Vocational Training

Options for meaningful work

Black Hills Works in Rapid City, SD provides a combination of employment and rehabilitation services to assist people in reaching their employment goals as they gain hands-on experience and make vocational choices based on their interests and abilities.

In the mailing, manufacturing, janitorial, and food service areas, people learn good work habits as well as communication and relationship skills. Support is provided, and individuals are paid for the work they do.

When people want to seek employment, vocational specialists assist in job training to evaluate abilities and aptitude. They contact prospective employers and assist with job applications and interviews. The specialists analyze the jobs to determine what reasonable accommodations are needed. They are also available to assist in the training for the skills needed to perform the essential functions of the job.

People from Black Hills Works are employed in a variety of settings, including restaurants, manufacturing sites, grocery stores, and the tourism industry. More than 120 people work at Ellsworth Air Force Base on five different contracts: food services, shelf stocking and warehouse, retail, custodial, and switchboard. They continue to receive support from staff as needed.