South Dakota

South Dakota offers various programs to support job training, workforce development, and youth career exploration. Programs like the Workforce Training Program and On-the-Job Training (OJT) provide financial assistance for training, helping individuals and businesses build a skilled workforce tailored to state industry needs.

Workforce Training Program

• Purpose: Provides tuition assistance for job training to secure employment.
• Eligibility: Individuals in need of training to secure employment in approved programs.
• Benefit: Tuition assistance for eligible individuals.
• Application: Through the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR).
• More info: Focuses on high-wage and high-demand jobs upon completion of training.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

• Purpose: Supports employers in training new employees.
• Eligibility: Employers willing to provide on-the-job training.
• Benefit: Reimbursement for a portion of wages during the training period.
• Application: Through the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
• More info: Can be used alongside registered apprenticeship programs.

Registered Apprenticeships

• Purpose: Develops highly skilled workers through structured training programs.
• Eligibility: Employers interested in implementing apprenticeship programs.
• Benefit: Flexible training programs that combine on-the-job and classroom instruction.
• Application: Through the U.S. Department of Labor, facilitated by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
• More info: Tailored to meet specific business needs and industry demands.

Career Launch SD

• Purpose: Raises youth awareness about career options through workplace opportunities.
• Eligibility: Businesses willing to provide training opportunities for youth.
• Benefit: Access to a potential future workforce and increased industry exposure.
• Application: Through the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
• More info: Includes opportunities like job shadows, internships, and apprenticeships.

Note: While South Dakota’s Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) also supports job growth and offers financing opportunities for businesses, contacting the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation or GOED can provide the most current information on specific programs.