Sheridan Electric Champions Trades Education In Area
Sheridan Electric is working to expand skilled trades education opportunities for regional students after learning about the innovative programs offered through the Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City, N.D.
The initiative began in early January when Jamie Ator-Kleppen shared a You-Tube video from the Living in McKenzie County channel with Sheridan Electric staff. The video, titled “Growing the Energy Industry Workforce at the Bakken Area Skills Center,” highlighted BASC’s role in preparing students for careers in the skilled trades. The center serves students in Watford City as well as 24 surrounding schools, while also supporting employers and industries that drive the local economy.
Inspired by the center’s hands-on, career-focused approach, Connie Anderson, member services for Sheridan Electric, quickly reached out to BASC to learn more. Her tour of the facility included meetings with directors Dr. Wayne Heckaman and Scott Wisness. The visit showcased a combination of in-house and online classes, extensive real-world training to include welding, construction, heavy equipment operations and access to industry-grade tools and equipment. BASC also offers Career and Technical Education dual credits through Williston State College and Bismarck State College, providing high school students with valuable college-level experience.
Following the visit, Sheridan Electric shared information about BASC with educators across its Montana service area, including schools in Scobey, Plentywood, Westby, Medicine Lake, Froid, Culbertson, Bainville, Brockton and Poplar. Discussions have focused on forming a partnership that would bring similar opportunities to Montana students.
A proposed starting point is BASC’s Hi-Tech program, which operates through a consortium model. Six schools collaborate to select six mobile learning “modules” that rotate between schools every six weeks. BASC provides educator training, equipment procurement, transportation, and materials. Participating schools would purchase the initial equipment for each module, estimated at about $20,000 per module, and contribute approximately $7,500 annually for materials and maintenance. Module options include graphic production, 3D printing, CNC routing and plasma cutting, commercial embroidery, mechanical and hydraulic trainers, laser and fiber optics, electricity and electronics, biochemistry kits, GPS technology, and small robotics. The program gives students access to advanced equipment and technical experiences that might otherwise be unavailable in smaller communities.
Several area schools — Medicine Lake, Plentywood, Froid, Bainville and Culbertson — have expressed interest in touring BASC and exploring the program further. While Sheridan Electric acknowledges the financial and time commitments required to make this program come to fruition, we are excited that these schools see the long-term educational value for students.
To help address startup costs, Sheridan Electric reached out to Montana House Rep. Val Moore, who connected the effort with resources through the Montana Department of Labor. Career development specialist James Stone has joined the discussions, exploring funding programs that could assist with initial expenses. BASC is already approved in Montana as a Distance Learning Provider and is working toward inclusion on the state’s Recognized Credential List, which would open additional funding opportunities.
Sheridan Electric and BASC will host regional educators for a tour, luncheon and planning discussion on March 12. Organizers hope the visit will build momentum for launching new curriculum options as early as next year. Those involved in the effort say the goal extends beyond job training. By investing in trades education, they believe communities are also investing in their local economy, workforce development and longterm future.
We encourage you to watch the YouTube video mentioned above and discover more about the Bakken Area Skills Center on their website at www.basccte.com.
