Pierre-based River Cities Public Transit is one of 14 recipients of $10,000 grants from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation to expand the number of Registered Apprenticeships Programs in South Dakota.
Jess Marlow with RCPT says they are developing a driver apprenticeship program to develop CDL drivers. He says they have CDL certified trainers on staff and hope to fully roll out their program in the next couple of months.
Businesses, registered apprenticeship sponsors and education and training providers could apply for up to $10,000 in incentive funding to help offset the initial start-up costs when developing a new program. Priority was given to 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.
The 14 businesses receiving the $10,000 grants are:
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Angelhaus: behavioral health aide
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Howe Inc.: fire sprinkler fitter
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HRMC: information technology specialist
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Independent Health Solutions: community health worker
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Lester Robbins: concrete construction laborer
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North American Drainage: trench technician, equipment operator, ag construction contractor
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River Cities Public Transit: Driver, CDL and non-CDL
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Roger’s Pharmacy: pharmacy technician
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Rosenbauer America: paint technician
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Rosenbauer America: welder
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Stems LLC: specialty crop farm worker
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Temperature Technology, Inc.: electrician, HVAC service technician
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Venner Farms: farm worker
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Wheeler Manufacturing: press shop technician
State Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman says registered apprenticeships are a great way for businesses to build a quality workforce with the exact skills they need to fill their openings. She says there is a pool of untapped workers ready to learn new skills, and this will expand training opportunities for them, especially in rural communities.
Award recipients will work with DLR staff the next few months to develop their programs and submit to the US Department of Labor for approval by National Apprenticeship Week celebrated in November. The US DOL Apprenticeship State Expansion Grant funds 100% of this initiative.
For more information on apprenticeships, visit StartTodaySD.com.
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