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South Dakota e-Labor Bulletin

November 2019

Utilizing Apprenticeships to Help Address Workforce Issues

South Dakota celebrated Registered Apprenticeship Week Nov. 11-17 as proclaimed by Gov. Kristie Noem. See the proclamation.

“Apprenticeships help bridge the skills gap and equip folks with the tools they need to work high-paying, in-demand jobs right here in South Dakota,” said Noem. “It’s important we highlight the value of apprenticeship opportunities, and I’m hopeful this week will make more people aware of the ways an apprenticeship could open new doors for them.”

Over the past three years, the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has received $1.6 million in apprenticeship grant funding. It has provided incentive funding to businesses to help offset the initial start-up costs when developing a new program.

“This program has been successful because employers provide their own innovative solutions, resulting in a higher-skilled workforce,” said Noem. “We’ll continue working to bolster our work-based learning programs and expand career opportunities.”

Results from the 2018 incentive funding include 17 new programs, 300 new apprentices, and an increase of 15 percent in the number of female apprentices. Programs designed to increase engagement for under-represented populations such as females, Native Americans, limited-English proficient individuals, youth ages 16 to 24 and individuals with disabilities were given priority.

“Our vision is to provide South Dakota businesses with a proactive strategy to engage individuals in their communities, improve skill sets, and meet workforce needs,” said state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman.

On Nov. 15, another 20 businesses and organizations were provided $370,000 in incentive funding to help expand the number of Registered Apprenticeship programs in South Dakota. Learn more about the incentive funding.

Apprenticeship opportunities are available in a full range of fields—from construction and commercial trades to healthcare and service. Programs recently started in South Dakota range from occupations like brew master and organic farmer to butcher and glass blower.

To learn more about how to be an apprentice or business sponsor, or to find student opportunities, visit StartTodaySD.com.