Bismarck State College Supports All Learners With Diverse Coursework

Residents of Bismarck-Mandan and Greater North Dakota have flexible education options to grow their skills or transition into new careers. Bismarck State College (BSC) offers a variety of in-person and online certificates, courses, and degrees that are designed to meet the needs of the local workforce (and the industries that operate here).

"We believe in developing industry-driven programs," says Alicia Uhde, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at BSC. "This allows us to ensure our coursework is aligned with immediate workforce needs."

Uhde says the average student age is around 24, highlighting how BSC serves non-traditional students returning to school, along with students transitioning out of high school. A diverse student body, dedicated staff, and involved community move the workforce forward.

Students Enroll in Coursework That Meets Their Lifestyle Needs

Because BSC caters to non-traditional students, it often works with individuals who are already in the workforce, as well as parents and caregivers who cannot attend school full-time. While there are full-time options, including 14 bachelor's degree programs, BSC also offers classes in four, eight, and twelve-week increments.

"A traditional 16-week course isn't for everybody," says Uhde. "Our flexibility is a reflection of how we serve the community."

This flexibility also reflects workforce needs. Not every company needs employees enrolled in school for multiple semesters so they can grow their skills. Many employers look for specific certificates when hiring workers or want to upskill their teams over a few weeks. Uhde specifically highlights the in-demand Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program, which typically lasts two to four weeks.

BSC is also valuable because of its online coursework, which has been designed to be as hands-on and immersive as possible in a digital environment. Many of these online courses are taught by people already working in the industry.

There are Multiple Ways for Companies to Get Involved

It's impossible to develop industry-driven programs without hearing directly from industry leaders. BSC provides several opportunities for companies to have a voice in curriculum development and highlight their hiring pain points or needs. A few options include:

• Serve on an advisory committee: local business leaders can offer guidance on how to develop coursework and update programs based on industry trends.
• Visit class as a guest speaker: professionals can meet with students to answer questions about the workforce and expectations in specific fields.
• Become an adjunct professor: teach a class or session to pass information on to students, either in-person or online.
• Participate in mock interviews: let students practice their communication skills through this process.

Business owners can allocate as much time as they have to support BSC. Some only have the bandwidth for a few hours each semester, while others love stepping into teaching roles. Industry leaders can contact Uhde directly to discuss their needs and goals for involvement.

BSC Creates Supportive Learning Environments

BSC attracts learners who want to advance in their careers or completely change them. Many students haven't set foot in a classroom in several years and may be worried about entering the educational environment. However, the teachers and support staff understand the backgrounds of these students and are ready to help in any way they can.

"We support workforce development by giving everyone the opportunity to gain skills," says Uhde. "We want our students to know they are not alone."

Uhde adds that a lot of people feel nervous when they step into the classroom after a long period away. However, she actually loves the life experiences that adult learners bring to the classroom. Even if they work in an unrelated field, their expertise allows them to build connections and understand new concepts that might be similar.

Some younger learners even ask these students for help or seek their input once they grow comfortable with each other. Everyone has something valuable to offer.

Learn More About Workforce Development in Bismarck-Mandan

Several partners are committed to enhancing the educational offerings of Bismarck-Mandan while working directly with industry leaders to meet their needs. Learn more about the University of Mary and United Tribes Technical College, both of which meet with BSC to ensure they offer the best coursework possible. There are also workforce resource partners like Team North Dakota to help employers and their teams find the resources they need.

Hiring is easy in North Dakota. Not only is the existing workforce skilled, but the education partners are listening and responding to keep up with changing trends.