BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Workforce recruiting has moved to the forefront in western North Dakota’s oil industry, according to petroleum experts.
The annual Williston Basin Petroleum Conference began Tuesday in Bismarck. North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness said companies have focused hiring efforts on the state’s western region.
Demand for drivers and heavy equipment operators has contributed to nearly 9,400 job openings in the mining, driving, oil and hospitality industries statewide by next year, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
“There’s truly not a job that doesn’t have an opening,” said Cindy Sanford, Williston manager for Job Service North Dakota.
The agency participated in four job fairs last week, Sanford said. Recruiters hired more than half the people who approached them during one session.
Sanford said a local health care company in the western region needs nearly 100 nurses, while a construction business seeks 500 workers in the next couple weeks.
“Pipeline is huge this year - similar to drilling in 2011,” she said.
Companies want people with experience and training, said Daniel Sternberg, coordinator of McKenzie County Economic Development, of the oil business. Sternberg said his organization is working to meet industry needs.
“They’re not just taking warm bodies like they were,” he said.
Neset Consulting has been focusing its recruitment on women. Kathy Neset announced Tuesday that her company has been certified as a woman-owned business.
Neset said she’s proud to offer a “safe, friendly working environment in this industry” to women who like her firm’s technical work in oil and gas.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com
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