Labor Day 2019

Labor Day is a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on the Kansas worker. We know that great companies are fueled by our state’s most valuable asset: Kansans.

The thing that separates us from other states is our people. The people here are caring and hardworking, and they value community. We look after each other. It’s the reason so many Kansans not only have great jobs but stay employed with those companies for long periods of time. The level of service and expertise this creates is what makes our workforce second to none.

Kansas workers are known for their work ethic, ingenuity and service mindset. They are productive, savvy, creative, resilient, tenacious, resourceful, committed, dedicated and driven. They maintain a kind demeanor toward customers, partners, suppliers, fellow employees and even competitors. Kansas workers get the job done, and they do it at an unmatched level.

At the Department of Commerce, we proudly lead the KANSASWORKS workforce system. The goal of KANSASWORKS is to link businesses, jobs seekers, educational institutions and training providers to equip our workforce and connect people with great jobs here in Kansas. This network operates statewide through job fairs, the Mobile Workforce Center, the KANSASWORKS job search app and local Workforce Centers around the state.

KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers are set up to provide a “one-stop” system that empowers job seekers to obtain training, education and employment services. Check out the map below to look up a Workforce Center in your area.

I encourage Kansans to learn more about what the KANSASWORKS workforce system has to offer. Whether you’re an employer looking to hire the workers you need or a Kansan looking to retool your skills or find a new career, KANSASWORKS has a wide array of programs that could be the right fit for you.

I hope to be able to share more information about these programs in my role as Secretary, and I want to start by highlighting an effort that is forward-thinking and truly helping meet the needs of employers and workers in our state.

Workforce AID (Aligned with Industry Demand) helps close the skills gap through training and development in key strategic industries for Kansas. Preparing our workforce for jobs in the state helps keep Kansas businesses competitive and promotes a more robust economy. Here are three examples where educational institutions are partnering to provide targeted training and recruitment to Kansas companies:

• The Industrial Maintenance Technician Workforce AID program kicked off Aug. 12 at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Students have contingent offers of employment with Owens Corning, Xide, Amsted Rail, INX International and Heartland Coca-Cola upon successful completion of the program.
• The Preventative Maintenance Inspection Technician Workforce AID program starts Sept. 16 at Kansas City Kansas Community College. TransAm and Geiger Ready Mix are currently recruiting for and making contingent offers of employment for students to participate in this free training.
• Spirit AeroSystems is partnering with Hutchinson Community College to train Assembly Mechanics at no cost to participants. This program spans several years and has multiple opportunities for individuals to participate. Not only do participants receive their Aerospace Structures Basics Certificate, those who successfully complete the program are given offers for full-time employment at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita.

This Labor Day Weekend, I hope you take some time to celebrate the great Kansas workers who fuel companies and provide the backbone and lifeblood of our communities.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

-DT