DICKINSON, N.D. – Northern Industrial Training (NIT) has partnered with Dickinson State University (DSU) to provide an opportunity for individuals to not only receive a commercial driver’s license, but also receive a Certificate of Completion in Business Fundamentals.

NIT is a vocational school that is open to the general public offering several truck driver programs along with a multitude of safety trainings for heavy equipment and oil and gas pipeline programs. Originally based out of Alaska, NIT opened an office in Dickinson, North Dakota in 2012 recognizing the need for a quality trained vocational workforce.

Joey Crum, President and CEO of NIT, met with DSU’s President, Dr. Coston in the spring of 2014 to discuss a way to merge their individual platforms for education to benefit both entities. Crum was looking for a way to introduce NIT’s student population to classes that would increase their business knowledge and establish a format that would allow them to learn and work simultaneously.

Both Crum and Coston agree that it is important to provide skilled tradesmen with a formal education that will allow them to eventually grow into a management position or even run their own small business. The certificate provides an opportunity for individuals to set themselves up for success in the event of a situation that would inhibit them from performing traditional field tasks.

A curriculum was formalized last fall for the Certificate of Completion in Business Fundamentals, which will be available both in the traditional college classroom setting on the Dickinson campus and also online. The program consists of 15 credit hours and covers topics such as accounting, finance, spreadsheets, and management and leadership. Students will be eligible to enroll in this program beginning in the fall of 2015.

For more information about the program or where to register, please contact NIT’s office directly at 701-483-7666.