Burgum releases plan to address workforce challenges

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has released a $50 million dollar plan designed to address the state’s workforce challenges.

The ND Works Investment Plan focuses on five key areas: career exploration…technical skills…recruitment and retention…removing employment barriers…and occupational licensure reform.

In terms of dollars Burgum says $25 million will go towards a marketing and recruitment campaign and $20 million for a regional Workforce Impact Grant program for local governments, economic development groups, chambers, and regional councils.

Burgum says he believe the proposal will have strong legislative support.  “With broad representation across multiple industries and all levels of government, the Workforce Development Council is uniquely suited to recommend solutions to our workforce challenge, which remains our No. 1 barrier to economic growth.”

According to the governor the two challenges that drive an economy forward are attracting capital and talent.  He says the capital is here – but more needs to be done to invest in the workforce to go with that.