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.

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” host Daniel Stenberg dives into an insightful discussion on the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program, a long-standing initiative within the community that offers high school seniors a remarkable opportunity to enhance their career readiness. Daniel is joined by three enthusiastic students from the program, Aidan Pelton, Addison George, and Kollin Klang, as well as Jill Leach, the work-based learning coordinator. Their conversations shed light on how CWE provides students with practical, hands-on experiences that align with their career goals, bridging the gap between educational aspirations and real-world applications.

The CWE program, as explained by Jill Leach, begins engaging students as early as their junior year, preparing them for senior year placements. Students are introduced to a variety of career pathways through career fairs and interviews, culminating in meaningful internships within the community. The students shared their experiences, from Addison George’s role in the emergency room fueling her passion for pediatric cardiology to Aidan Pelton’s exploration of finance and law, each story reflecting a personal journey of growth and discovery.

Participating in CWE allows students to refine their career objectives, as they quickly learn what they enjoy doing and what doesn’t quite suit them. Addison highlights the impact of experiencing an ER environment, which solidified her healthcare ambitions. Meanwhile, Aidan and Kollin are discovering facets of marketing and finance that resonate with their long-term career plans. This practical exposure enables students to navigate their futures with confidence, mitigating the costly trial-and-error that often occurs when career decisions are deferred until college.

Beyond individual benefits, Daniel and the guests discuss the broader value CWE brings to the community. Businesses not only gain fresh perspectives and skills from energetic young minds, but they also play a pivotal role in nurturing potential future employees who might return after completing their studies. This reciprocal relationship fosters a sense of community pride and continuity, effectively contributing to the local economy and workforce.

As the episode concludes, the key takeaway is clear: CWE is a beneficial program for both students and employers, creating a collaborative win-win situation. It highlights the importance of dedication, work ethic, and curiosity in the workplace, suggesting that with the right mindset, high school students can significantly contribute to their community while crafting their career paths. This episode of “Living in McKenzie County” not only encourages students to embrace available opportunities early on but also urges local businesses to actively participate and support the next generation of professionals.

 

‘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.

In the latest episode of “Living in McKenzie County,” guest host Jessie Veeder Scofield, Director of The Long X Arts Foundation, explores the vibrant community life in Watford City and McKenzie County. Joined by Chris Kubal, Executive Director of The McKenzie County Ag Expo, and Joshua Nollmeyer, Recreation & Events Director of The Rough Rider Center and Watford City Parks and Recreation, the discussion focuses on the transformative power of local events and the dynamic collaboration among community leaders. As Jessie reflects on her hometown’s journey from a small, struggling community to a bustling hub of activity, the episode highlights how arts, recreation, and agricultural programming play a pivotal role in enhancing the area’s quality of life.

The conversation begins with an exploration of the incredible facilities that have been developed in recent years. Chris Kubal shares the evolution of the Ag Expo, from a dream to a reality that now puts Watford City on the national map. Meanwhile, Joshua Nollmeyer talks about the diverse array of events hosted at the Rough Rider Center, like the Border Battle High School Basketball Showcase, which bolster community pride and attract visitors from far and wide. Both guests emphasize the importance of collaboration and creativity in making these projects successful.

Beyond the infrastructure, the episode dives into the heart of what makes McKenzie County special—its people. The team discusses how the community’s spirit and willingness to embrace new ideas have driven initiatives like the flourishing soccer program, which serves as an example of cultural inclusion and youth engagement. It’s clear that in McKenzie County, programming isn’t just about events; it’s about creating relationships, fostering community, and providing opportunities for children and families to thrive.

The significant role of collaboration across different sectors is also a key theme. Jessie mentions the impactful partnerships between entities like the Rough Rider Center, the Ag Expo, and Long X Arts Foundation. By working together, they’ve been able to offer an array of programming that might seem ambitious for a small town. This collective effort extends to leveraging local businesses and nonprofit support, showcasing a model of community involvement and shared vision that is truly inspirational.

As outlined in the episode, the passion and dedication of individuals like Jessie Veeder Scofield, Chris Kubal and Joshua Nollmeyer illustrate a thriving community that embraces growth and diversity while holding onto its small-town charm. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, the episode reminds us of the power of community in making any place feel like home.

‘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.

In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best is joined by Watford City Mayor Phil Riely, Chairman of the McKenzie County Commission Howdy Lawlar, and McKenzie County Auditor Erica Johnsrud, to discuss the dynamic relationship between Watford City and McKenzie County, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that drive sustained local development. This episode captures an in-depth conversation on how various governance frameworks and partnerships, inherent in both city and county levels, have fostered a space for strategic planning and projects crucial for community evolution.

One of the focal points in this discussion is the funding strategies that fuel McKenzie County’s growth, spotlighting the Gross Production Tax (GPT) from the oil and gas industry. McKenzie County Auditor Erica Johnsurd explains the intricate budgeting processes tailored to optimize the use of these funds, which not only support crucial infrastructure projects but also subsidize essential community services. The podcast also highlights unique programs and facilities, such as The Rough Rider Center and the Bakken Area Skills Center, representing successful collaborative ventures between governmental units and private entities.

Another key theme is fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers and existing residents, where community-focused amenities and projects are prioritized. Significant facilities, such as the new daycare centers and the Ag Expo, are examples where cross-collaboration between city and county entities come to life. These projects not only address immediate community needs but also symbolize the locality’s commitment to creating sustainable and livable spaces for families and businesses.

Moreover, the episode sheds light on the anticipated challenges and opportunities in the housing sector, urging a thoughtful and collective approach to tackle housing shortages. The county’s efforts to provide financial programs and incentives have become instrumental in encouraging home construction and accommodation solutions that bolster the local workforce’s stability and growth potential.

As the episode unfolds, one thing remains clear: McKenzie County and Watford City’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to community vibrancy and development.

‘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.