Workforce Development Program
Workforce Development Program supports South Dakota companies in training new and existing employees for job-specific skills, helping them grow, raise wages, and address local skilled-labor shortages.
Funder: South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development
Due Dates: At least 3 weeks before scheduled training begins
Funding Amounts: Up to 50% of eligible training costs; typically $1,000 per trainee
Summary: Matching grants help growing companies train new and existing employees at their South Dakota locations.
Key Information: Trainees must be full-time employees working from a company location in South Dakota.
Description
The South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) runs the Workforce Development Program to help employers build a skilled workforce. Its matching grants support industry-education partnerships that deliver customized or short-term, job-specific training. Companies can seek support for new positions created by growth or for existing employees who need different or additional skills.
The program focuses on technical, job-related skills. It reimburses eligible training costs on a per-person basis after training, rather than paying for equipment purchases. Funding priorities include attracting new businesses, raising trainees' wages, developing transferable skills, addressing local skilled-labor shortages, and providing training that serves several companies within an industry.
