Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) will celebrate its 2026 graduates with a series of events recognizing their achievements and readiness to enter high-demand careers. These celebrations reflect the college’s commitment to hands-on education and student success across a wide range of career programs.

Events will include WDTC’s 58th Commencement Ceremony, the Outstanding Graduates Banquet, Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremonies, and a Law Enforcement Graduation Recognition Ceremony. Each occasion will highlight the dedication, skill, and accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.

Today, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced the addition of a new gunsmithing curriculum to Western Dakota Technical College, advancing South Dakota’s pro-2nd Amendment values and expanding the workforce for South Dakota’s defense and firearms industries.

“South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and our firearms industry is thriving,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden. “As other states infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of their citizens and chase away firearms producers, South Dakota is welcoming them with open arms. This new gunsmithing program will support our growing firearms industry and attract even more guns and ammunition manufacturers to South Dakota!”

Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) invites the community to attend College Visit Day, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at noon, Saturday, April 11. The event offers high school students, recent graduates, and those exploring new career opportunities a firsthand look at how WDTC can prepare graduates for high-need, great paying careers.

Attendees will find out about WDTC’s nearly 40 career-focused programs, meet instructors, and tour the college’s modern, hands-on labs. Scholarship, financial aid, and off-campus housing information will also be available.

High school juniors and seniors interested in exploring career options are invited to attend the free, one-day All-Program Camp at  Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC). This hands-on career exploration experience will take place on the WDTC campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Lunch will be provided.

This popular camp is designed for students who are still deciding what career path is best for them. This provides them the opportunity to identify their top 4 programs of interest out of the over 40 WDTC options. Registration is open now to the first 150 students at wdt.edu/camps.

Two Upcoming Start Dates Nearly Full

Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) celebrates the latest graduates of its Class A Professional Truck Driving program. The six graduates are prepared to step into high-demand driving careers and support today’s growing transportation industry.

The Class A Professional Driving Program graduates and their South Dakota hometowns are:

• Michael Hall – Interior
• Erik Herrera – Rapid City (certificate program)
• Tanner Landin – Sturgis
• Ethan Leveque – Sturgis (certificate program)
• Skylar Smolos – Rapid City
• Wyatt Zepp – Box Elder (certificate program)