"Few cultures have been engineered like the one military veterans have been a part of and even fewer focus entirely on mission achievement, cooperation and personal development. The fact is that there is no culture in the world that shapes people in the way the military does." - Jon Davis, retired Marine sergeant and current hiring manager. [via Business Insider]

There are benefits of having employees with the qualities a veteran possesses.

Leadership - The military trains people to accept and discharge responsibility for other people, for activities, for resources and for one's own behavior. This training includes setting an example, giving carefully considered direction, inspiring leadership capabilities in others and continually motivating others.

Ability to Give and Follow Direction - Service members know how to work under supervision and can relate and respond favorably to others. They understand accountability for their actions and for their subordinates' actions. They have learned to respect and accept legitimate authority.

Security Clearances - Many military personnel have achieved some level of security clearance. This clearance can, at least, demonstrate that an individual is recognized as a trustworthy person.

Emphasis on Safety - Service members understand the considerable cost in lives, property and objectives when safety is ignored. Both the control and the emphasis on safety are valued in the civilian work force.

Have you ever thought about posting a job with veterans preference? Contact a veterans' representative at your nearest DLR local office for more information.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has issued a proclamation to recognize Registered Apprenticeship Week on Nov. 14-18, designed to promote the importance of apprenticeship training and the essential role it plays in the educational development and diversification of South Dakota’s workforce.

Through an ApprenticeshipUSA grant initiative, DLR was recently awarded $700,000 to fund the South Dakota Apprenticeships Build Careers (SD ABC) project. The project will increase the number of pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships in healthcare, skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. [read more]

The state minimum wage will increase from $8.55/hour to $8.65/hour effective Jan. 1, 2017.

The minimum wage is annually adjusted by any increase in the cost of living, as measured in the Consumer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor. This year's increase was 1.06 percent and is rounded up to the nearest five cents.

The hourly minimum wage for tipped employees will be $4.325/hour effective Jan. 1, 2017, half the minimum wage for non-tipped employees. Wages and tips combined must equal at least the minimum wage.

Visit our website for more information. Updates regarding youth minimum wage changes will be forthcoming.

Antitrust Guidance for HR Professionals

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DLR Employer Connection
October - November 2016