Bakken Area Skills Center to offer Oil and Gas operator course
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
The announcement of the new Oil and Gas operator training course at the Bakken Skills Center has shown a surge of interest, signaling a strong desire for local workforce development in the region.
Daniel Stenberg, McKenzie County Economic Development Director, shared details about the program:
“We are excited to share that a new Oil & Gas Operator Training Course will be available locally. It is a mixture of online and hands-on at the Bakken Area Skills Center, and site visits-all facilitated by BSC. The first class is already full, but the next class which runs May 19-June 20, has spots currently available. Find out more information here: https://bismarckstate.edu/energy/industry/ApprenticeshipsandTraining/oilandgasoperator. Please note that the fee for this class is based off of a grant through ND Department of Commerce. If/when that grant is over, the price very likely will go up.”
Stenberg is optimistic about the course’s impact, stating, “The first class is already full and the second one is almost full already, so we are hoping that this can be a program that is offered on a regular basis.” This overwhelming response underscores the pressing need for skilled workers in the expanding petroleum industry.
When asked about the course’s role in addressing workforce needs, Stenberg explained, “Our petroleum industry is always looking for a trained workforce as operations continue to expand, so we are excited to see how this can help get more people ready to work here in our community.” He emphasized the program’s direct contribution to meeting the industry’s growing demand for qualified personnel.
McKenzie County Economic Development played a crucial role in bringing the training course to fruition. Stenberg elaborated, “We have been involved in the discussions of workforce education for many years, and so it is great to see the Bakken Area Skills Center now up and running so well. It is very exciting to have some educational opportunities available locally here for those who are already out of high school.” This highlights the collaborative effort and long-term vision behind the initiative.
Looking ahead, Stenberg expressed his hopes for the future of workforce development in McKenzie County. “We want to continue to see more opportunities for trainings like this to be available locally so our current residents don’t have to travel outside our area for their education,” he stated. This vision reflects a commitment to providing accessible and relevant educational opportunities within the community.
The success of the Bakken Skills Center’s Oil and Gas operator training program marks a significant step towards bridging the workforce gap and fostering local economic growth. The program’s popularity suggests a promising future for similar initiatives aimed at empowering residents and strengthening the region’s industries.
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