News

IMPORTANT - Office Software and WDT Student Email Changes

August 19, 2014

Hello, WDT Students.

Three important items regarding Office software and student email:

1. Starting this semester, WDT will make Office available free of charge to all students. You can download Office at https://portal.office.com starting Monday, August 25. Your log-in will be your student email address (firstname.lastname@stu.wdt.edu), and your password is your regular WDT network password.

2. Starting the same day, you will use this link to check student email: https://outlook.office365.com. Your log-in will be your student email address (firstname.lastname@stu.wdt.edu), and your password is your regular WDT network password.

3. As of Friday, August 22, WDT will no longer use Google accounts for student emails and data storage. This means that your student Google emails and any data in Google Drive will be gone. Following the directions in this document, you can back up all email and data, but you must do this before Friday, August 22. After that, all data emails and data will be deleted.

If you have questions or run into problems, please contact the WDT Helpdesk at helpdesk@wdt.edu or 394-5355.

Thanks. We look forward to seeing you on campus for the fall semester.

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Dual enrollment for high school students

July 7, 2014

If you are currently a high school sophomore or junior, you may want to consider dual enrollment at Western Dakota Tech. While you can still take high school classes and participate in high school activities, this opportunity will allow you to get a step ahead in your post high school education. This means the potential for earlier graduation, and experience in the work force. Read on for more benefits of dual enrollment courses at Western Dakota Tech.

1. Dual enrollment will give you an idea of what course work will be like in college. The academic environment is different from high school, and allows for more freedom and flexibility.

2. You may have the opportunity to take courses that are not offered in high school.

3. It will allow you to get a better feel for the area of your academic interest. For example, if you took a general healthcare class in high school, healthcare courses offered at WDT can give you more insight if you think that is the career path you wish to take.

4. Many students change their field of study at least once. By taking a couple of dual enrollment classes, you can narrow down what you would like to choose as your field of study, before having the pressure to decide upon high school graduation.

5. Perhaps the largest benefit to dual enrollment is that you may begin accumulating credits for program requirements, allowing you to take lighter course loads through your schooling, or graduate early.

6. It is cost effective. Rapid City Area School students who are at least a junior and in good academic standing can take all courses free of charge, except for the nine Regent General Education courses, which are $40 per credit hour.

There are many benefits to dual enrollment at Western Dakota Tech, along with still being able to enjoy the high school experience.
If you are interested in WDT's dual enrollment program, or for the dual enrollment application, please visit the Western Dakota Tech website.

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WDT to host job fair for veterans

June 17, 2014

Western Dakota Tech will host the Black Hills Veterans' Job Fair from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, in the WDT Commons Area.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet with employers from South Dakota and across the nation. Over 85 exhibitors will be on site to conduct interviews and accept applications.

For a list of exhibitors, click here.

Although this event targets Guard and Reserve members, veterans, active duty military, and their families, all WDT students and alumni, as well as the public are welcome to attend.

This event is a collaboration between WDT and several veteran-serving organizations, including Hero 2 Hired, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Veterans Upward Bound, Airman & Family Readiness Center, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.

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WDT hosts healthcare camp for prospective students

June 2, 2014

Western Dakota Tech will host a camp for prospective healthcare students Tuesday, June 24, at WDT. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

The event will give prospective students an opportunity to explore healthcare career programs offered at WDT. Students will be able to tour classrooms and labs, meet instructors, and learn about financial aid and the admissions process.

Students graduating with healthcare degrees have the benefit of entering one of the fastest-growing industries. National and state labor market information projects significant growth in the healthcare field by 2020: Practical Nurses by 14.3 percent, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics by 15.3 percent and Certified Nursing Assistants by 21 percent.

"This camp is a great opportunity for students to explore careers in a very lucrative industry. The pathways offered here at WDT allow students to get through school and into the workforce quickly," said Chandra Calvert, Grants Coordinator. "The need for healthcare workers is very high not only here in South Dakota, but in the nation. Students who go through these programs will have many opportunities for employment."

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 97 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 85 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.

Register online at www.wdt.edu or by contacting Cindy Weber at (605) 718-2419 or cindy.weber@wdt.edu.

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WDT launches new Precision Machining program

May 22, 2014

WDT launches new Precision Machining program

Western Dakota Tech's new Precision Machining program prepares students for better careers while offering the benefits and experience of hands-on learning.

WDT will begin offering the new nine-month diploma degree in the Fall 2014 semester. Plans are in place for a state-of-the-art precision machining lab to be built in conjunction with the program. The lab will contain high-quality mills and lathes and other industry-specific equipment.

The new program holds true to WDT's mission of changing lives and building futures.

"Machining jobs are in-demand on a local, state and national level. That makes the Precision Machining program a great fit for Western Dakota Tech," said WDT's Dean of Accreditation and Advancement, Steve Buchholz. "This program is aligned with industry expectations and focused on student success."

The Precision Machining Technology graduate will be able to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments and tools. Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines and grinders to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. The parts that machinists make range from simple bolts of steel or brass to titanium bone screws for orthopedic implants. Hydraulic parts, anti-lock brakes and automobile pistons are other widely known products that machinists make.

Labor market information for South Dakota and the nation shows there is demand for machinists now and in the future. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of machinists in South Dakota is expected to grow by 15.2 percent, according to the South Dakota Labor Market Information Center. Nationally, the number of machinists is expected to grow about 7 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the median annual wage of machinists was $40,910 in 2012.

The program will utilize WDT's community-like learning setting, a helpful student support staff and instructors who are industry experts. Personalized admissions assistance and a low-stress financial aid process is available for all students.

Students applying for the Precision Machining program may be eligible for a Critical Needs Workforce Scholarship. The scholarship rewards students who enroll in a field that's experiencing a shortage of qualified, skilled employees. Students are eligible to receive up to $5,000. The Critical Needs Workforce initiative is funded by the South Dakota Governor's Office and the South Dakota legislature in 2014.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 97 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education or serving in the military. Eighty-five percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.

Learn more about Precision Machining here, or by contacting WDT at (800) 544-8765, (605) 718-2565 or admissions@wdt.edu.

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