17 new registered apprenticeship programs approved

The U.S. Dept. of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship has signed the standards for 17 new programs. Upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship program, the apprentice receives an industry-issued, nationally recognized credential certifying occupational proficiency.

“Apprenticeships give students the chance to step outside the classroom and put knowledge to work,” said Gov. Kristi Noem. “I’m thrilled to see South Dakota businesses expanding opportunities that bolster workforce needs and expose young people to in-demand jobs.”

“A Registered Apprenticeship provides a unique combination of structured learning with on-the-job training from an assigned mentor,” said state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. “Apprenticeships are a great way for businesses to build a quality workforce with the exact skills they need.”

Despite myths apprenticeships are only in the trades occupations, opportunities are available in thousands of industries – from construction and commercial trades to healthcare and service industries. Nationally, there is a network of over 150,000 employers in more than 1,000 occupations.

“It’s great to see a variety of programs come together so quickly that will provide South Dakotans new opportunities,” said Secretary Hultman. “These employers have stepped up to provide their own innovative solutions to their workforce needs.”

Industry associations, higher-education institutions, organizations and other workforce intermediaries can be Registered Apprenticeship sponsors. A business can be a sponsor and manage all aspects the program, or partner with an established sponsor. For every dollar spent on apprenticeships, employers receive approximately $1.47 return on investment.

Organizations and occupations approved include:

• Aberdeen Fire & Rescue, paramedic 
• Applied Engineering, machinist
• Bear Butte Gardens, diversified organic vegetable farm manager
• Dynamic Engineering, machinist
• Howe Inc., HVAC
• Huron Regional Medical Center, LPN
• Independent Health Solutions, home health aide
• Lake Area Technical Institute, welder 
• LemmonMade, Inc., all around butcher
• LIV Hospitality, lodge manager
• Midstates Group, web press operator
• Paramedics Plus, paramedic 
• Regional Technical Education Center, industrial maintenance technician 
• Scott Peterson Motors, master certified automotive technician 
• Select Construction, carpenter 
• Sturgis Brewing Company, professional brewer
• Yankton EMS, paramedic 

To learn more about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships visit StartTodaySD.com.