Event Details

 “Workforce Ready: Strategies for Education, Industry, and Global Talent Alignment”

This presentation provides an integrated overview of workforce development strategies focused on strengthening statewide talent pipelines. It highlights a three-tiered approach, beginning with K–12 education, where early exposure to career pathways, the integration of Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers, and access to work-based learning opportunities lay the foundation for future readiness. In higher education, the focus shifts to aligning programing with labor market demands through industry-partnerships, TrainND opportunities, and the creation of sponsorship opportunities that connect students directly with employers. Finally, we will examine international recruitment as a key strategy to address critical skills gaps, emphasizing the importance of building targeted talent pipelines, streamlining credential recognition, and providing long-term support to integrate and retain global talent. Together, these strategies support a coordinated, approach to developing a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Takeaways

·         Early Investment Matters: Strengthening career exploration and CTE pathways in K–12 can spark student engagement and build a foundation for future workforce readiness.

·         Work-Based Learning is Critical: Partnerships between schools and employers for internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing create real-world learning that aligns with local industry needs.

·         Higher Education Partnership: Aligning programs with employer needs—through co-developed curriculum, short-term credentials, and sponsorship models—can ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.

·         Sponsorships Create Win-Wins: Employer-sponsored education and training programs help close workforce gaps while offering students affordable and direct pathways into high-demand careers.

International Talent is a Strategic Asset: Tapping into global talent through structured recruitment and support systems can help fill persistent labor shortages and diversify the workforce.

Presenter:

DJ Campbell serves as the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Sanford Health Bismarck, a role he has held since 2020. As Chief HR Officer, Campbell is responsible for overseeing the organization's human resources strategy, including workforce development, organizational effectiveness, employee experience, and human capital management. Campbell is deeply involved in his community and the broader workforce development landscape. He serves on several key boards and councils, including the State Board of Higher Education, the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, the TrainND Advisory Council, and the North Dakota Make-A-Wish Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration from Capella University.

Meeting Details: 

• Lunch and Networking available beginning at 11:30 am (lunch provided for in-person attendees)
• SHRM Foundation Overview 11:40am
• CDHRA Business & Announcements will begin at 11:450 am
• The speaker will begin at 12:00 noon

Bring-a-guest: Invite a guest to this meeting by adding them to the in-person sign-up or Zoom Sign up and receive their first meeting for free. 

Virtual Meeting Sign Up (Zoom): Meeting Registration - Zoom

Nonmembers/guests: $10.00 (Pay Here)

To attend this lunch meeting in-person at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC office located at 1640 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck, register below:

In-Person Meeting Sign Up (Register by July 19th) CDHRA: CDHRA July 2025 In-Person Meeting Sign Up