EVENTS

Explore upcoming events and browse our gallery of past gatherings. Our events bring together industry leaders, apprentices, and educators to share insights, celebrate milestones, and shape the future of our workforce.

Upcoming Events

 

Liberty + Labor: The 2026 South Dakota Apprenticeship Summit

Join Start Today SD as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and the 250th birthday of America! This year’s theme, Liberty + Labor, honors the freedom to build your own future through the power of Registered Apprenticeships.

We are gathering to recognize the incredible impact apprenticeships have on our state’s economy, our businesses, and our people. Whether you are an employer, an educator, or a future professional, the summit is an opportunity to celebrate with those dedicated to strengthening our state’s workforce.

 

🗓 WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2026

🕜 TIME: 1:30– 4 p.m. CDT

📍 WHERE: Sioux Falls

🎟 RSVP: tinyurl.com/AppSummit26-RSVP

 

Event Highlights:

Keynote Speakers: Hear from industry leaders on the future of South Dakota Apprenticeships.

Apprentice Graduation: Join us in honoring the newest class of skilled professionals.

Sponsor Showcase: Network with the champions of South Dakota’s workforce.

Awards Ceremony: Honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions have significantly enhanced the impact of apprenticeship.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the freedom to work and the liberty to grow. RSVP today at the link above. We look forward to seeing you there!

Past Event Gallery

 

Ready to grow your workforce

APPLY WORKSHOP

APPLY is your one-stop-shop to explore, design, and take the first steps toward building a customized Registered Apprenticeship Program that strengthens your talent pipeline and supports long-term success.

  • Learn how apprenticeships close workforce gaps.
  • Get hands-on support from apprenticeship experts.
  • Leave with a customized plan to launch your program.
  • Access funding, resources, and proven success models.

Teacher Apprenticeship Event and Update

Group picture of paraprofessionals, at the kick off for the third cohort of the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway.

In 2025, the South Dakota’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) has grown significantly and created a measurable impact on the state’s education workforce. The program currently supports 160 paraprofessionals working toward full teacher certification, with 59 total graduates since its launch. Of those, 41 have signed teaching contracts and are now employed in 31 public school districts and three private schools. In July 2025, the state launched a third TAP cohort with 80 candidates selected from around 50 school districts. These efforts are helping to close the teacher shortage gap: South Dakota reported 144 unfilled teaching positions in July 2025, a steady decrease from 202 in 2024 and 256 in 2023.

Why wait? Start today.

CONNECT NOW.