The number of Kansans participating in apprenticeships increased by 37.9 percent, from 3,200 in September 2022 to nearly 4,400 currently. The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship added 49 new job titles to the apprenticeship pipeline. These efforts strengthen workforce development and economic growth in Kansas.
Wednesday marked one year since Governor Laura Kelly established the Office of Registered Apprenticeship.
“The Kansas Chamber’s workforce priorities include growing the number of apprenticeships available throughout the state,” said Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb. “We applaud the Office of Registered Apprenticeship for helping build a stronger workforce for the future by providing Kansans with the skills and training they need to succeed in high-demand careers.”
Registered Apprenticeship programs have five core components:
- On-the-job training: Apprentices learn the skills of their trade by working alongside experienced mentors.
- Related technical instruction: Apprentices also receive classroom instruction to complement their on-the-job training.
- Mentorship: Apprentices are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support.
- Wage progression: Apprentices’ wages increase as they progress through the program.
- Industry-recognized credentials: Apprentices earn industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
“We are executing a targeted plan to expand high-quality registered apprenticeships, and we are showing results across the entire state of Kansas,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship. “Most importantly, we are bridging partnerships with our labor unions, business and industry, local workforce boards, non-profits, higher education, and even cross-departmental partnerships.”
Since the creation of this office, there has been a 38.8% increase in the completion of apprenticeship programs – from 129 program completers in 2022 to 179 in 2023.
“Registered apprenticeship is an increasingly central component of our efforts to build up the Kansas workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Our purposeful economic development is creating thousands of new opportunities for hard-working Kansans across the state.”
More information on Kansas Registered Apprenticeships can be found on the Kansas Department of Commerce website.
