Workforce Training Programs
Workforce Development and Training Opportunities
A skilled workforce is one of the most important factors for business success, and both Pierre and the State of South Dakota offer a variety of workforce training programs designed to support both employers and employees.
One local workforce training incentive is a partnership between PEDCO and the City of Pierre to create a first-in-state Build Dakota Scholarship match grant program. When a student qualifies for a Build Dakota scholarship AND has an industry sponsor, all of the student’s program-related expenses are covered, and the business gets a commitment from the student to work for them for at least three years after graduation. Students complete a contract with the business separate from the Build Dakota contract.
Businesses work directly with the technical institutes regarding the terms of these agreements. The approximate breakdown of funding a student’s scholarship is: Build Dakota (50%); Industry Sponsor (25%); PEDCO/Pierre (25%).
