Northeast North Dakota students get hands-on experience at region’s businesses

GRAFTON, N.D. – Seventh-graders from schools around the region recently participated in tours and a hands-on day of learning designed to provide real-life examples of jobs and careers.

Approximately 175 students participated in Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day, representing eight schools, including Cavalier, Drayton, Grafton, Manvel, Midway, North Border-Pembina, North Border-Walhalla and Valley-Edinburg.

The event was held Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The eight manufacturing businesses that participated were American Crystal Sugar Company in Drayton; Bordertown Retail Systems in Neche; CVR Industries in Neche; Food First in Walhalla; Harriston Industries in Minto; Marvin in Grafton; Motorcoach Industries in Pembina; and Woodside Industries in Cavalier.

According to a release about the event sent to the media, “each student visited two manufacturing businesses, received a tour, and heard personal stories from young ambassadors who shared their modern perspectives on the industry and how they have found great careers in manufacturing.”

The goal of the event, according to the release, “is to change the misperceptions of the industry and inspire the next-generation workers to pursue a career in modern manufacturing while also retaining workforce in our rural communities. Many students were surprised and impressed to learn what these companies do and that they are doing business on a global scale.”

According to the Walsh County Job Development Authority, there are more than 20 manufacturing and food processing companies with more than 1,000 employees in Pembina and Walsh counties. The organization believes one of the keys to maintaining population and creating successful businesses is educating young people about the available opportunities in cities where they live.

The Pembina County Job Development Authority, Walsh County Job Development Authority, and Red River Regional Council staff worked closely with school administrators and North Valley Career and Technology Center to plan the event. The JDAs received a grant from Impact Dakota to help offset the costs of the event. Impact Dakota is North Dakota’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership offering training and consulting to manufacturing businesses.

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