Hoeven Announces $2.1 Million Grant for Training
Posted on December 14, 2001

BISMARCK, ND - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that North Dakota has received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (D.O.L.) to train entry-level health professionals for better paying jobs.

North Dakota's new Department of Commerce, Workforce Development Division, wrote and won the grant as part of the governor's economic development agenda. The Technical Skills and Training Program grant was awarded under the D.O.L.'s Employment and Training Administration.

"Training for advancement is part of our strategy for improving wages and creating careers for North Dakotans. Education is fundamental to our economic development plan, and it's an area where we have a competitive advantage," Hoeven said.

The grant will provide funding to train 283 entry-level workers to become Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses, according to Hoeven. The state Department of Commerce is working with the Long Term Care Association to identify a "career ladder," or training path, that would lead program participants in entry-level positions to better paying career opportunities.

North Dakota Job Service had more than 460 job listings in Health Care occupations as of April, and has projected 45 percent growth in the industry by 2008, Hoeven said. The program will use distance learning tools -- which make coursework available in local communities -- to make the training available to students in small, rural communities throughout the state.

"Economic development is not just about creating jobs -- it's about creating careers," Hoeven said. "We will continue to work hard to make options for advancement like this available to North Dakotans."

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For more information, contact James Hirsch, North Dakota Dept. of Commerce
Workforce Development Division
(701) 328-5300