Thank you for Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

Every year in November, we showcase the successes and celebrate the value and importance of Registered Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week. 

In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem  proclaimed Nov. 13-19, 2023, as Registered Apprenticeship Week. 

“South Dakota continues to have historically low unemployment rates leading to workforce challenges,” said Governor Noem. “Apprenticeships provide South Dakotans the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job training while also continuing to earn an income to support their families.” 

Registered apprenticeships combine work-based learning with classroom instruction based on industry needs and standards. Many businesses have developed registered apprenticeship programs to train employees and provide opportunities for South Dakotans to remain in their home communities for work.

We’re started the festivities early in South Dakota with an Apprenticeship Celebration Event in Pierre on Wednesday, Nov. 8, with panel who shared their experiences, a graduation ceremony for apprentices, plus awards for Outstanding Apprentice, Mentor and Sponsor.

During the week we opened up another round of funding and hosted the Start Today SD Opportunities Webinar, covering registered apprenticeship programs and funding to develop, expand, and support programs in South Dakota. A recording of the webinar will be available soon on our Events page.

On our Start Today Facebook page, apprentices and sponsors shared their registered apprenticeship experiences in their own words.