Top 10 Tech Apprenticeships, Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in Sioux Falls, SD in 2026
By Irene Holden
Last Updated: March 26th 2026
Too Long; Didn't Read
The Build Dakota Scholarship Apprentice and Sanford Health Genesis Program are the top tech pathways in Sioux Falls for 2026, offering hands-on experience with guaranteed outcomes. Build Dakota provides full tuition and a living stipend leading to a job, while Sanford's paid rotation taps into healthcare IT, leveraging Sioux Falls' no state income tax and major employers like Citibank and Avera Health.
The most important lesson in any professional kitchen isn't in a recipe book. It happens the moment a chef places a sharp knife in an apprentice's hand and says, "Show me." It's a blend of trust, immediate responsibility, and the tangible feel of the craft. Choosing a tech career from a list of online job descriptions often lacks that sensory feedback.
The top pathways in Sioux Falls are the antidote: they are the culinary stage of tech. You're not just applying for a title; you're auditioning for a craft, with pay, inside the organizations that power the city's economy. This "grow-your-own" strategy is proven: as reported by SDPB, Janet Greenway of Mitchell Technical College notes a consistent 99% success rate for alumni finding work in their field within six months. Coupled with Sioux Falls's 0% state income tax and major employers in healthcare, finance, and agri-tech, these opportunities let you test the reality of the work before you make the commitment.
Organizations like Sanford Health and the state's own Build Dakota program create these try-before-you-commit environments. The following list is your menu of stage opportunities. The question shifts from "What should I be?" to "Which of these kitchens do I want to try first?"
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Build Dakota Scholarship Apprentice
- Sanford Health Genesis Program Apprentice
- Raven Industries Tech Engineering Intern
- Citi Early Careers Apprenticeship
- Startup Sioux Falls MVP Intern
- Smithfield Foods Automation Apprentice
- Avera Academy for High School Seniors
- Data Center Operations Technician I
- City of Sioux Falls Public Sector Intern
- Hybrid Entry-Level Software Roles
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about the AI job market in Sioux Falls for 2026 with this comprehensive guide.
Build Dakota Scholarship Apprentice
Think of Build Dakota as a full-ride scholarship with a guaranteed job at the end - a master recipe for launching a tech career without debt. This state-backed program provides full tuition coverage at schools like Southeast Technical College plus a living stipend, sponsored by a South Dakota employer. In return, you commit to working for that sponsor for three years post-graduation.
Key tracks for 2026 include Mechatronics, IT, and Industrial Automation, directly feeding into sponsors like Citibank and major regional manufacturers. The program exemplifies South Dakota's successful workforce strategy, where 99% of technical college grads find in-field work quickly. When combined with Sioux Falls's 0% state income tax, the guaranteed salary post-apprenticeship - similar to a Smithfield Automation Engineer's average of $78,798 locally - becomes even more valuable.
The application window is critical and short, typically opening January 1 and closing March 31. Prepare by connecting with Southeast Tech’s career services early and building a portfolio of relevant personal projects, such as a simple automation script or a network diagram, to stand out to sponsoring employers during the selection process.
Sanford Health Genesis Program Apprentice
Sanford Health's Genesis Program is the epitome of a paid, exploratory stage within Sioux Falls' largest private employer. It’s a four-week, paid rotation through three different non-clinical, technical roles within the massive Sanford ecosystem, designed explicitly to lead to a permanent offer. This is perfect for career changers or those unsure which niche in healthcare IT - from data analysis to patient systems support - fits them best.
Participants earn an estimated $17.50 - $28.00/hr while gaining hands-on experience in areas like health information technology and revenue cycle operations. As noted by Sioux Falls Simplified, the program requires no prior degree, making it a remarkable on-ramp for those with transferable skills and curiosity.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but applying early in Q1 is strategic. A compelling cover letter that highlights problem-solving, customer service, or basic tech troubleshooting experience is vital to showcase your readiness for this immersive trial run in healthcare technology.
Raven Industries Tech Engineering Intern
For students drawn to the intersection of hardware, software, and farming, Raven Industries offers a premier summer internship at their Innovation Campus. Interns work on the cutting edge of precision agriculture technology, including embedded software, autonomous systems, and IoT connectivity that powers global innovations.
This 10-12 week program offers compensation of approximately $19 - $31/hr and features high-quality mentorship with structured training sessions. You'll engage in real R&D projects, moving beyond theoretical learning to tangible engineering work that impacts modern agriculture.
Peak recruiting for these coveted summer slots occurs in January and February. Candidates with project experience in mechatronics, Python, C++, or data analytics - whether from school clubs or personal endeavors like building a sensor data dashboard - have a significant edge. Check the Raven "Top Gun" program overview and company careers page by late 2025 for official postings.
Citi Early Careers Apprenticeship
Citibank’s Sioux Falls operations center is a financial-tech hub, and its apprenticeship program serves as a direct pipeline for those seeking an alternative to a university degree. This structured "earn while you learn" model offers a competitive wage and dedicated mentorship for entering fields like financial IT, cybersecurity, or operations.
Over a 12-24 month duration, apprentices gain hands-on experience with financial IT fundamentals and operations scripting using tools like Python and SQL. This approach aligns with the statewide emphasis on registered apprenticeships that, as noted by state officials, allow businesses to "experience new jobs and expand the workforce" by tapping into ready-to-learn talent.
Applications for these competitive slots are managed through the official Citi Early Careers portal. Demonstrating a proactive learning mindset is key; completing free online certifications in IT fundamentals or an introductory Python course before applying can dramatically strengthen your candidacy for this financial IT incubator.
Startup Sioux Falls MVP Intern
If you crave breadth and the chance to wear multiple hats, the MVP Intern program with Startup Sioux Falls places you directly inside a local tech startup. This is the entrepreneurial sprint - less about corporate structure and more about immediate impact, offering direct networking with founders and a front-row seat to company building.
Compensation is variable by startup host for one semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer). You could work on anything from data collection and website building to marketing automation and customer discovery - whatever the growing venture needs most. This environment values being "career ready" and self-directed over specific years of experience.
Applications are managed through the Startup Sioux Falls website. To stand out, showcase agility and a portfolio of small, completed projects, such as a WordPress site you built or a data analysis you did for a class. This demonstrates the hands-on initiative that founders in Sioux Falls's growing tech ecosystem are looking for.
Smithfield Foods Automation Apprentice
For hands-on learners drawn to robotics and physical systems, Smithfield Foods offers a direct pathway into industrial automation. This apprenticeship combines practical plant experience with focused learning on the electrical control systems, PLC programming, and manufacturing infrastructure that keep production running smoothly.
Apprentices receive apprentice-level pay while training, with the potential to advance to roles like Automation Engineer, which average approximately $78,798/year in the Sioux Falls area according to salary data. This tangible, high-demand skill set is crucial for the region's manufacturing and agri-tech sectors.
To apply, monitor the Smithfield Careers page for active "Automation & Controls" or apprenticeship listings. A background in electronics, mechatronics, or even skilled trades is beneficial. Be sure to highlight any technical hobby or coursework involving wiring, motors, or logic in your application.
Avera Academy for High School Seniors
High school seniors in Sioux Falls can get a formidable head start through Avera Academy. This unique partnership with the Sioux Falls School District and Southeast Technical College provides tuition assistance and paid learning opportunities during your senior year, creating a direct pipeline into healthcare technology and clinical support roles.
The program combines relevant coursework at Southeast Tech with hands-on exposure at Avera Health, one of the region's major employers. This early immersion is designed to feed students directly into Avera's network of 60+ academic program roles, from health IT to clinical support specialties. It's a prime example of South Dakota's effective "grow-your-own" approach, which sees 99% of technical college graduates employed in their field.
Driven students ready to balance their final year of high school with professional exposure should apply during the fall semester of their senior year. A successful application will clearly express a genuine interest in the healthcare sector and a readiness to begin building career momentum before graduation day.
Data Center Operations Technician I
As major investments continue in regional data infrastructure, entry-level roles like Operations Technician I serve as steady launching pads into the physical layer of the cloud. Companies operating data centers in the area hire for these critical "keep-the-lights-on" positions to handle server deployment and network integrity.
The role involves hands-on work like server racking, cable termination, and basic network troubleshooting. With starting pay ranging from $19.91 to $29.87 per hour according to local job data, it provides a solid foundation for advancing into system administration or network engineering. Hiring is often year-round, tied to ongoing facility expansion in the region.
New graduates from Southeast Tech’s IT or network programs are ideally positioned for these roles. Earning a foundational certification like CompTIA A+ or Network+ before applying makes your resume instantly competitive and demonstrates your commitment to mastering the infrastructure that powers modern digital services.
City of Sioux Falls Public Sector Intern
The City of Sioux Falls offers summer internships that provide a unique window into the technology behind public infrastructure and services. This is a chance to see how IT, data management, and civic tech directly power city operations, from traffic management systems to public records and utility networks.
Interns work on meaningful projects in areas like public IT infrastructure, GIS mapping, and civil engineering tech support, all while earning paid municipal rates for the summer term. This experience is invaluable for understanding how technology serves the public good and builds a different kind of portfolio - one focused on community impact.
Applications for the summer cohort are highly time-bound. As announced by the city, the window for the 2026 cohort opens in December 2025. To stand out, emphasize an interest in public service and highlight any academic or personal projects that demonstrate systematic problem-solving and analytical skills.
Hybrid Entry-Level Software Roles
While Sioux Falls entry-level software roles offer $50k-$60k, a savvy financial strategy involves securing a hybrid role with an employer in a nearby hub like Minneapolis, where salaries start $10k-$15k higher. You can leverage the higher pay while enjoying Sioux Falls’s lower cost of living and 0% state income tax, effectively boosting your take-home income and career trajectory from day one.
Target companies like First National Bank of Omaha or Target (Minneapolis) that offer hybrid remote/in-office models for roles in software development or data analysis. Major corporate hiring cycles for these positions peak in Q1 (January-March), making early preparation essential. This approach turns Sioux Falls's geographic position into a strategic career advantage.
Your 2026 application strategy must be robust. Build a portfolio with 2-3 complete projects on GitHub, practice algorithmic problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode, and be prepared to articulate how you manage work in a hybrid setting. As highlighted in strategies for AI hiring, building a strong application pack and targeted outreach system is crucial. Networking on LinkedIn with alumni from South Dakota schools working at these regional companies can also unlock vital referrals.
Conclusion
The question is no longer "What should I be?" but "Which of these kitchens do I want to try first?" Whether it’s the guaranteed apprenticeship of Build Dakota, the exploratory rotation at Sanford, or the startup sprint with Startup Sioux Falls, your stage is set within Sioux Falls's unique economic landscape.
The tools are there, and the chefs - the mentors and employers driving the region's growth - are ready to guide your hand. These pathways, from the hands-on momentum celebrated by Southeast Tech students to the nationally recognized apprenticeship models, offer more than a job; they offer a craft. Your first decisive cut into a sustainable tech career begins with a single, informed application.
With the proven success of South Dakota's "grow-your-own" workforce strategy and the financial advantage of no state income tax, your potential for growth here is tangible. The only step left is to pick up the tool and begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you pick the top tech pathways for Sioux Falls in 2026?
We focused on programs offering hands-on, paid experiences that lead to real jobs, prioritizing employer partnerships like Build Dakota's full tuition coverage and job guarantees. Factors included compensation, local demand from major employers such as Sanford Health and Citibank, and Sioux Falls' no state income tax advantage.
Which opportunity is best for someone with no tech experience?
Sanford Health's Genesis Program is great for career changers, providing paid rotations without prior experience. Similarly, Avera Academy helps high school seniors start early with tuition assistance and paid learning in healthcare tech.
Are these apprenticeships and internships paid in Sioux Falls?
Yes, most are paid; for example, Raven Industries interns earn $19 to $31 per hour, and Sanford Health's apprenticeship pays $17.50 to $28.00 per hour. Entry-level roles like Data Center Technician I start around $19.91 to $29.87 per hour.
Why should I consider a tech career in Sioux Falls over other cities?
Sioux Falls offers no state income tax, lowering living costs, and has major employers like Citibank and Sanford Health driving tech demand. The growing startup ecosystem, with programs from Startup Sioux Falls, adds diverse opportunities in a supportive metro area.
When do applications open for these 2026 programs?
Key deadlines vary; apply for Build Dakota from January to March, target Raven Industries in January-February, and submit for Sanford Genesis early in Q1 2026. Check specific employer pages, as some like the City of Sioux Falls open applications in December 2025.
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Irene Holden
Operations Manager
Former Microsoft Education and Learning Futures Group team member, Irene now oversees instructors at Nucamp while writing about everything tech - from careers to coding bootcamps.