WORKFORCE

Working to Find Your Workforce

What Matters to Business

It’s easy to find talented, skilled and educated workers in Watertown. Our diverse workforce is closely tied to one of the top-ranked technical colleges in the nation. Here, a combination of a low cost of living and a skilled workforce creates one great place for employers to grow.

 

ATTRACT & ENHANCE PROGRAM

Designed to build and strengthen the Watertown area workforce by providing matching funds for employer specific incentives for new full-time employees or interns relocating to Watertown, and reimbursement for training and/or “up-skilling” of current employees.

INTERN ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

Created to help engage and integrate summer interns into the community via networking opportunities and introduction to local attractions and amenities, greatly improving the probability of those interns returning to Watertown after graduation.

ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE
& RECRUITMENT RESOURCES

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA is designed to help jobseekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

Dakota Seeds Program

Dakota Seeds is an innovative internship program that connects students with employers as a way to help fill temporary workforce needs and establish a pipeline for future permanent employment. Qualifying businesses can receive matching funds up to $2,000 per intern for internships in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, as well as in manufacturing and accounting.

Dakota Roots

Dakota Roots 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, 100% free of charge.

Workforce Development Program

Though the GOED’s Workforce Development Program, companies can access money to help train new and existing employees that require additional skills as the result of company growth. The program can fund up to 50% of eligible training expenses to companies that meet certain wage and benefit criteria