We've all made mistakes in our lives. Bad decisions. Wrong turns. Moments we wish we could redo. But those mistakes don't have to define who we are — or limit where we're going.

On this episode, we're diving into a newer program from Job Service North Dakota called JP3 — a program built on second chances and new beginnings. JP3 is designed to help individuals move beyond their past choices and reconnect with meaningful employment and opportunity.

We'll begin with a message from Executive Director Pat Bertingolli and Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation Colby Braun, sharing how the JP3 program came to life and why this partnership matters.

Then, we'll head to our Fargo office to hear firsthand from JP3 client Cody and JP3 Advisor Trisha Thomas about the real impact this program is making.

Second chances. Real support. New opportunities.

Employers ~ You should also watch our webinar Breaking Barriers: Hiring Justice Involved Individuals.

Today, we're coming to you from an exciting new hub of opportunity and innovation — the Career Innovation Center (CIC) in Fargo. As one of the newest Career and Technical Education centers in North Dakota, the CIC serves students from Fargo, West Fargo, Northern Cass, and Central Cass school districts, creating powerful pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

What makes this CTE center especially unique is its strong partnership with North Dakota State College of Science — a collaboration that gives students access to advanced training, real-world experience, and college-level opportunities while still in high school. It's a bold example of how Career and Technical Education continues to evolve to meet workforce needs and prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers.

Today on The Job Pod, we're joined by two leaders helping drive that vision forward: Dr. Denise Jonas, CTE Director of the Cass County Career & Technical Education Consortium, and Shanda Cool, Work-Based Learning Coordinator. We'll talk about the impact of the CIC, the power of partnerships, and how innovative CTE programs are helping build the future workforce.

Visit Career Innovation Center for more information.

What happens when a community comes together for its students? Grand Forks didn't just support Career and Technical Education—they invested in it. As North Dakota expands CTE centers statewide, Grand Forks stepped up to match federal funds and bring the Career Impact Academy (CIA) to life. In this episode, we're joined by Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, to talk about why CTE matters, how students are becoming choice ready, and what this means for the future of the workforce and the community. Visit https://cia.gfschools.org/ to find out more about the Career Impact Academy.

What does civility at work really look like—and why does it matter so much? Today, Dusty is exploring how everyday behavior shapes workplace culture and what we can all do to improve it. Dusty recently heard Susan Williams, a trainer with The Village Family Service Center, speak to the Grand Forks local HR association, and her insights were too good not to share.

Learn more about The Village Family Service Center at https://www.thevillagefamily.org/.

One of the goals of the Job Pod is to introduce you to employers who are doing things right. In this episode, Dusty heads to Fargo and sits down with Cole Mercier, Communications Manager, and Teri Winkelman, Talent Acquisition Manager at DSG Supply. They give you a closer look and share what makes DSG Supply a great place to work—and why their team is proud to be there.

Today's guest on The Job Pod is here to shed light on the world of home health and hospice—what it is, what kind of school or training required, why it matters, and how it impacts families and communities.

Keisha Spitzer, an experienced RN and the director of CHI Health at Home and Hospice in Breckenridge, Minnesota, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation.

In honor of Veterans Day, Dusty sits down with Sue Grollimund and Adessa Bentley to talk about employment and what that can look like when you are the spouse of a military veteran. They discuss the unique challenges military spouses face when it comes to finding — and keeping — meaningful employment, as well as the incredible strengths and skills they bring to any workplace.

Most people don't realize that many military spouses need to work, yet they often face obstacles most civilians never consider. With service members relocating every two to three years, military spouses are frequently labeled as "job hoppers" — not by choice, but by circumstance. From transferring professional licenses across state lines, to continuing education, to facing bias in the hiring process, the road isn't easy.

But behind every challenge lies opportunity. Military spouses possess a wealth of experience, adaptability, and resilience — qualities any employer would value.

Sue and Adessa share their stories, insights, and advice for both military spouses navigating their careers and employers looking to tap into this exceptional talent pool.

On this episode of the Job Pod, Dusty talks and learns about bioscience. Dusty sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jeremy Houser — founder of the nonprofit Houser Labs — to dive into the cutting edge of bioscience, innovation, and how science can serve ND communities.

Dr. Houser shares his journey, the mission behind Houser Labs, and what the future of bioscience holds.

Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
🎧 #JobPod #jobsnd #Bioscience #HouserLabs #STEM