Workforce Alliance receives $709K grant to expand apprenticeship programs

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas has received a grant to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the region.

It’s part of a statewide initiative from Governor Laura Kelly’s administration to expand apprenticeship opportunities for a variety of careers in Kansas through the new MeadowLARK – Leading Apprenticeship Results in Kansas – Initiative under the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. Kansas has received a total of $6,331,847 from the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Workforce Alliance is receiving $709,338 to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities for in-demand jobs in fields like advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor production, healthcare and childcare, and maintenance repair and overhaul. Apprentices will receive up to $2,000 for related technical instruction in south-central Kansas.

“Since it was established last year, the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is making huge strides to expand the highest quality earn-and-learn opportunities across our state,” says Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland in a news release. “Through the MeadowLARK funding, the office will continue bringing together businesses, industries, labor, workforce boards, higher education systems, state departments, and other stakeholders, with one objective: Making Kansas a top 25 apprenticeship state by 2025.”

“The Workforce Alliance is a longtime champion of Registered Apprenticeship programs, and pleased the Meadowlark Grant will provide the resources to help us build on our experience in this area and allow the organization to become a multi-employer intermediary,” says Keith Lawing, Workforce Alliance President and CEO.

Anyone interested in the apprenticeship program can contact WA Registered Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, Melody Head at [email protected] or call 316-771-6608. You can find more information by clicking here.

Other grant recipients include Workforce Partnerships in Northeast Kansas and Southeast Kansasworks. For more about the Workforce Alliance, visit their website.