MINOT, N.D. – A local organization is hoping to encourage area students to pursue careers in the building industry by offering the Dana Ebel Memorial scholarship.

The Minot Association of Builders is offering $500 to area seniors who are looking to pursue a career in areas like engineering or architecture.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, building jobs are expected to grow nearly four percent over the next ten years.

Members of the association hope the scholarship helps that growth continue here in North Dakota.

“It’s really important because kinda the trades and the skilled labor field is aging out a little bit so we do need — these younger people to get into the field whether it’s through apprenticeships or — trade schools anything like that,” Executive Officer Erika Kelly said.