Communities now involved in Teachers in Industry include Aberdeen, Madison, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Sturgis and Watertown. Local school districts, chambers of commerce and city councils in rural communities are working together to address their economic development needs. Also participating in the program are rural electric, water and telephone cooperatives. Department of Labor is also working with the Associated General Contractors, the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and the Division of Workforce and Career Preparation on an apprenticeship program. It will provide a seamless education pathway for young adults to enter the construction trades.
Questions frequently arise about liability and workers' compensation.
In South Dakota if the employer pays the student, the employer is responsible for providing worker's compensation coverage. If the school grants credit for a non-paid student employee, then the school is responsible. Another option for students and parents is the purchase of work experience insurance, similar to the protection provided to students involved in athletic activities. Pre-employment training is necessary when students are placed in the workplace. South Dakota STW does not endorse a specific curriculum, but does encourage integration of pre-employment training into academic or vocational classes, or as a stand alone semester course.