North Dakota State University Extension is committed to preparing the North Dakota workforce for online opportunities for remote employment, and to help in this effort, it has partnered with Utah State University Extension to offer the Master Remote Work Professional Certification Program.

“This educational program is designed to equip workers with the tools and skills needed to work from home as a remote worker, freelancer or entrepreneur,” says Marie Hvidsten, NDSU Extensionrural leadership specialist.

“When you combine some of the benefits of remote work for individuals, which includes lower stress, advancement opportunities and better work-life balance, with the benefits for businesses, such as lower overhead and recruiting costs, and environmental sustainability, remote work can have benefits for all,” she adds.

“Remote work can even have significant benefits to rural communities,” says Jodi Bruns, NDSU Extension leadership and civic engagement specialist. “Remote work can stimulate job creation, strengthen the tax base and empower families to spend more high-quality time together, instead of time commuting to jobs in a larger city.

“Whether you’re a professional seeking remote work or a business ready to hire a virtual workforce, this program can help prepare you to join the remote workforce,” Bruns says.

The program consists of nine core modules, which are delivered in a self-paced, online format, and four interactive workshops.

Upon completing this program, participants will join a growing online community of remote work professionals who support each other by sharing best practices and job opportunities.

The cost of the course is $249, but NDSU Extension is offering a $199 scholarship for the first 100 North Dakotans who take the Master Remote Work Professional Certification Program. The final cost is $50 to take the course with this scholarship opportunity.

For more information, course dates and registration information, go to https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/lead/remotework/remote-work-certification-program.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Aug. 3, 2020