The North Dakota University System is planning to pursue new career and technical education (CTE) programs in its upcoming request to the 2025 state legislature. This initiative comes after several proposed programs were excluded from the 2023 state budget, as noted by Lisa Johnson, the vice chancellor for student and academic affairs.
Potential Areas for New Training Programs
Potential areas for new training programs include artificial intelligence, fire science, and automation in manufacturing. Chancellor Mark Hagerott highlighted the University System’s commitment to expanding CTE offerings in response to increasing workforce demands across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and national security.
Envision 2035 Initiative
Completion of the “Envision 2035” initiative underscored the need for educational adaptations to address the needs of a complex, technical economy. Hagerott remarked on the initiative’s findings, indicating a rising demand for technical workforce capabilities across various fields, including medical, agricultural, energy, and national security sectors.
RUN-ND Initiative
One specific initiative under consideration is RUN-ND (Retool and Upskill Now-North Dakota), which aims to enhance advanced technology education. This program is expected to connect institutions such as Minot State University, Lake Region State College, and the University of North Dakota, promoting training in disciplines including cybersecurity and drone technology.
Importance of Training in Trades
Tim Mihalick, chair of the State Board of Higher Education, emphasized the importance of increasing training in trades as well as commercial driver’s license programs. He cited the educational partnerships established by Dickinson State University through its Train ND program as a model for expanding associate degree offerings. Mihalick also pointed to declining enrollment trends in higher education over the past 12 years, which he attributed in part to rising college costs.
Enhancing Virtual Course Availability
To better accommodate student needs, Mihalick suggested enhancing the availability of virtual courses. The University System currently runs Dakota Digital Academy, which provides various technical and degree programs across its institutions.
Job Projections in North Dakota
A Georgetown University study projects approximately 52,000 new job openings in North Dakota between 2021 and 2031, with an expectation that 71% of these positions will require postsecondary education. Sectors expected to experience significant growth include healthcare, food services, and education.
Educational Paths Beyond High School
Johnson indicated that students should consider educational paths beyond high school, noting a growing trend toward certificate programs that lead to “stackable credentials.” These credentials enable individuals to acquire specialized skills in their respective fields, including cases where professionals may wish to enhance their qualifications, such as educators seeking certification in special education.
Surge in Certificate Programs
The demand for certificate programs on college campuses has surged, with Johnson reporting that they are among the most requested new academic offerings. This responsiveness to community needs positions campuses to adapt more rapidly to the evolving workforce landscape.
Minot State University and Dakota College Offerings
As part of its strategy, Minot State University provides certificate options across 12 academic areas, while Dakota College at Bottineau offers similar programs spanning most disciplines. The North Dakota University System has collectively introduced 300 new certificate programs, according to Mihalick, who stressed the significance of offering comprehensive educational opportunities rather than focusing exclusively on traditional four-year degrees.
Collaboration Between Education Systems
Collaboration between higher education institutions and K-12 systems is deemed essential by Mihalick for developing relevant CTE programs that address workforce gaps. He advocated for a proactive approach to enhancing the educational framework to effectively meet these challenges.
(Source: Minot Daily News)