota in Williston. Listen as they share their experiences and perspectives on cultivating future talent through CWE and job services partnerships.
One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of early career exploration for students. The speakers emphasize starting career discussions as early as middle school, providing opportunities for students to discover various career paths and align their education with potential job interests. Chelsea Bulzomi highlights the value of job shadowing, explaining how it allows students to pivot and refine their career aspirations before committing to long-term education plans. This proactive approach is not just about filling current job vacancies, but also about shaping a future workforce that can adeptly meet the unique needs of the community.
Nikki Darrington discusses the competitive edge that CWE programs bring to local businesses by growing a skilled workforce. She shares how engaging students early on can lead to successful long-term employment, citing her own experience with CWE students who have returned to work after college. The conversation underscores the role of employers in providing a nurturing environment where students can gain practical experience, learn about different roles within an industry, and feel a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Susan Granrud from Job Service North Dakota sheds light on how they are working tirelessly to connect job seekers with employers throughout the state. Her insights illustrate the broader economic landscape and how innovative hiring solutions are needed to address challenges like aging workforce demographics and industry-specific skill shortages. Job service initiatives, such as utilizing federal programs to assist employers and job seekers, are pivotal in bridging gaps and driving economic growth in the region.
In conclusion, the episode serves as a rallying call for employers, parents, and educators in McKenzie County to collaborate in creating a nurturing, opportunity-rich environment for young people to thrive. By investing in CWE programs and understanding the evolving needs of the workforce, the community can build a stronger, more resilient economic future. The guests leave listeners with a sense of optimism and a reminder that investing in the next generation is a shared responsibility that starts with simple conversations and supportive partnerships.
Resources from this episode:
- CWE Business Application
- Job Service North Dakota
- Golden Path Solutions
- North Dakota CTE Worked Based Learning
‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Daniel Stenberg, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. It is produced and directed by Brock White, City of Watford City Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
