Western Dakota Tech is addressing the needs of the workforce and students by starting five new diploma and associate of applied science degree programs. The South Dakota Board of Education approved the new programs Monday, May 20.

The new programs begin in the fall 2013 semester that starts in August. WDT is accepting applications for all the options. The new programs:

• Bookkeeping diploma
  • Program length: 2 semesters
  • Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 9.1 percent
  • Average salary (Rapid City): $14.26/hour
• Healthcare Technician diploma
  • Program length: 2 semesters
  • Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 12.9 percent
  • Average salary (Rapid City): $11.78/hour
• Pharmacy Technician associate of applied science degree
  • Program length: Five semesters
  • Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 26.4 percent
  • Average salary (Rapid City): $15.49/hour
• HVAC and Plumbing Technology associate of applied science degree
  • Program length: 4 semesters
  • Growth in number of HVAC positions (South Dakota):  23.3 percent
  • Average HVAC salary (Rapid City): $19.02/hour
  • Growth in number of plumbing positions (South Dakota): 10 percent
  • Average salary (Rapid City): $20.28/hour
• Drafting and Machining associate of applied science degree
  • Program length: 4 semesters
  • Growth in number of mechanical drafting positions (South Dakota): 12.8 percent
  • Average mechanical drafting salary (Rapid City): $18.11/hour
  • Growth in number of machining positions (South Dakota): 13.8 percent
  • Average machinist salary (Rapid City): $17.61/hour

All the programs have been designed with industry input so the courses will provide the skills students need.

“Skilled employees are needed in these fields,” WDT President Mark Wilson said. “These programs will give students the skills they need to be successful in careers that are growing and in demand.”

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT’s most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities. For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

The Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Training Program at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City held its 22^nd annual graduation ceremony on May 14, 2013, for 10 graduates.

The 2013 graduates:

• Madison Coleman  of Rapid City; Sponsor: BH Pediatric Dentistry
• Tahra Gonzales of Spearfish;  Sponsor: Meyer Dana Dental
• Amy Harvey of Belle Fourche; Sponsor: Nehl Dental
• Courtni Jones of Rapid City; Sponsor: James Nelson, DDS
• Kara Kveene of Rapid City; Sponsor: Harold Doerr, DDS
• Amanda Rasmussen of Rapid City; Sponsor: Bart Samuelson , DDS
• Hillary Steen of Rapid City; Sponsor: BH Pediatric Dentistry
• Brandi Swanson of Custer; Sponsor: Destination Dentistry
• Mary Williams of Rapid City; Sponsor: Center for Dental Excellence

Dr. Harold Doerr, who has practiced Periodontics in Rapid City for 27 years, was the commencement speaker. Dr. Doerr is a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He also has been awarded membership in the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration.

The next Dental Assistant program is scheduled for August 20, 2013 to May 13, 2014.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT’s most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.

For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

Seven students graduated from the Professional Truck Driving Program at Western Dakota Tech on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

The graduates were Darin Cooper and Nathan Cross of Spearfish; Leonard Moralez, Mark O’Leary, and Robert Stiehl of Rapid City; Clifford Shoemaker of Summerset; and Christopher Schaeffer of Winner.

The students completed the six-week training program and earned their South Dakota Class A commercial driver’s licenses.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT’s most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.