"Fun" Workforce Facts or a Round of Did You Knows?

Sometimes facts are so interesting, and sprinkling tidbits around can be enlightening and empowering.

Did you know that there are 19 floors in the state capitol in Bismarck? Did you know that the ConocoPhillips Building, at 22 stories, is the tallest building in Alaska? IDS Tower is Minnesota's tallest — it was once the headquarters of Target and Ameriprise Financial. That’s fun, right?

What’s not fun? Facts that create heartburn.

Did you know that HOUSING is a huge workforce impediment?
Last year, 43% of our members stated it was an issue or barrier.
Did you know there was a bill (SB 2225) aimed at addressing housing?
Originally, it proposed a one-time appropriation of $50M in grants to political subdivisions (cities, counties) to support development necessary for affordable, market-rate housing.
Did you know lots of people loved it? We did, the ND Department of Commerce did, AARP did, Governor Armstrong, EDCs across the state... the list is long.
Did you know that the money has been stripped out?

Did you know that REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS are a viable tool for all businesses to use to develop skillsets?
Did you know that programs are available beyond vocations like welding and electrical work — extending into tech jobs and healthcare?
Did you know that 27% of our members stated they utilize this tool?
Did you know that North Dakota has only one designated person in the office to assist with setup and reporting requirements?
We supported a bill (HB 1036) that provided state support to businesses to help them navigate the federal process, positioning users for success.
Ultimately, a win-win-win for North Dakota, employers, and workers.
Did you know this bill was killed due to a conversation that it may be picked up in other agencies' bills?
Did you know that one designated person retired last week?

GNDC is frust-u-rated with where the potential business solutions for workforce have been abandoned. Workforce remains a priority for our members. 70% state they are having trouble hiring, yet 44% anticipate increasing their staff. Businesses are being forced to find their own solutions—internship programs, immigration, work-based learning—but we can't expect them to do it alone. Given the nature of these issues—workforce training, federal programs, and housing—as areas outside core business functions, we need partners involved in the solution.

What happened from where we started? This isn’t fun.