That was two years ago. Anderson started his new job Monday as a loan officer at a Hallock, Minn., bank. What made that transformation possible was a series of Job Service North Dakota programs designed to help farmers and farm workers enter new fields. The latest, called North Dakota Survival 2000, started in January. The program offers basic services such as job counseling and placement but its main feature is the grants.
Participants can get money to help with traveling to job interviews, relocation, or schooling.
This can mean completing high school, attending a vocational college, or finishing up a university degree. Not only are farmers and ranchers eligible but so are their employees and family members. With more than a month left, there are 27 participants statewide. The number of people interested are thought to be much higher, however, according to Pete Hager, head of Job Service's Devils Lake office. He said he's getting calls almost every day.