Superintendent Kirsten Baesler | North Dakota State Board of Education
Superintendent Kirsten Baesler | North Dakota State Board of Education
The North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Global Talent Office (GTO) has launched a new statewide initiative to help English language learners by partnering with EnGen, a virtual platform focused on career-aligned English upskilling. The program aims to provide free access to English instruction for employers and community organizations throughout the state.
Participants will have access to over 170 career-specific English courses designed for roles such as certified nursing assistants, commercial drivers, and early childhood educators. The program also includes live online workshops, multilingual coaching, digital literacy support, and an easy enrollment process for both employers and job seekers.
A recent survey of 6,000 EnGen users found that most participants felt more confident using English at work. Additionally, many reported improvements in job skills and digital literacy. A majority said they were more likely to stay with their current employer because of the benefit of English instruction.
North Dakota has secured 1,000 seats on the EnGen platform for distribution among employers and community organizations. The impact of this initiative will be highlighted at the Global Talent Summit on August 14.
“North Dakota’s partnership with EnGen is a strategic investment in our workforce,” said Commerce Deputy Commissioner and Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe. “By removing language barriers, we’re unlocking the potential of thousands of workers and helping employers build stronger, more resilient teams. This initiative is about equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”
Dr. Katie Brown, founder and chief education officer at EnGen, added: “English skills enable career mobility for workers, productivity and retention for employers, and revenue gains for local economies. Our analysis shows that every $1 invested in EnGen generates a $6 return – a powerful impact we’re excited to scale across North Dakota.”
North Dakota continues to face a significant workforce gap with many open jobs in industries such as energy production, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems. The state has also implemented initiatives like the Global Talent Office and the “Find the Good Life” campaign—which has attracted thousands of job seekers—to address these shortages by building a workforce prepared for future needs (https://EnGenPlatform.eventbrite.com).
An informational session about EnGen is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon CDT on August 28. Those interested can register at https://EnGenPlatform.eventbrite.com.
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