Labor study to begin

BISMARCK (AP) — Officials have launched a labor study in North Dakota to gather information on available workers in various parts of the state.

The Commerce Department’s Workforce Development Division is spearheading the study, which looks at such things as the commuting patterns, skills and availability of workers as well as the number of unemployed and underemployed workers that might be interested in more opportunities.

Talent coordinator Larry Anderson said the information can be used as a pitch for business expansion and recruitment.

“It’s very useful data for community planners and developers and for businesses to do a better job of understanding and managing the work force,” he said. “It’s pretty important if businesses are going to be investing resources.”

Anderson said similar studies have been done in past years. Some of the state’s larger cities are involved in the current study, including Minot, Wahpeton and Williston.

Keith Lund, vice president of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp., said Grand Forks has participated in studies in the past that helped show businesses there was a large, available work force despite the state’s low unemployment rate.

He said one drawback is that potential businesses cannot tell if there are enough appropriately skilled workers available.

The data collection and research will wrap up by April, with a final report expected to be available after July 1.

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