Labor Department Awarded $847,000 to Expand Apprenticeships
Labor Department Awarded $847,000 to Expand Apprenticeships
PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) was recently awarded an $847,000 State Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s ApprenticeshipUSA program.
Funding will be used to expand the number of pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships in South Dakota. Businesses may apply for up to a maximum of $30,000 in funding to help offset the initial start-up costs when developing a new program.
“The apprenticeship training model combines work-based learning with related classroom instruction using the highest industry standards,” said state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. “Registered Apprenticeships are a great way for businesses to build a quality workforce with the exact skills they need to fill their openings.”
Priority will be given to programs offering training in information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business services, hospitality, utilities and agriculture. 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 will also be given priority.
“Through these efforts, we intend to add 200 active apprentices by the fall of 2020,” said Secretary Hultman. “We have a pool of untapped workers ready to learn new skills, and now is a great time for businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Applications will be accepted from Aug. 1 through Oct. 19. To download the application, instructions and key factor incentives, visit StartTodaySD.com.
South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation
123 W. Missouri Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
