Salina Post
Governor Kelly on Monday announced that more than $535,000 has been awarded to 12 businesses across Kansas for projects that will attract, retain workers and continue building the state’s workforce through apprenticeships.
The grant awards were matched with more than $500,000 in local contributions, bringing the total to more than $1 million invested in the state’s workforce.
“Since the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established, Kansas has continued to be a leader in business and workforce growth,” Governor Kelly said. “Through the power of apprenticeships, and investments like these, we’re able to provide workers hands-on opportunities to expand their skills as well as offer businesses a reliable and dependable workforce. Simply put, apprenticeships are good for workers, good for businesses, and good for our state – they're a win-win-win.”
The grants, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, assist existing Registered Apprenticeship programs with technical instruction, outreach, on-the-job training, marketing, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs.
This round of grant awards also included funds specifically for apprenticeship programs at five small Kansas businesses, which did not require a match.
“The Kelly-Toland administration’s focus on Registered Apprenticeship is delivering incredible results for Kansas workers and businesses alike,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “This year alone, we reached a record 1,056 employers in the apprenticeship ecosystem and brought 2,423 new apprentices into the workforce. Grant opportunities like these will ensure that those numbers will only continue to grow.”
Kansas now has 4,010 active apprentices, the highest number in state history.
The state has improved its status in the best state for apprentices rankings from 47th in the nation in 2020 to 29th in the nation in 2024. This funding continues to expand high-wage, high-demand Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state.
Funded projects in this round range from workforce board and trade union partnerships in Wichita to agricultural equipment maintenance in western Kansas.
Information about grant awardees can be found below:
American Implement, Inc., Finney County ($93,000): Expanding a tractor maintenance apprenticeship program to include youth.
Allen County Community College, Allen County ($58,351): Developing a building maintenance and plumbing program with local companies.
Build A Pro, Saline County ($14,880): Supporting development of construction programs in Salina.
Full Service, Inc., DBA Full-Service Chimney, Johnson County ($55,929): Developing leadership and supervisory apprenticeships.
Textron Aviation, Inc., Sedgwick County ($93,000): Continuing to grow airframe and powerplant apprenticeships.
Workforce Alliance of South-Central KS, Sedgwick County ($93,000): Leveraging work through the workforce board to support local union programs.
Zeta Commercial Driving School, Johnson County ($93,000): Growing diesel technician apprenticeship programs.
The small business grant awardees include:
KC Specialized, LLC, Crawford County ($7,000): Developing apprenticeships for commercial driver’s license opportunities.
Plumb-Crazy Plumbing, LLC, Montgomery County ($7,000): Creating residential plumbing apprenticeships.
Kansas Bankers Technology, LLC, Saline County ($7,000): Providing cyber security and information technology apprenticeships.
Breeze Heating and Cooling, LLC, Harvey County ($7,000): Developing heating ventilation and air conditioning apprenticeship opportunities.
Legitimate Electric, LLC, Harvey County ($7,000): Providing apprenticeships in the residential electrician field.
“For the third year in a row, Kansas has directly invested in top-notch registered apprenticeship programs that are needed across the state,” said Shonda Anderson, Director, Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. “We received more than $2 million in requested funds — a true testament that our apprenticeship partners are growing and having true impacts in our Kansas communities.”
“Registered Apprenticeship is key to filling important industry roles and developing highly skilled Kansas employees,” said John Clark, Chairperson, Kansas Apprenticeship Council. “There are many Kansans eager to take on challenges and learn new skills — and our apprenticeship programs give them a chance take on new careers anywhere in the state.”
The Small Business Grant Awards will be reissued in the coming months and will include an additional 10 awardees.
Round two applications, which are due January 23, can be found here.
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is housed within the Department of Commerce to advance workforce development and promote economic mobility statewide.
To learn more about available resources or view the past awardees and projects, click here.