Kansas Summit Set to Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship invites the public to take part in a memorable celebration recognizing the 10^th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week. The 3^rd Annual KANSASWORKS National Apprenticeship Week Summit will take place Thursday, November 21, in Salina, where the spotlight will shine on the vital role registered apprenticeship plays in the state’s workforce and economy.

Since Governor Laura Kelly established the office in 2022, the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship has grown significantly, achieving a 106% increase in new registered apprentices — from 862 in 2021 to 1,774 in 2024. This growth has propelled Kansas from 39^th in the nation to 29^th, well on the way to becoming a Top 25 state in apprenticeship rankings by 2025.

“Our registered apprenticeship programs, like our economy, are experiencing unprecedented growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The summit provides a great opportunity to recognize the dedicated apprentices and our partners that make this progress possible.”

The celebration will take place at the Salina Airport Authority’s Aviation Innovation and Maintenance (AIM) Center of Excellence from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Chris Kuehl, a renowned economist with expertise in manufacturing and workforce development. Attendees also will hear from apprenticeship stakeholders and partners and participate in a panel with current apprentices.

“The Kelly-Toland Administration will continue making strategic, coordinated investments that create more career opportunities for young Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state’s direct engagement with employers, the nurturing of new and existing partnerships, and a focus on equity are accelerating the number of registered apprentices in our state.”

This year’s celebration will be especially noteworthy as John V. Ladd, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, will be in attendance.

“As we approach National Apprenticeship Week 2024, I am very excited that I will have the opportunity to participate in the KANSASWORKS Apprenticeship Week Summit,” U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Administrator John V. Ladd said. “Kansas is a perfect example of the renewed vitality of this country’s Registered Apprenticeship system. Leveraging federal funding, Kansas has dramatically grown its apprenticeship system and now serves over 4,300 active apprentices in 250 occupations meeting the needs of at least 179 industry sponsors. Behind these statistics are powerful, individual stories of how registered apprenticeship changes lives for the better. What better time than National Apprenticeship Week to celebrate this success.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience virtual airplane training simulators, engage with airplane maintenance apprentices, and participate in discussions covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Gearing Up for Success – A Conversation with Traditional Programs
• Gearing Up for Career Advancement – Apprentice Panel
• Gearing Up for Collaboration – Business ROI Study
• Gearing Up for Resilience – Keynote by Dr. Chris Kuehl
• Gearing Up for Innovation – Presentation by American Implement
• Gearing Up for the Future – Youth Apprenticeship Panel
• Kansas Apprenticeship Council Meeting at 3:30 p.m.

In conjunction with the summit, Governor Kelly has proclaimed November 18-22 as Apprenticeship Week in Kansas, recognizing the significant growth of registered apprenticeship across key sectors, including construction, energy, advanced manufacturing, teacher education, and healthcare. Emerging apprenticeships in fields such as professional services, agriculture, aerospace and IT highlight the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship’s commitment to fostering a highly skilled, adaptable workforce.

Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. Monday. To register, click here.