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Member Portal

BLACK HILLS WORKFORCE RESOURCES

The Black Hills region is home to a vibrant and diverse workforce. From skilled trades to healthcare to technology, there are opportunities for everyone. But finding the right job or training program can be daunting. Fortunately there is a strong regional workforce ecosystem to support the needs of businesses and job seekers.

These organizations throughout the Black Hills ecosystem are committed to helping people succeed in the workforce. There is a wide range of resources, including apprenticeships, job placement, training, and education. Whether you're looking for a new career or just want to upskill, we can help you find the resources you need to succeed.

Career Readiness

Apprenticeship Training

  • SD DLR Registered Apprenticeships
  • StartTodaySD - Part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship system, StartTodaySD helps meet the skilled workforce needs of industry. Nationally, the Registered Apprenticeship program has trained millions of qualified individuals for lifelong careers since 1937.
  • AETech Electrical Training Center provides a 4-month Apprentice training program that can be taken as an Electrical Apprenticeship educational course or as a source of education for a working apprentice, or as a pre-employment class to get a great start in the trade. The exam prep course has been of benefit for many working electricians as they prepare to take their Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor or Electrical Inspector licensing exams. They also provide continuing education classes on the National Electrical Code to help electricians meet their NEC Code CEU requirements for license renewal and to help them learn of code changes.
  • Apprenticeship USA - one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.
  • Human Learning Services - JobCorps - A residential education and vocational training program that is available at no cost to qualified youth ages 16 - 24. Provides training toward a GED or high school diploma and a skilled trade.
  • South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors offers members the opportunity to enroll their employees in its apprentice program. The SDAPHCC provides the curriculum and administers the program, while the member provides on-the job training.  In addition, the program has been approved by the Federal Department of Labor.
    • Apprenticeships available in plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal, and refrigeration.
    • Correspondence curriculum is approved by the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship Training
    • Program is approved for Post 9/11 Veteran's Education Benefits
  • Rapid Fire Protection, Inc. offers a nationally recognized earn while you learn four-year apprenticeship program.
  • Lineman Central Merchant Job Training & Safety Lineman Program is a distance-learning curriculum tailor-made for entry-level electric utility personnel. The program serves as related technical instruction for use in an apprenticeship program leading to journeyman certification when coupled with structured on-the-job training.
  • Dakotas Area Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Fund is a model education partnership which produces the best-trained and most up-to-date electrical apprentices and journeyworkers in the country. Electrical workers receive training in telecommunications wiring, fiber optics, fire alarms, programmable logic control, power quality, safe job practices, the National Electrical Code, and much, much more.
  • Midwestern Mechanical Trades Academy – Plumbing, HVAC & Fire Protection Apprentice Programs
  • Funding Sources for Registered Apprenticeship Programs - apprenticeships are a valuable talent development tool  but often require investment to make them successful. Check out these funding sources and strategies to help increase and expand your program.

 Job Placement & Employment Support Services

  • South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation
  • Rapid City Job Service Office provides and facilitates support, education and training to individuals seeking employment in South Dakota. They partner with government, non-profit, business and educational organizations to provide the tools and resources necessary for sustainable employment and economic self-sufficiency.
  • SDWorks is DLR’s online jobs database featuring job listings statewide.
  • Goodwill Job Center links job seekers to staff and technology to search and apply for jobs, improve computer skills and access community resources.
  • Senior Community Service Employment Program develops partnerships with non-profits and government agencies to provide individuals, age 55 or older, the opportunity for a valuable part-time work experiences and other training activities to become competitive in today’s workforce.
  • BlackHillsHelpWanted.com Black Hills-based regional job board hosted by RegionalHelpWanted.com.
  • Elevate Rapid City Career Center offers a premier job board to connect companies and job seekers. Investors of Elevate Rapid City can post a job for free. Contact us to learn how.

Staffing and Temp Agencies

  • Adecco USA develops a customized solution that can be scaled to meet a company's short-term and long-term workforce needs.
  • PeopleReady specializes in quick and reliable on-demand labor and highly-skilled workers. PeopleReady supports a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing and logistics, retail and hospitality.
  • Kelly Services helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work.

Higher Education and Career Training

Career & Specialty Training

  • Paul Mitchell Beauty School - Rapid City
  • South Dakota Barber College - graduate Barber College in 9 months with confidence, convenience, and a scholarship.
  • The Salon Professional Academy in Rapid City
  • Career Learning Center of the Black Hills
    • Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
      • National Farmworker Jobs Program - Participants must be at or below poverty income guidelines and be a seasonal or migrant farm or ranch worker for a minimum of 12 consecutive months in the last two years.
        • Services include: On-the-job training, English as a Second Language, Literacy/Adult Basic Education, GED, Customized Skills Training or Postsecondary Technical Education.
      • Workforce Connections program provides navigation support, mentoring, and advocacy to individuals pursuing adult education. Supports can include: Support Obtaining a GED®, Career Exploration, Mentoring to Pursue Further Education and Training, Assistance with Education and Training Expenses, Assistance with Other Emergency Expenses, Resource Navigation, Resume Development, Developing Interview Skills.
      • Community Education of the Black Hills provides affordable lifelong learning for all walks of life to enjoy classes in Languages, Arts, Body & Mind, History & Culture, Active Living, and much more. Learn a skill, discover a hobby, and meet new friends in many communities in the Black Hills region!
      • Great Plains Welding Academy is a customized training facility for students to learn the fundamentals for starting a successful and rewarding welding career. A student will receive 8 nationally recognized welder qualifications and a certificate of completion through GPWA upon completing 240 credit hours.
      • Black Hills School of Real Estate - This site provides information that can help you understand what's involved in starting down the path to becoming a Realtor®. The State of South Dakota has very specific requirements for Pre-Licensing and Licensing.
      • Hot Rod Institute is dedicated to providing a quality, specialized education to students with the passion and determination to achieve success in the Hot Rod and Specialty Automotive Industry.

Community & Technical Colleges / Colleges and Universities

Health Specific Education Resources

Finance Resources

Student & Talent Pipeline Development

Education

  • Rapid City Area Schools
    • College & Career Planning - High school is all about career-connected experiences in academic and Career & Technical Education courses that incorporate learning experiences with industry partners, opportunities to earn early college credit through advanced placement and dual credit, employment ready experiences such as jobs shadows, internships, service learning and/or qualifying for industry certifications. In addition, RCAS provides supports for college advising, application and scholarship applications, and campus visits.
    • RCAS Academies & Pathways - A pathway is a course of study housed with one of three academies (high school graduation requirements will be embedded) offered in Rapid City's two comprehensive high schools: Central High School and Stevens High School. Each pathway will include two or three courses organized around a career theme.
    • Work-Based Learning - Work-based and career-connected learning opportunities are a way for students to learn first-hand the demands, expectations, and preparation needed for a career in industry.

Youth Resources

  • Youth Job Training & Workforce Engagement
    • Project Skills – Black Hills Works is a paid work experience program for high school students with disabilities; providing students with opportunities to learn different employment skills in a variety of job placements.
    • Family Connections Center provides a variety of services for youth to access education, employment, and live independently. Serves individuals ages 16-24.
    • Job Corps is the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16–24.
  • Summer Job Placement
    • SD Department of Labor and Regulation Summer Passport Series involves virtual & in-person career workshops for ages 14-24 to provide opportunities for career exploration, job readiness and work-based learning.
  • Child Care Support
    • Youth & Family Services
      • YFS Child Development Center serves children, ages 4 weeks through third grade.
      • Home-Based Head Start is a federally funded, no-cost, parent-focused program that serves low-income children or children with disabilities, ages 0-5, and their families. Home visitors work with families on a weekly basis.
      • Rapid City Head Start offers no-cost preschool program that serves low-income children, ages 3-5, and their families.
  • Youth Engagement
    • Youth & Family Services
      • Girls Inc. of Rapid City - Operation SMART helps develop girls’ enthusiasm for and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
      • Middle School Program was designed with help from area youth to be a fun, safe, and engaging space for middle school youth. The programming incorporates balanced educational and recreational activities to enhance skills needed for positive youth development.
    • SD Mines
      • STEM Summer Camps offer a fun intro to science and engineering. These pre-college experiences are designed to expose students to how science works in the real world by providing exciting hands-on experiences.
      • Youth Programs include a variety of events and activities to bring together a wide audience of academics, professionals, and students.

Targeted Services

Military

  • Black Hills Wire - resource to both Air Force and National Guard servicemen and women, along with their families, filled with information and resources to get plugged into area organizations, use available discounts, and meet other people in the area.
  • Ellsworth AFB M&FRC supports and maintains mission readiness by assisting individuals and families with adaptation to the challenges and demands of the military lifestyle.
    • Employment Assistance Program supports military and family members, retirees, and DoD civilian employees in achieving short- and long-term employment and career goals through employment skills counseling, resources for self-employment, and education and training resources.
  • Military Spouses
  • Active-Duty Military & Transitioning Service Members
    • Skillbridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. 
    • Transition Assistance Program
  • Veterans
    • Veterans Business Outreach Center is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.
      • Boots2Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses.
      • South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation
      • Department of Veteran Affairs
        • TAP provides information, resources, and tools to Service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the move from military to civilian life. Service members begin TAP one year prior to separation, or two years prior to retiring.
        • Veterans’ Employment and Training Service
        • Veterans Employment Services - if you're a veteran or service member looking for your first civilian job after the military, wanting a career change, or hoping to start your own business, this is your go-to site for resources that will help you chart a new path.
        • Veteran-Owned Small Business Support If you have a Veteran-Owned Small Business, you may qualify for advantages when bidding on government contracts—along with access to other resources and support—through the Vets First Verification Program.
        • Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) (Formerly Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) - If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment can help.
        • Educational and Career Counseling (Chapter 36) -  offers free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit.
        • VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) supports Veterans and service members who are transitioning from military to college life, and certain qualified dependents.
        • Cornerstone Rescue Mission Veteran’s Ministry - Assistance provided by case managers ranges from replacing birth certificates and obtaining photo I.D.s to arranging for medical services, obtaining clothing and linking up with our services in the community.
        • Volunteers of America – Northern Rockies Veterans Outreach Center provides veterans and their families a safe place to connect during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It serves as a point of entry into the human services continuum of care for eligible veterans. Veteran Affairs case managers are on site by appointment to help veterans reintegrate into the community by connecting them with resources for housing, employment, healthcare and other basic life necessities.
        • Camp Rapid Family Readiness Group
        • Black Hills Military Advisory Coalition seeks to unify the voices of our community leaders to strengthen the connection between the military and community.
        • SD Mines Veteran Resource Center provides South Dakota Mines veterans with a relaxing place to study or simply connect with other campus veterans. Located on the lower level of the Surbeck Center near the student activities area, the VRC is sponsored jointly by South Dakota Mines and Western Nebraska Community College TRIO Veterans Upward Bound, a program funded by the Department of Education.

Native American Resources

  • Black Hills Center For American Indian Health is a non-profit organization focused on improving the health and wellness of American Indian tribes, communities, and peoples through research, service, education, and philanthropy.
  • Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Board is committed to improving health outcomes in Indian Country through advocacy, public health education, direct care, and epidemiological support.
  • Native American Heritage Association is committed to fighting hunger with emergency food supplies and basic life necessities.
  • Native American Nursing Education Center – South Dakota State University provides a place where Native American students achieve their dreams and aspirations of entering and transitioning to professional nursing roles, poised to promote health and well-being of Native people.
  • Native Healing Program – Oglala Sioux Tribe provides alcohol and substance treatment to the Rapid City (Mni Luzahan) Native American Community and other affiliated tribes in the region, for adolescents and adults. Specifically, offering: individual counseling; family counseling; substance use counseling; psychological assessments; outpatient substance use treatment; grief counseling. Also, providing Codependency Workshops, 12 hour DUI class, substance abuse treatment needs assessments, talking circle.
  • NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. The NDN Foundation provides grants to Indigenous-led organizations, Tribes, groups, projects and individuals whose work, goals, and intentions align with the NDN mission, values, core principles and strategies.
  • Northern Plains Reservation Aid™ program provides food, water, health products and emergency relief services for Native American Elders, families and children in need living on reservations in the Northern Plains.
  • Oaye Luta Okolakiciye is a Lakota-based nonprofit 501c3 organization that promotes healing by providing continuum substance abuse prevention, intervention, and recovery education.
  • Office of Native Ministry – Diocese of Rapid City serves as a liaison between the Native community and the diocese.
  • Oyate Health Center is a tribally-owned and operated walk-in primary care clinic located in Rapid City, South Dakota.
  • Rural America Initiatives partners with the whole family to help American Indian children and youth acquire tools to thrive in the contemporary environment and to support cultural values.
  • South Dakota Education Equity Coalition is a community of stakeholders committed to promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments for future generations.
  • Title VI – Indian Education – Rapid City Area Schools team combines Lakota language teachers, paraprofessionals, Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings teachers, and social workers to further curriculum development, training, teaching, and social/emotional learning rooted in cultural proficiency for students, families, and staff in the district.
  • Tiospaye Scholar Program – SD Mines aims to increase the number of American Indian students graduating with degrees in engineering, science, and mathematics through support in five areas: Financial, Academic, Professional, Cultural, Social.
  • Wambli Ska Okolakiciye is a Native-led nonprofit in Rapid City, SD. The organization has been successful in paving the way for innovative programs in the community and securing important collaborations with community leaders, peer organizations, and social service partners.

Poverty & Houselessness

  • Cornerstone Rescue Mission
  • OneHeart providing transitional housing and co-locating a variety of services - from addiction and mental health counseling to life skills and job training - to efficiently, effectively and collectively help our neighbors without homes move into permanent housing and a better quality of life.
  • Hope Center offers basic, unique, and unduplicated services to members of our community in need of assistance.
  • Journey On delivers responses to unsheltered community members through Pennington County Dispatch, Journey On Phone Line, and Proactive Outreach.
    • The Street Team Outreach Program at Journey On seeks to fill a persistent need in Rapid City for community-initiated responses to public safety needs. 
    • STEPS program is focused on working with houseless youth ages 16-24 years old. STEPS partners with two drop-in centers in Rapid City, Wambli Ska and The Circle, to provide outreach and transportation for youth who need help removing barriers housing, education, self-care, and community connections.
  • Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition works to address involuntary homelessness by ensuring that adequate services are available and accessible, empowering homeless individuals to utilize services and achieve self-sufficiency, increasing the community’s awareness of and responsiveness to homelessness, and seeking long-term societal change. 
  • Wrap-Around Workforce Support Organizations

Re-Entry

  • Western Dakota Tech - Second Chance Pell
  • Volunteers of America – Northern Rockies Adult Re-Entry

Special Needs Employment

Talent Attraction

  • Dakota Roots - SDDLR helps connect people with real South Dakota communities and opportunities. Job Advisors use your experience and skills to match you with the lifestyle you’re looking for. 
  • Elevate Rapid City Relocate – Talent Attraction Grant provides reimbursement dollars for Black Hills area employers that bring talent from outside South Dakota to live, work, and enjoy the Black Hills.