"Ukrainian Refugees Find Employment in North Dakota's Oil Fields"

Ukrainian refugees who fled their homeland due to Russia's war are moving to North Dakota to work in the oil fields, attracted by workforce shortages. A pilot program called Uniting for Ukraine, in collaboration with the North Dakota Petroleum Council's Bakken Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers program, has brought 16 Ukrainian refugees to North Dakota, with 12 more scheduled to arrive soon. The program aims to provide humanitarian support while addressing workforce needs. The oil boom in the Bakken oil field initially attracted workers from across the country, but a downturn in the energy sector and other economic shocks led to workforce shortages. The Uniting for Ukraine initiative offers support in finding work, housing, healthcare, and education for Ukrainian refugees.