What happens when a community comes together for its students? Grand Forks didn't just support Career and Technical Education—they invested in it. As North Dakota expands CTE centers statewide, Grand Forks stepped up to match federal funds and bring the Career Impact Academy (CIA) to life. In this episode, we're joined by Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, to talk about why CTE matters, how students are becoming choice ready, and what this means for the future of the workforce and the community. Visit https://cia.gfschools.org/ to find out more about the CIA.

What does civility at work really look like—and why does it matter so much? Today, Dusty is exploring how everyday behavior shapes workplace culture and what we can all do to improve it. Dusty recently heard Susan Williams, a trainer with The Village Family Service Center, speak to the Grand Forks local HR association, and her insights were too good not to share.

Learn more about The Village Family Service Center at https://www.thevillagefamily.org/.

One of the goals of the Job Pod is to introduce you to employers who are doing things right. In this episode, Dusty heads to Fargo and sits down with Cole Mercier, Communications Manager, and Teri Winkelman, Talent Acquisition Manager at DSG Supply. They give you a closer look and share what makes DSG Supply a great place to work—and why their team is proud to be there.

Today's guest on The Job Pod is here to shed light on the world of home health and hospice—what it is, what kind of school or training required, why it matters, and how it impacts families and communities.

Keisha Spitzer, an experienced RN and the director of CHI Health at Home and Hospice in Breckenridge, Minnesota, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation.

In honor of Veterans Day, Dusty sits down with Sue Grollimund and Adessa Bentley to talk about employment and what that can look like when you are the spouse of a military veteran. They discuss the unique challenges military spouses face when it comes to finding — and keeping — meaningful employment, as well as the incredible strengths and skills they bring to any workplace.

Most people don't realize that many military spouses need to work, yet they often face obstacles most civilians never consider. With service members relocating every two to three years, military spouses are frequently labeled as "job hoppers" — not by choice, but by circumstance. From transferring professional licenses across state lines, to continuing education, to facing bias in the hiring process, the road isn't easy.

But behind every challenge lies opportunity. Military spouses possess a wealth of experience, adaptability, and resilience — qualities any employer would value.

Sue and Adessa share their stories, insights, and advice for both military spouses navigating their careers and employers looking to tap into this exceptional talent pool.

On this episode of the Job Pod, Dusty talks and learns about bioscience. Dusty sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jeremy Houser — founder of the nonprofit Houser Labs — to dive into the cutting edge of bioscience, innovation, and how science can serve ND communities.

Dr. Houser shares his journey, the mission behind Houser Labs, and what the future of bioscience holds.

Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
🎧 #JobPod #jobsnd #Bioscience #HouserLabs #STEM

This week on Job Pod, Dusty sits down with Craig Griesbach, project manager at Ames Construction, to talk about all things Demo Days — a hands-on event sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of ND that's inspiring the next generation of builders and heavy equipment operators. 🏗️👷‍♂️

Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or industry pro, this episode offers insight into how Demo Days are shaping the future of construction in North Dakota.

🎧 Tune in now to hear:
✅ What Demo Days are all about
✅ How students get real-world experience
✅ Why students should consider a career in construction and heavy equipment operations

#JobPod #JOBSND #DemoDaysND #ConstructionCareers #HeavyEquipment

Join host Dusty Hillebrand in an inspiring conversation with Sara Mitzel, the Adult Education State Director for North Dakota, as they dive into the world of Adult Education – how they're changing lives, creating new opportunities, building partnerships, and helping adult learners reach their goals.

Whether you're a lifelong learner, an educator, or someone curious about alternative education opportunities, this episode is for you!
#JobPod #Jobsnd #AdultEducation #Podcast #EducationMatters