Tara Bartekoske leads the Start Today SD Apprenticeship Program, providing statewide vision, strategic direction, and oversight of a team supporting Registered Apprenticeship across South Dakota. Under her leadership, the program has grown to double the number of active apprenticeship programs and active apprentices. She played a key role in launching South Dakota’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, which earned both the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Innovation and the NASWA Pinnacle Award for Business Development. She is deeply passionate about expanding high-quality, work-based learning opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen businesses, and build resilient communities across South Dakota.
