The Bakken GROW program (Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers) developed by the ND Petroleum Council is seeking more employers interested in hiring immigrant workers. 

NDPC has been managing the communication between an immigration law center, participating employers, and individually recruited Ukrainians with the assistance of contracted local Ukrainian interpreters. Participating employers are only invoiced after their Ukrainian worker arrives, which covers recruitment, legal fees and travel expenses.  Interested employers need to be aware that they will be responsible for assisting the Ukrainians with initial food, housing and transportation as most are coming to America with just a suitcase. 

"What's exciting about this legal immigration opportunity is that those coming to the U.S. with Uniting for Ukraine are able to work right away," said Brent Sanford, Bakken Grow project manager. "That means they become self-sustaining in a short time. These workers with Bakken GROW also become North Dakota taxpayers, not a burden to the state."

By the middle of November, 60 Ukrainians will be placed with 16 employers throughout North Dakota cities including Minot, Dickinson, Williston, Watford City and other rural communities. NDPC is still looking for member companies that are interested in employing Ukrainians who want to come and work in North Dakota's oilfield. 

Employers interested in learning more about the criteria for participating in the Bakken GROW program should contact the NDPC office at 701-223-6380 or email Becky Ness. 

Click here to watch the video of a panel discussion about the program held during NDPC's annual meeting in September.

Click here to view this article in the WDEA weekly newsletter.