This EDA investment supports the purchase of equipment needed to enhance and increase the capacity of williston state college and trainnd northwest's current commercial driver's license (CDL) training…

This $4.176 million Project Grant from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration's Economic Adjustment Assistance program will support Williston State College and TrainND Northwest's commercial driver's license and crane operator certification training programs in Williston, North Dakota. Funding will be used to purchase new equipment that will enhance training capacity, incorporate technological advances into curricula, and better prepare participants for in-demand jobs. The expanded programs aim to boost economic resiliency and diversification in the region, which has been negatively impacted by downturns in the coal economy. As the sub-awardee, Williston State College will directly deliver the commercial driver's license and crane operator certification training programs using the new equipment purchased with this grant award.

This EDA investment supports the purchase of equipment needed to enhance and increase the capacity of williston state college and trainnd northwest's current commercial driver's license (CDL) training program and its national certification program for crane operators in williston, north dakota. These programs provide students with relevant and rigorous training, as well as hands-on experience, as they work toward entering or RE-entering the workforce with appropriate licensure and industry-recognized credentials. The new equipment will allow the college to expand its training capacity and to incorporate technological advances into the curriculum that will better prepare participants with the most in-demand knowledge and skills for the future. Once completed, the project will assist a region highly impacted by recent negative impacts from downturns in the coal economy. In addition, the project will help boost emerging business opportunities in the area, which will help advance economic resiliency, attract private investment, and further economic diversification throughout the region.