Governor Rhoden Proclaims National Apprenticeship Week, Apr 26

South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation

123 W. Missouri Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 StartTodaySD.com

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Media Contact: Dawn Dovre, 605-773-3101

Governor Rhoden Proclaims National Apprenticeship Week   PIERRE, S.D. - Governor Larry Rhoden has proclaimed April 26 - May 2, 2026, as National Apprenticeship Week in South Dakota, recognizing the essential role registered apprenticeships play in helping South Dakotans gain in-demand skills while strengthening the state's workforce. "Apprenticeships create real opportunities for South Dakotans to build meaningful careers, and they meet workforce needs of our growing industries," said Governor Rhoden. "We are making it easier for businesses to develop talent and for workers to succeed right here at home." In February 2026, Governor Rhoden signed Senate Bill 63 into law, establishing the State Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Labor and Regulation. This landmark legislation designates South Dakota as a State Apprenticeship Agency, bringing the authority and oversight of registered apprenticeship programs closer to the employers and workers they serve. A celebration event will be held in Sioux Falls on Thursday, April 30, as part of the state's annual Apprenticeship Summit. The event will recognize the impact of employers and program sponsors who offer registered apprenticeships, as well as apprentices who have completed their programs within the past year. The summit will also highlight South Dakota's transition to a State Apprenticeship Agency and the expanded opportunities it creates for businesses and workers statewide while streamlining the "earn-while-you-learn" model. "Becoming a State Apprenticeship Agency is a major step forward for South Dakota," said state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. "It allows us to be more responsive to industry needs, expand apprenticeship into new sectors, and support employers and apprentices with a system built right here at home." As South Dakota celebrates National Apprenticeship Week alongside America's 250th birthday, the state honors a time-tested model that has shaped generations of skilled

workers. By combining hands-on learning with classroom instruction guided by industry, registered apprenticeships continue to grow talent and strengthen communities. Visit StartTodaySD.com to learn more about the celebration event and how to become an apprentice or business sponsor.