News

Business leaders discuss challenges, legislative successes at Missoula roundtable

September 8, 2017 /

MATR Sponsor (view all)

The MDT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program encourages and supports the participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts.

You can’t just show up for work at NorthWestern Energy and head out to repair power lines or natural gas pipes on the first day on the job. It takes years of experience, and that’s why the utility has a five-year apprenticeship program. However, as baby boomers within the company begin to retire, the company is facing a shortage of veteran workers.

"Where we are challenged and going to be over the next several years is we are losing a huge number of folks to retirement," said Steve Clawson, community relations manager for the company. "We have a lot of expertise walking out the door. How do you replace 40 years of experience with somebody brand-new? And safety is a big part of that."

DAVID ERICKSON [email protected]

http://missoulian.com/news/local/business-leaders-discuss-challenges-legislative-successes-at-missoula-roundtable/article_c288dc4a-11b5-5f44-ab12-558790773122.html