New and existing Kansas companies that need to expand or restructure may qualify for assistance under one of the state’s workforce training programs. These flexible programs offer:
- Services customized to specific training needs, so employees develop better skills faster.
- A collaborative effort between the company, the Department of Commerce and training providers to train for the right employee knowledge, skills and abilities.
- A streamlined process to apply for and access workforce development programs.
- Personalized assistance with the reimbursement processes.
- The support of KANSASWORKS workforce services in recruiting and screening skilled employees.
Training Tailored for Business Results
Through KANSASWORKS, professional consultations and a variety of options are available at no cost to assist companies for their workforce training and employment needs. Whether you are training a start-up workforce, adding new jobs or retraining current employees with new skills, resources are available to help.
The Department adds value to companies doing business in Kansas by providing more options than ever. KANSASWORKS can help with recruiting and screening employees with competencies required for success in your company.
When appropriate, the Kansas Department of Commerce can offer financial assistance to offset a firm’s training costs through the most appropriate state training program. A profile of each of these programs, eligibility criteria and information concerning how to apply for assistance is provided in a summary table below.
State Training Institutions
Kansas’ public training institutions have developed strong partnerships with businesses throughout the state. The Department can offer businesses dozens of existing training programs or design one to meet specific needs through 26 technical and community colleges and seven universities. Many companies have taken advantage of these valuable resources for standardized or customized workforce training.
Community and technical colleges serve business and industry directly through short-term programs for adults seeking competency-based instruction in order to meet the skill requirements of your company.
Institutions also provide occupational technical training for secondary, postsecondary and adult participants. One-third of community college students are enrolled in technical programs.
By partnering with a postsecondary training institution to combine classroom and on-the-job training, employees are able to receive credentials in nationally-recognized Registered Apprenticeship programs. Registered Apprenticeship is a proven method for improving skills, knowledge, employee performance and retention. Seventy-five percent of Registered Apprenticeship sponsoring employers in Kansas are non-union employers. USDOL grant funding is currently available for Related Technical Instruction provided to all Registered Apprentices across the state.
State universities play a key role in Kansas’ economic development strategy, particularly in the crucial areas of research and continuing education. The state’s seven state universities award approximately 15,000 bachelors, 5,000 masters and 1,200 doctoral degrees each year.
Visit http://www.expansionsolutionsmagazine.com/kansas_ed for local economic development office directory listings.
