The increasing Hispanic population has brought about significant changes in various sectors, particularly in healthcare. As Spanish becomes more prevalent across the United States, the demand for bilingual professionals is on the rise. In North Dakota, this trend is no exception. Over the past two decades, the need for Spanish-speaking healthcare workers has surged, prompting educational institutions to adapt their programs accordingly.
In response to this growing demand, Bismarck State College (BSC) has introduced specialized Spanish courses tailored for future healthcare providers. According to Ryan Pitcher, an associate professor at BSC, the frequency of requests for translation services has increased dramatically since 2001. The college now offers a flexible learning environment where students can choose between in-person, online, or hybrid formats. Jessie Aull, one of the students enrolled in the course, expressed her enthusiasm about obtaining a Spanish certificate alongside her diploma, which will enhance her employability.
For aspiring healthcare professionals like Abigail Reinker, who plans to specialize in diagnostic medical sonography, mastering Spanish is not just beneficial—it's essential. The language skills acquired through these classes equip students with the ability to better communicate with and advocate for their patients. This proficiency opens doors to greater opportunities and enhances workplace diversity. Ultimately, the integration of Spanish into healthcare education reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and excellence in patient care.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Australia has received a distinguished accolade from the Top Employers Institute for 2025. This certification is based on an extensive survey covering various aspects of human resources and workplace culture, including strategic planning, employee development, diversity initiatives, and overall well-being. The recognition highlights CCEP's dedication to cultivating an environment where employees are respected, empowered, and encouraged to thrive. It also underscores the company's commitment to fostering a culture that prioritizes values, ethics, and inclusivity.
Commitment to Employee Well-being and Development
CCEP Australia's success in achieving top employer status reflects its unwavering focus on creating a supportive and empowering work environment. The organization has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction and career growth. By promoting a culture of respect and belonging, CCEP ensures that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts. This approach not only boosts individual performance but also strengthens the collective success of the company.
The company’s leadership emphasizes the importance of building a strong sense of community within the workplace. Vice President of People and Culture, Sally Byrne, expressed pride in the culture they have cultivated, where employees feel respected and empowered. She highlighted that this culture supports both individual and collective performance, underscoring the critical role employees play in driving business success. CCEP continues to invest in its people by providing opportunities for professional development and career advancement, ensuring that each team member can reach their full potential.
Global Vision for Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond local achievements, CCEP has set ambitious global goals to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion. The company aims to ensure that its workforce reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives. By setting targets such as having 45% of management positions held by women and 10% of the workforce represented by individuals with disabilities by 2030, CCEP demonstrates its commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment.
CCEP Australia, one of the largest beverage bottlers and distributors in the country, employs over 3,500 passionate professionals. The company’s global vision aligns with its local efforts to foster a welcoming and diverse workplace. CEO of the Top Employers Institute, David Plink, praised CCEP for consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. He noted that top employers like CCEP strive to enrich the world of work by fostering growth and well-being, even amidst rapid changes in technology, economics, and social landscapes. This recognition underscores CCEP's dedication to leading the way in creating a better future for its employees and the industry as a whole.
In a significant advancement for medical aviation infrastructure, Howell Construction, in partnership with Path21 Architecture & Planning, has successfully completed the construction of an advanced heliport facility at the North Suburban Medical Center (NSMC) in Thornton. The project encompasses a 5,000-square-foot area, featuring a spacious hangar and a comprehensive staff support center. This new facility is designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety, providing essential services for AirLife Denver while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing hospital activities.
Achieving Excellence in Medical Aviation Infrastructure
The newly constructed heliport facility, nestled within the bustling healthcare environment of Thornton, represents a major milestone for both Howell Construction and Path21 Architecture & Planning. The 3,000-square-foot hangar offers an open, column-free structure that facilitates helicopter maintenance and fueling operations. Adjacent to this is a 2,000-square-foot staff area equipped with modern amenities such as restrooms, laundry facilities, a lounge, and ample storage space, ensuring comfort and functionality for personnel.
The proximity to the active NSMC campus posed unique challenges, requiring stringent safety protocols to safeguard hospital staff, patients, and visitors. Close collaboration between the construction team and hospital personnel ensured smooth coordination of helicopter traffic, minimizing disruptions to medical operations. Extensive safety measures were implemented, including meticulous planning of helicopter takeoffs and landings, allowing construction activities to proceed without interference.
Todd Berry, Vice President of Howell Construction, expressed excitement about the successful partnership with Path21 Architecture & Planning. He emphasized that the heliport facility not only adds critical infrastructure to NSMC but also showcases the team's capability to execute complex projects with safety and efficiency as top priorities.
Founded in 1935, Howell Construction is a locally owned, full-service general contracting firm specializing in technically intensive and high-risk environments. The company provides construction management, design-build, and collaborative construction services across various sectors, including commercial, advanced industries, healthcare, corporate interiors, and public sector markets.
This project exemplifies Howell Construction's commitment to delivering innovative solutions in challenging settings, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the construction industry.
From a journalist's perspective, this development highlights the importance of integrating advanced infrastructure into existing medical facilities. It underscores the need for seamless collaboration between construction teams and healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and operational continuity. The successful completion of this heliport facility serves as a model for future projects, demonstrating how careful planning and execution can lead to significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure.