Black Hills State University
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in South Dakota / Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University – Spearfish, SD
Program Information
Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university serving western South Dakota and the greater Black Hills region, with a growing emphasis on applied workforce education through partnerships with regional technical colleges, industry employers, and state workforce initiatives. While BHSU is traditionally known for academic degree programs, it plays a supporting and coordinating role in delivering technical and career-oriented education aligned with South Dakota’s construction, manufacturing, transportation, and agricultural economies.
Through collaboration with local community colleges and technical education providers, BHSU supports programs in Welding, Construction Management, and Diesel Technology. These programs are designed to blend hands-on technical skill development with broader academic and managerial competencies, allowing students to pursue direct workforce entry or continue toward higher-level credentials in technical leadership and supervision.
The Welding program associated with BHSU’s regional partnerships focuses on developing practical welding skills used in construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and industrial maintenance. Students receive training in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes, along with metal preparation, blueprint interpretation, joint design, and shop safety. Instruction emphasizes real-world fabrication environments and prepares students for industry-recognized welding certifications that are critical for employment in skilled welding roles.
BHSU’s Construction Management pathway is designed for students who want to work on the planning, coordination, and oversight side of construction projects rather than purely in the field. Coursework covers project scheduling, site logistics, construction safety, cost estimating, and basic contract management. This program is well-suited for individuals with trade experience who want to advance into supervisory or management roles, as well as students seeking entry-level positions in construction project coordination.
The Diesel Technology program prepares students to maintain and repair diesel-powered equipment used throughout South Dakota’s agriculture, transportation, mining, and construction sectors. Training includes diesel engine systems, fuel and emissions systems, electrical diagnostics, hydraulics, and preventative maintenance. Students gain hands-on experience working with heavy-duty trucks, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery commonly used in the region.
A key advantage of BHSU’s technical offerings is their alignment with regional workforce needs in rural and industrial communities. By integrating technical training with academic support and regional partnerships, BHSU helps students build career pathways that extend beyond entry-level positions into long-term technical and leadership roles.
Program Length
- Certificate programs typically completed in 1–2 years
- Associate-level technical pathways generally completed in approximately 2 years
- Program length varies based on partner institution and credential level
Hands-On Training
Students supported through Black Hills State University partnerships gain practical experience in:
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques
- Construction project planning and site coordination
- Diesel engine diagnostics and heavy equipment maintenance
- Blueprint reading and technical documentation
- Safety practices and industry-standard work procedures
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completed admissions application
- Basic math and reading proficiency
- Ability to meet physical demands of hands-on technical training
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for welding certifications and diesel technician credentials
- Career paths include welder, diesel technician, construction coordinator, and technical supervisor
- Strong alignment with workforce needs across western South Dakota
Location
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Black Hills State University (Spearfish, SD) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Bachelor’s Programs
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Black Hills State University. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.