TrainND Lands Nearly $2 Million in ARPA Funds; Plans to Expand CDL and Crane Training Programs

Williston, ND (KEYZ) Nearly $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds is coming to TrainND Northwest through the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand two workforce training programs. TrainND was notified of the grant award on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

"They [the Commerce Department] are investing 1.9 million dollars into this region through TrainND. We are matching that with about $420-some-odd thousand dollars from our own coffers," said Kenley Nebeker, Regional Director for Technical Programs and Training at TrainND-Northwest.

In an exclusive conversation with News Radio Tuesday, May 31, Nebeker said the net result will mean roughly $2.3 million dollars infused into their CDL and Crane Training programs, updating and expanding both programs to better meet the needs of the region. The funds will give TrainND the ability to purchase modernized equipment needed to support both the CDL and the Crane Training courses.

Nebeker said the nearly $2 million federal grant couldn't have come at a better time especially as the demand for CDL drivers, across the nation, intensifies.

"For every one job seeker in the state right now, there are six CDL openings for every one of those people. That's assuming that every one of those people is looking for CDL. There are so many CDL openings just waiting for people. We need to train them up, we need to get the supply chain back up and going, and that's going to be absolutely key to making that happen. Our program stands ready to help out with that."

A financial investment of this magnitude back into the programs at TrainND is also projected to result in even greater value for the industries and employees of western North Dakota said Nebeker.

"Over the life of the grant, we have projected out that this will allow us to train almost 550 more people through those particular programs."

In addition, because of the grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, TrainND will not have to increase their costs to the consumer.

For employers and employees alike who want to find out more, get in touch with the folks at TrainND via the Williston State College website, https://www.willistonstate.edu/ or call them at 701-572-2835.