TOPEKA – The week of November 12-16 has been named Apprenticeship Week in the State of Kansas. This is being done to recognize the value and importance of the statewide Registered Apprenticeship Program in meeting the workforce needs of Kansas employers. The Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven model that combines on-the-job learning with job-related instruction leading to increasing levels of measurable skill attainment and wages.
There are presently 1928 registered apprentices in Kansas receiving both on-the-job training and paid employment from 257 employers, with the numbers growing weekly. Through this program, apprentices receive on-the-job training from an experienced mentor for at least a full year, providing a living wage while training for a career position. They also earn credentials which can be carried forward throughout their careers. At the same time, employers benefit by meeting their growing need for a trained workforce, experience lower turnover costs and higher productivity, and reduce their costs for recruiting personnel.
Apprenticeship Week will begin with a ceremony in Wichita, featuring a speech from the Mayor, on November 13. In early November, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D., will be on-hand to present the Governor’s proclamation and speak about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships toward meeting the workforce needs of Kansas employers.
