Education is the backbone of any successful society, nation or community.
We are fortunate in North Dakota to have a strong education system at all levels, which prepares students to enter the workforce, master a skilled trade, advance into college or begin an apprenticeship program. Beyond the classroom and the workforce, educators help nurture kids so they can succeed in adult life.
How a business or organization views education reflects on it, too.
“Education, training and information” is a core cooperative principle and shared commitment of electric cooperatives.
Investing in continuous learning is one of the most important commitments a cooperative can make. So, the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives facilitates hundreds of educational and training opportunities each year, including professional development sessions, classes for directors, events and electric apprenticeship programs.
Education and training help cooperative employees and democratically elected board directors in their roles. From understanding the electric industry and financial decision making to the cooperative business model, the topics covered and training resources equip participants to contribute effectively to their cooperatives.
The electric industry is evolving, and so is the relationship with cooperative member-owners. To stay ahead, we need an educated, connected workforce equipped with the right skills, strong professional networks and a fresh perspective on the challenges we face.
The idea is simple: When employees and directors grow, the cooperative grows along with them, strengthening service to members and communities.
Sharing information is another key component. In fact, that’s why you receive this magazine every month, so we can share the latest cooperative news and updates, provide energy efficiency and safety tips, and tell meaningful stories about our neighbors and the communities we love. In this issue of North Dakota Living, we share how students and educators are adapting to artificial intelligence (AI), while colleges and universities prepare students for future tech careers and AI in the workplace.
Whether learned in a high school classroom, a college lab or an electric cooperative workshop, there is a universal element of education. The foundation of education challenges us to THINK – critically, creatively and independently.
Education teaches us to research, to solve problems, to ask questions, to seek answers, to acknowledge mistakes, to try again, to be lifelong learners, to know history and be brave enough to do better.
Each February, North Dakota Living is proud to shine a spotlight on education, because it’s that important.
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Josh Kramer, editor-in-chief of North Dakota Living, is executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. Contact him at jkramer@ndarec.com.
