Vocational Trade Schools in South Dakota

Serving more than 2,600 students annually, LATI ranks among the largest vocational schools in South Dakota. Based in Watertown, the college offers a sizable selection oftechnical and vocational programsin areas such as aviation, robotics, medical lab technician, community healthcare, and building trades technology.

LATI offers professional apprenticeships in building trades technology, diesel technology, manufacturing, and welding technology. These programs enable students to gain practical skills while earning both academic credit and a salary. LATI's apprenticeships include mentor supervision, on-the-job learning, relevant technical instruction, monetary rewards, and occupational credentialing.

Most apprenticeships last three years, though exact completion times vary. After completing an apprenticeship, students typically earn a technical certificate demonstrating proficiency in their field. Many apprentices continue their studies, earning an associate of applied science degree.

A career-focused two-year college in Sioux Falls, Southeast Tech ranks among the top vocational schools in South Dakota. The school offerscareer and technical programsin fields such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, information technology, and transportation technology.

Southeast Tech hosts a five-credit, pre-construction apprenticeship that offers a broad introduction to construction practices and principles. The program combines classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and laboratory experience. The program serves high school students age 16 and older, providing participants with a pathway to industry careers. Common program topics include small hand and power tools, construction safety, career awareness, and soft skills, such as professional communication and ethics.

Southeast Tech works with top professional partners, including Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and the Associated General Contractors, to ensure a relevant curriculum and strong job opportunities for students. The pre-apprenticeship functions like any other job, requiring candidates to complete a job interview.

Ranked nationally among community colleges, MTI is also one of the best vocational schools in South Dakota. Based in Mitchell, this two-year college offers severaltechnical and vocational programsin fields including health sciences, construction and manufacturing technologies, business and business services, and agriculture and transportation technologies. Some of MTI's varied program offerings include radiation therapy, architectural design and building, animal science, agronomy, and power sports and marine technology.

MTI also offers four online programs in speech-language pathology assistant, small business management, medical office personnel, and administrative office specialist. Both the medical office personnel and administrative office specialist programs occur entirely online, enabling students to earn a degree or certificate without ever visiting campus. MTI reports strong professional outcomes for students, with 99% of graduates either finding employment or enrolling in further education within six months of graduation.

Based in Sisseton on the Lake Traverse Reservation, SWC ranks among the best tribal vocational schools in South Dakota. The college offersassociate degrees and professional certificates, with options including addiction and diversity counseling, early childhood development, sustainable environmental studies, carpentry technology, and multimedia technology. SWC offers many courses online, enabling students to complete a portion of their degree without visiting campus.

SWC also offers several programs that emphasize South Dakota's unique Native history, including an associate of arts in Dakota studies, a certificate in Dakota language teaching, and a certificate in tribal arts.

For students interested in continuing studies beyond the associate degree level, SWC maintains an articulation agreement with Nebraska's Bellevue University. Students who complete an associate degree at SWC can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree at Bellevue University.

A major two-year college in Rapid City, WDTI offers severaltechnical and vocational degrees, with associate degrees and certificates available in many fields. Students can pursue programs such as allied health, farm and ranch management, social media marketing, precision machining technology, and medical laboratory technician. WDTI reports a 98% job placement rate among graduates, with 89% of graduates employed in their field of study.

WDTI offers comprehensive academic resources for students, including academic success workshops and tutoring. The school's Student Success Center provides a variety of guidance services, including career and degree planning.

Healthcare students benefit from WDTI's cutting-edge Medical Simulation Center, which offers an assortment of patient simulation environments and activities. Working across healthcare departments, WDTI's medical simulation technologies can train students in a variety of medical scenarios, such as labor and deliveries, ventilation support, nursing, and emergency response care.