Northwest Minnesota is home to a resilient, skilled and highly productive workforce rooted in strong regional values and a culture of hard work. The area boasts a balanced mix of experienced professionals and emerging talent, thanks to a network of technical colleges, workforce centers and training programs aligned with local industry needs. Institutions like University of Minnesota, Crookston, Northland Community & Technical College and Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) provide specialized programs that support manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and more. Workforce development is further strengthened by the Northwest Private Industry Council and CareerForce locations in cities like Thief River Falls, Bemidji and Moorhead. From advanced industries to regional agriculture, this dynamic labor force drives innovation and supports sustainable economic growth.

Eastern North Dakota offers a vibrant and dependable workforce supported by a regionally connected education system and a deep-rooted agricultural and industrial heritage. The region is anchored by two major research universities — North Dakota State University (NDSU), located in Fargo, and the University of North Dakota (UND), located in Grand Forks. NDSU is renowned for its excellence in agriculture, engineering and business, while UND is a leader in aerospace, energy, healthcare and unmanned systems education. Complementing these institutions are outstanding technical colleges like Lake Region State College, which offers workforce-driven training programs in high-demand fields. Local career academies, including the Cass County Career and Technical Education Center and the Grand Forks Career Impact Academy, play a pivotal role in preparing high school students and adult learners for regional workforce opportunities. Backed by strategic initiatives from Job Service North Dakota and the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, eastern North Dakota continues to foster talent pipelines that power business growth and innovation.