Williston, N.D., May 28th - Ten students from Transportation Instructor and TAACCCT Grant Director Brian Rencher's Diesel Technology program toured Gooseneck Implement to showcase potential job opportunities May 6th. In addition to Gooseneck, Rencher and his class have visited five other businesses around the Williston area. "After speaking with our advisory committee as to why students were not seeking employment within dealerships and only going towards smaller businesses we discovered our students were feeling intimidated by their size," Rencher explained. "We decided from there to schedule field trips with local dealerships so students would be able to experience what working on their level would be like."

Greeted with a hot breakfast and warm sweatshirts, Gooseneck Implement's hospitality was felt throughout the two-hour tour of the facility.  The history and success of Gooseneck Implement as was explained by its Store Manager Brad Meyer while their recruiter from Minot, Dan Stadick, made the trip to explain employment information and opportunities. "Gooseneck Implement has been doing business as a John Deere dealer for almost 41 years, beginning in Kenmare, ND and expanding in Northwest North Dakota," Meyer explained. "The most recent addition of Williston in 2010 creates a great opportunity to service the needs throughout NW North Dakota and NE Montana."

Students learned about work on large agriculture machinery and Gooseneck Implement's processes and procedures by walking through their facility and meeting with Chris Muse, a John Deere Master Technician and seeing first hand his current projects. Additionally, they met Dean Benth, Gooseneck Implements Service Manager. "The commitment these businesses are showing to WSC and the transportation program by investing in the future Williston workforce is exciting," Rencher explained.

Additionally, impressed by Meyer's knowledge of the agriculture industry and the dealerships modern and organized facility, Rencher was fascinated by Gooseneck Implement's commitment to their customer service. "For Gooseneck, we really get to show the students a world-class diesel shop.  We were also provided a platform to discuss our commitment to our customers," Stadick stated.  "Taking care of our customer is a top priority and is something that all of our employees work towards together."

Gooseneck's interest in employing WSC graduates is really a testament to their teacher. "These students are receiving instruction in the Diesel technology field from a fantastic instructor in Brian Rencher, so we know they will have a great understanding of the diesel engine when they come to work for us." Gooseneck considers their relationship with local schools to be critical and important for their future. "There is a strong value with WSC Students to our organization in the Williston and Stanley area because they are (for the most part) from the region and are aware of the challenges of living in the Bakken area," Stadick explained.

For more information contact, Brian Rencher at 701.339.5383
or for other information regarding Williston State, visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.