Career Launch SD needs business partners to provide education and career tools to youth ages 16-24. We’re creating partnerships to give students exposure to more work opportunities to make informed decisions about future careers. The more hands-on a learning experience is, the more likely a student is to get excited about the industry. 

Many training opportunities exist, such as:

• Registered Apprenticeships
• Internships and work experiences
• Job shadowing
• Informational interviews
• Classroom presentations
• Career and post-high fairs

As a partner, you’ll expose your industry to youth who may not know certain fields exist. You’ll raise career awareness to help youth succeed and reach their potential. You’ll build a positive reputation and may even end up with full-time, permanent employees. 

Career Advisors will help you create work experiences. They’ll also work with students on soft skills, monitor students, and promote your job openings. Your time investment can range from one hour providing an informational interview to several months providing an internship to 2,000 hours offering a Registered Apprenticeship.

Career Launch SD is a no cost service to build your workforce pipeline and increase employee retention. Fill out the form at careerlaunchsd.com to express your interest, and we will meet with you personally to get you started. 

Soft Skills Training Available to Employers

DLR is offering eight-hour soft skills training workshops across the state. "Bring Your 'A' Game to Work" will be delivered at no cost through various education providers. 

The curriculum teaches desired workplace behaviors leading to personal and professional success through activities and group participation. Behaviors include attendance, appearance, attitude, ambition, accountability, acceptance and appreciation.

"As I've visited with business and community leaders across the state, a primary concern is lack of soft skills, especially in the younger workforce,” said state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. “This can include knowing to show up to work on time, how to cooperate with others and what is considered acceptable appearance.”

After completing the training, participants test over the seven behaviors to earn a Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency. This transferable certificate can be used with multiple employers and shows hiring managers an employee is work ready.

“Several communities have offered the soft skills workshops to high school seniors,” said Secretary Hultman. “When asked how they would implement their new skills, replies ranged from smiling at customers to showing more appreciation to co-workers.”

The “Bring Your ‘A’ Game to Work” training was created by The Center for Work Ethic Development of Denver. Businesses wishing to arrange training for employees should contact their local job service office. Visit sdjobs.org for a directory and list of upcoming events.