Gov. Rhoden Announces Expansion of Youth Apprenticeships

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Announces Expansion of Youth Apprenticeships

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the expansion of youth apprenticeships for high school students.

"Apprenticeships help South Dakotans get into the career of their dreams, and that's even more important for young South Dakotans," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Apprenticeships allow employers to be in the driver's seat when meeting their workforce needs. And they open doors for our students to find work and opportunities right here in South Dakota - all while continuing their education."

Currently, only a handful of South Dakota's high schools have begun implementing apprenticeships. With this expansion, Governor Rhoden is creating the ability for all high schools to open up apprenticeship opportunities.

This past session, the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) brought legislation to set up a State Apprenticeship Agency, Senate Bill 63, which Governor Rhoden signed in February. This is another bill that Governor Rhoden highlighted in his State of the State address that is already producing results. Today, he brought that a step further by expanding youth apprenticeships and announcing the creation of a new apprenticeship coordinator position.

One of the biggest gaps in youth apprenticeships is the inability for schools to connect apprenticeship opportunities with their unique curriculum. The new apprenticeship coordinator will bridge that gap, working with South Dakota high schools to create apprenticeship opportunities that work best for them. This will include expanding pre-apprenticeships, CTE apprenticeship, and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.

"Each school is different - and that's a good thing! In South Dakota, we value local control, and now each school will be able to tailor apprenticeships to students' specific needs," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "I am grateful to the school districts, businesses, and training providers who are working with us to create these opportunities for our students."

Governor Rhoden made this announcement at the Start Today SD Apprenticeship Summit. This event was hosted by DLR to celebrate the achievements and impact that the Registered Apprenticeship Program has had in South Dakota. The event included a graduation ceremony recognizing those that have completed their apprenticeships and an awards program to highlight outstanding sponsors, employers, and mentors. You can find photos from the Summit here and here.

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