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BSC receives donation for JET program

Published: Oct 14 2019
BSC receives donation for JET program - Photo
Hess Corp. presented a $75,000 donation to Bismarck State College (BSC) for the Job Experience Training (JET) program that is part of BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence during the Great Plains & EmPower ND Energy Conference held Oct. 8 on the BSC campus. 
 
Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford and Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer both attended the event which provided discussion and information about topics pertaining to North Dakota’s energy industry.
 
“These events are a great opportunity to network and collaborate with people across the state to discuss innovative ways to recruit and develop our future energy workforce,” Sanford said. “Hess’s donation will further allow students to thrive in the oil and gas industry by providing a combination of realistic training and a nationally-recognized curriculum from BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence.”
 
Launched in 2017, the Hess Corp. JET program has served as a beneficial apprenticeship opportunity for students to put their classroom knowledge to work in an industry setting. Apprentices of the program are compensated while completing Hess-specific training, completing curriculum from BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, and working alongside experienced Hess operators. The apprenticeship allows students to gain essential work experience and earn their associate degree, while receiving funds from the program.
 
“Hess began the JET apprenticeship as a partnership with BSC and with the support of multiple people and leaders who were passionate about building a safe and skilled workforce in North Dakota’s oil and gas industry,” Hess Corp. General Manager Brent Lohnes said. “We are pleased to continue our financial support of a program that continues to produce an essential workforce in western North Dakota.”
 
Upon completion of the JET program, students can transfer their acquired knowledge into a full-time position with Hess Corp. at locations in Tioga, Keene and Killdeer. 
 
“The JET program is a critical tool in maintaining our state’s position as a national leader in the energy industry,” Kommer said. “The apprenticeship program exemplifies innovative solutions to address the needs of a 21st century workforce.”
 
In 2018 the JET program became the first apprenticeship program in North Dakota’s oil and gas industry when the U.S. Department of Labor recognized it as a registered apprenticeship program.
 
Individuals interested in the program are encouraged to contact Julie Vetter, Hess Corp. manager for assurance and training at (701) 420-6909 or jvetter@hess.com. More information is also available at https://bismarckstate.edu/energy/jobs/HESSJET/