Bakken Oil Patch Will Need 50,000 More Workers By 2015

Link here to KFYR television, via the Williston Wire.

According to the Department of Mineral Resources, 50,000 more workers will be needed in the energy industry by 2015. Five colleges are teaming up to enhance their energy programs to meet the growing demand.

Welders, carpenters and truck drivers. There are a wide array of high-wage careers available in western North Dakota. And Bismarck State College is teaming up with Williston State, Fort Berthold, Sitting Bull and Turtle Mountain Colleges to provide necessary training.

"This is probably one of the biggest and most important partnerships that we`ve had with the state institutions. And it should have happened a long time ago," said Fort Berthold Community College President Russell Mason.