Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Jan 17, 2013) — The $1.3 billion CHS nitrogen fertilizer plant set for construction in 2014 at the Spiritwood Energy Park, has sparked the need for the region to prepare for an influx of traffic and workers.

The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation, Thursday, hosted the first Regional Workforce Roundtable discussion, attended by industry leaders, local and state elected officials and economic developers from the Jamestown Valley City area, and eight surrounding counties.

JSDC Business Development Coordinator DeAnn Brunner says it’s important for representatives from all around the region to be involved in the discussions.

Skilled manufacturing employees are just one category where the current workforce does not meet needs.

Great River Energy’s Dakota Spirit AgEnergy ethanol plant, Project Manager, Rich Garmen, said the planned Spiritwood Nitrogen Project by CHS and the ethanol plant, along with the Cargill malting plant, will be competing for similar workers.

United Technologies Corporation Jamestown Plant Manager Brent Harris said fill machinist position is a problem while Grotberg Electric President, Steve Welken of Valley City added not finding qualified workers extends to the building trades as well.

Carrington Mayor, Don Frye pointed out current housing shortages, noting that Carrington has one house for sale and no apartments available.

He added, that wages of the area continue to be below the national average.

The goals of the Regional Workforce Roundtable are to create a business/education/training workforce roundtable and to recruit/relocate skilled workers/engineers.

The overall objectives of these two goals are to develop a long-term workforce development strategic plan for the Jamestown/Stutsman County and Valley City/Barnes County area.

The Roundtable involves Jamestown/Stutsman County and Valley City/Barnes County industry leaders and human resource managers, job training officials, economic developers, and local and state elected officials.

　

REGIONAL WORKFORCE ROUNDTABLE JANUARY 2013

GOAL#1: CREATE A BUSINESS/EDUCATION/TRAINING WORKFORCE ROUNDTABLE

GOAL #2: RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION OF SKILLED WORKERS/ENGINEERS

OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of these two goals is to develop a long-term workforce development strategic plan for the Jamestown/Stutsman County and Valley City/Barnes County area. This will involve Jamestown/Stutsman County and Valley City/Barnes County industry leaders and human resource managers; job training officials; economic developers; and local and state elected officials. Specific objectives include:

Participation from local companies, educators, training providers

Key leadership comes from industry leaders and college/university Presidents, school superintendents

Understand local skills & filling skill voids

Design cooperative recruiting/relocation activities, training efforts, and generally prepare young people for “world of work.”

Prepare a good labor environment for the future

Identify and assess local capabilities vs. tech needs

 

STRATEGY # 1: Hold three (3) workshop/focus group sessions with the new Roundtable members

Session 1: to review strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations from Foote Consultant Group plan and add any new issues (Labor availability & quality attached)

Session 2: begin development of goals, objectives, and timelines

Session 3: review draft strategic plan and make final modifications

Prepare the Roundtable Final Plan

Assist with up to four Roundtable meetings following plan preparation

　

STRATEGY # 2: Establish a relocation task force

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the most critical issues pertaining to relocating management and skilled personnel to the area, including incentives. Membership will include large employers. Discussion will involve the possibility of using a professional relocation company.

 

Potential Outcomes

Certified Work Ready Community Program

 

Enhance and improve funding on TrainND

 

100% STEM internships from local universities and colleges in industry

University and college faculty industry externships

 

Recruitment of skilled workers/engineers from outside states

 

Formation of a relocation program for workers and their families