Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently signed House Bill 2292 — bipartisan legislation actively supported by Kansas business advocates such as the Kansas Chamber — to improve the state’s workforce by offering tax credits and grants to employers who establish (or have established) apprenticeship programs.
With a strong economy amidst labor shortages, Kansas employers are struggling to fill open positions. The legislation — known as the Kansas Apprenticeship Act — promotes and expands apprenticeships with businesses, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and nonprofit groups.
“Apprenticeship programs offer employees valuable training and compensation while simultaneously meeting some of the urgent workforce needs in Kansas,” said Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb. “We consider the signing of this bill a win for both the business community and up-and-coming professionals looking for a rewarding and challenging way to kickstart their careers.”
Kansas employers can receive up to $2,500 per apprentice for up to 20 apprentices employed. After 2025, the credit increases to $2,750.
Governor Kelly shared in a press release about the importance of registered apprenticeships in building the state’s workforce.
“I signed this bipartisan law to build on our efforts to expand and modernize apprenticeships,” Gov. Kelly said. “Now we are preparing even more Kansans to fill the high-demand, high-wage jobs we are creating throughout the state.”
While the Registered Apprenticeship model is expanding in established skilled trades industries such as manufacturing and construction, additional industries such as healthcare, IT, human resources, agricultural manufacturing, and distribution and logistics now take advantage of the programming.
“The intent of the Apprenticeship Act is to make it easier for Kansas businesses to hire and maintain programs that meet their needs,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. “On-ramps are being created for Kansans to enter careers that are family-sustaining and long-term. We want to make it easier for residents to remain here in the state.”
For more information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and how your company or organization can get involved, click here.
