The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship invites the public to celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week at the 3rd Annual KANSASWORKS National Apprenticeship Week Summit, taking place Thursday, November 21, in Salina. The event will highlight the important role of registered apprenticeship in Kansas’ workforce and economy.
Since its establishment by Governor Laura Kelly in 2022, the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship has seen remarkable growth, with new apprentices increasing by 106% from 862 in 2021 to 1,774 in 2024. This progress has moved Kansas up from 39th to 29th in national apprenticeship rankings, aiming for a Top 25 spot by 2025.
The summit will be held at the Salina Airport Authority’s Aviation Innovation and Maintenance (AIM) Center of Excellence from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dr. Chris Kuehl, a leading economist specializing in manufacturing and workforce development, will deliver the keynote address. The event will also feature remarks from apprenticeship stakeholders, partners, and a panel discussion with current apprentices.
Attendees will have the chance to try out virtual airplane training simulators, interact with airplane maintenance apprentices, and take part in discussions on various 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 recognition of the summit, Governor Kelly has declared November 18-22 as Apprenticeship Week in Kansas, celebrating the significant growth of registered apprenticeships in sectors like construction, energy, advanced manufacturing, teacher education, and healthcare. Emerging apprenticeship opportunities in fields such as professional services, agriculture, aerospace, and IT further demonstrate the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship’s dedication to building a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. Monday. To register, click here.
