Building the Future: Career Innovation Center

Category: Build-Remodel-Topics
07/10/2026

BIA & Foundation connect with Career Innovation Center leaders

The Building Industry Association and BIA Foundation Boards, along with staff, recently met with representatives from the Career Innovation Center (CIC), North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), and Cass County Career & Technical Education (CTE) to discuss workforce development, construction trades education, and future partnership opportunities.

Above: The Building Industry Association and Foundation group members smile for a photo in the Career Innovation Center's main entry.

The conversation highlighted both the tremendous demand for skilled trades programs and the important role industry partners can play in helping strengthen the workforce pipeline.

Career Innovation Center updates

Dr. Lisa Karch, Interim President of NDSCS, shared updates on the Career Innovation Center's strategic planning efforts and emphasized the importance of collaboration among K-12 education, higher education, and industry partners.

Key priorities discussed included:

* Strengthening communication and collaboration among existing committees and stakeholder groups

* Identifying opportunities for industry representation on CIC committees and advisory boards

* Maximizing use of the facility, including finishing the multipurpose room and additional classroom spaces

* Exploring future programming opportunities related to:

  * Advanced manufacturing

  * Heavy equipment operations

  * Computer science

  * Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

  * Data center careers

Dr. Karch encouraged BIA members to utilize the facility and remain engaged as plans continue to evolve.

Above and below: Members and staff received a tour of the Center's construction facilities.

Construction trades programs are full

Dr. Denise Jonas,  Director of Cass County Career & Technical Education, provided an overview of current programming and student participation in construction-related courses.

Current student projects include:

* Student-built homes at Davies High School

* Student-built homes in West Fargo

* A park model home completed this year at the CIC

* Various hands-on construction and building trades experiences

One message was clear: student interest is not the problem.

Construction and trades programs at both the high school and college levels are at capacity or beyond.

Challenges include:

* Limited classroom and lab space

* Safety-related student capacity limits

* Material costs

* Shortages of qualified instructors

College and high school representatives agreed that additional instructors and industry involvement would be welcomed.

Industry engagement opportunities

A significant portion of the discussion focused on strengthening connections between educators and industry professionals.

Topics included:

* Existing advisory committees for CTE programs

* Opportunities for BIA and Foundation representation

* Creating a larger, collaborative advisory group

* Developing more efficient ways for industry professionals to provide feedback to educators

* Identifying additional construction-related projects and partnerships

The CIC team will provide information on current advisory boards and opportunities for BIA and Foundation members to become involved.

Supporting the next generation through SkillsUSA

The group also discussed SkillsUSA and the valuable role it plays in preparing students for careers in the skilled trades.

Attendees noted that:

* SkillsUSA chapters exist in area schools

* Even modest financial support can make a meaningful impact

* Industry involvement helps expose students to career opportunities and professional connections

Continued support of SkillsUSA was identified as an important workforce development opportunity.

Addressing the instructor shortage

Finding qualified instructors remains one of the largest barriers to expanding programs.

Discussion points included:

* Qualifications required to teach at the college level

* North Dakota's alternative teacher licensure pathways

* Requirements that include industry experience and additional coursework

* Opportunities for skilled industry professionals to explore teaching careers

Partnerships with experienced construction professionals may help address future instructor needs.

Upcoming event: Career on Wheels

One exciting opportunity on the horizon is Career on Wheels, scheduled for Oct. 16 at the Career Innovation Center.

The pilot event will:

* Welcome approximately 800 eighth grade Fargo Public Schools students

* Introduce students to a variety of career pathways

* Provide hands-on learning experiences

* Include participation from Fargo Public Schools and industry partners

Organizers hope to expand the event in future years to reach even more students.

The group also discussed similar models, including Iowa's "Build My Future" event, which connects students directly with careers in construction and the skilled trades.

Looking ahead

The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to developing the region's future workforce.

Key Takeaways

* Construction and trades programs are full and experiencing strong demand.

* Instructor recruitment remains a significant challenge.

* Greater industry participation on advisory committees is needed.

* SkillsUSA and career exploration initiatives deserve continued support.

* The Career Innovation Center offers new opportunities for collaboration between education and industry.

* BIA and Foundation members can play an important role in helping students discover rewarding careers in construction and the skilled trades. BIA members interested in engaging with the Career Innovation Center should contact  Member Relations & Office Coordinator Hailey Bebler at (701) 232-5846.

Through continued partnership between schools, colleges, and industry leaders, the region is well-positioned to build a stronger workforce pipeline and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals.

Written by Krista Mund, Executive Vice President