MINOTWELCOMESFIRSTUKRAINIANS

Earlier this year, the North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) created the program called Bakken GROW (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers) in response to the workforce shortage issues our state is facing This program has brought several immigrants to our region, specifically from Ukraine with the new U4U (Uniting for Ukraine) U4U allows for the streamlined process that provides Ukrainian’s who have fled their country after the Russian invasion and give them an opportunity to work in the U.S.

Because of the kindness of a few of our citizens that stepped up to become sponsors, Minot welcomed three Ukrainians to our community on July 11th Two local companies in the energy sector, including SandPro and NewKota were eager to get our newcomers ready to work Keli Rosselli-Sullivan, who has served as the liaison for this initiative, states It’s a good feeling to see our community rally behind these gentlemen, from our sponsors, service clubs and interpreters to the employers willing to hire them and teach them new skills. It’s a humanitarian effort solving our workforce issues.”

One more Ukrainian newcomer landed in Minot on July 25th with four more slated to arrive around the first week in August.

If anyone is interested in helping out our newcomers with meals, please email Keli Rosselli-Sullivan with the Minot Area Chamber EDC at keli@minotchamberedc.com. The program can’t work without sponsors. If anyone is interested in becoming a sponsor, please visit ndoil org/bakken-grow