Governor Laura Kelly Proclaims November 13-19 “Apprenticeship Week” in Kansas

~Highlights First Apprenticeship Summit in Topeka on November 17~

TOPEKA –On October 28, Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation spotlighting the continued growth of the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Program and declaring this week as Apprenticeship Week throughout the state. The statewide proclamation coincides with the 8th Annual National Apprenticeship Week.  

“Earlier this year, I created a new Office of Registered Apprenticeship to foster a workforce that meets the needs of Kansas businesses and gives workers more skills and opportunities to compete in today’s global economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Apprenticeship Week is a perfect time to draw additional attention to the programs, services, and resources this Office has available.” 

As industry-driven career pathways, registered apprenticeships allow employers to develop and prepare their future workforce. Meanwhile, apprentices can obtain paid work experience, progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential. With an “earn and learn” approach and a pathway to well-paying careers, the program continues to support Kansans with barriers to successful employment, such as veterans, women, people of color, and people who were formerly incarcerated.  

“We are attracting highly technical and innovative businesses to Kansas and apprenticeship programs allow us to expand the skillsets of our workforce to meet the needs of these companies,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in talent – a key pillar in the Kansas Framework for Growth – will continue to be a top priority for the Kelly Administration.” 

Registered apprenticeships are unique in that they can be tailored to meet the needs of every business and industry. The model has proven successful amongst the manufacturing and construction trades for many years in Kansas. Currently, the state is streamlining the program to include additional industries such as healthcare, IT, human resources, agricultural manufacturing and distribution and logistics – to help expand workforce expertise in Kansas.  

The Office of Registered Apprenticeship is hosting the 1st Annual KANSASWORKS National Apprenticeship Summit on November 17 in Topeka. To learn more about apprenticeships and the Registered Apprenticeship Program in Kansas, visit ksapprenticeship.org.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating Kansas Registered Apprenticeship and all of the growth it’s experienced in the last few years,” said Shonda Atwater, Director of Apprenticeships and Internships. “We have an amazing lineup of experts presenting at the summit, but more importantly the connections and partnerships formed there will make a generational impact on attracting and retaining Kansans in our most critical industries.”