PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) -South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will be in Rapid City and Sioux Falls today to launch a program aimed at introducing 10th grade students to career opportunities in their communities.

Gov. Noem says the South Dakota Week of Work will take place in April (20-24).

Noem says the goal for the program is two-fold.

The state Department of Labor and Regulation recently announced an opportunity for businesses to apply for up to $20,000 from the state to help offset the initial cost of establishing a new registered apprenticeship. Noem expects the South Dakota Week of Work to feed that program.

Business owners must submit a letter of intent for the Registered Apprenticeship program by Sept. 30. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 18. To download the application, instructions and key factor incentives, visit StartTodaySD.com.

Priority for the Registered Apprenticeship program grants will be given to programs offering training in information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business services, hospitality, utilities and agriculture. Programs designed to increase engagement for under-represented populations such as females, Native Americans, limited-English proficient individuals, people ages 16 to 24 and individuals with disabilities will also be given priority.

The $1.2-million in funds for the State Apprenticeship Expansion Grants comes from the U.S. Department of Labor.