Resources & Support for the South Dakota Apprenticeship Program

Wherever you are in the Registered Apprenticeship process, we have the resources and support for you

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) offer a successful workforce training model and a wide variety of apprenticeable occupations. Registered Apprenticeship Policy 5.51 outlines the National Apprenticeship System, RAP components, and other details for RAPs.

To better support and expand RAPs across South Dakota, Start Today SD has resources available to support businesses, sponsors, apprentices, and journey-level mentors with training costs of RAPs. We’ve outlined a couple options below. Please visit the Start Today SD Financial Services Policy for details.

Registered Apprenticeship Program Development and Expansion Incentives

Registered Apprenticeship Program Development and Expansion Incentives

Start Today SD offers financial support for new and existing sponsors to alleviate upfront costs for development and expansion of building Registered Apprenticeship programs. *Applications are currently closed and will reopen in November 2023.*

Employers or organizations wanting to DEVELOP a NEW RAP

Employers or organizations wanting to DEVELOP a NEW RAP

These one-time incentives for up to $15,000 are for applicants looking to become Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor. Employers, education or training providers, community organization, or industry associations are encouraged to apply.

Current RAP Sponsors wanting to EXPAND existing RAPs [add additional occupation(s)]

Current RAP Sponsors wanting to EXPAND existing RAPs [add additional occupation(s)]

These one-time incentives for up to $10,000 are for sponsors already registered with U.S. DOL who want to expand their program to include additional occupation(s). Current Registered Apprenticeship sponsors are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY FOR THE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP NEW PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT OR EXPANSION INCENTIVE

Registered Apprenticeship Program Incentive Applications for Cohort One are closed. Applications for Cohort Two funding will open in November 2023. Please contact StartToday@state.sd.us for further assistance.

  • Please complete the  Program Development and Expansion application. (While submissions of applications are currently closed, you can still view the application to aid in preparation.)
  • Before submitting your application, you will need to prepare:
  1. Program information including the on-the-job learning provider and related instruction provider.
  2. Application Narrative including program vision, workforce needs addressed, partnerships, and sustainability plan.

 

Financial Services to Support Registered Apprentices

  • Start Today SD will work to support sponsors, employers providing on-the-job learning, apprentices, and journey-level mentor during the initial six-month training period. Related Instruction funding is available to help offset the educational component of Registered Apprenticeships.
  • Wage reimbursement available for both the journey-level mentor and apprentice wages.
  • Incentives for journey-level mentors for their efforts to train the future workforce. Supportive services are available to help to offset costs associated with work, such as tools, uniforms, transportation, childcare, etc.

To apply for financial services

These efforts are designed to support new and existing registered apprenticeship programs and apprentices. The Start Today Team offers technical assistance and support no matter where you are at in the process. It has never been easier to develop or expand your Registered Apprenticeship program.

Past Awards

Get in the know about incentives and past awards.

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Start Today SD

Be An Apprentice

Be An Apprentice

Instant Career.
Instant Paycheck.

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Be a business sponsor

Be a business sponsor

Build a qualified workforce. Reduce turnover.

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Find Student Opportunities

Find Student Opportunities

Registered Apprenticeships “Earn While You Learn”

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Businesses could apply for funding to help offset the initial start-up costs when developing a new program. Learn More.