Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota | Official Website
Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota | Official Website
More than 100 workforce leaders from across North Dakota gathered at the Bismarck State College Advanced Technology Center for the state’s first Governor’s Workforce Summit. The event, organized by the North Dakota Department of Commerce and hosted by Governor Kelly Armstrong, aimed to strengthen collaboration and strategy in workforce development.
Governor Armstrong began the summit with a discussion about his vision for a unified workforce system that responds to both employer and job seeker needs. He stated, “North Dakota’s future depends on our ability to adapt, collaborate and lead. This summit is about more than programs, it’s about people. We’re building a skilled workforce that fuels North Dakota’s economy and ensures every North Dakotan can thrive.”
The agenda included a panel titled “Actioning Our Shared Vision,” led by Katie Ralston Howe, Deputy Commissioner and Workforce Director at the Department of Commerce. Subcabinet leaders described efforts to align agency priorities and improve cooperation across sectors. Ralston Howe said, “We’re breaking down silos and building bridges. This summit is a catalyst for aligning our efforts and creating a unified vision for workforce development that meets the needs of both employers and job seekers.”
Participants engaged in round table discussions focused on high-demand occupations, skills for the future, and new approaches to engaging workers. The summit also featured examples of successful initiatives from around the state.
Cortnee Jensen, Executive Director of Economic Development at the University of North Dakota, commented on higher education’s role: “This was one of the most energizing workforce events I’ve ever attended. It’s clear that North Dakota is serious about leading the nation in workforce innovation. For higher education, we must align with industry needs, drive innovation, and help shape a shared vision for the future of work.”
The event ended with a keynote address from Glenn Davidson, chief of staff to the president at Marymount University. Davidson discussed national trends in workforce development and emphasized connecting education with labor market changes.
Further details about North Dakota’s workforce programs are available through https://www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce.
Alerts Sign-up