BUSINESS NEWS
On Sept. 1 at 10 a.m., Great Bend Economic Development will celebrate local Apprenticeship Champion, KMW Loaders, at their Great Bend Plant, 198 US 281. This event honors KMW Loaders launching a new apprenticeship program partially funded by State and Federal programs.
With the assistance of Hamilton-Ryker’s workforce development division, TalentGro, KMW Loaders was connected to government investment, both State and Federal, to equip local businesses with workers with skills needed to help the business thrive and grow. Three new apprentices begin their journey into a career in manufacturing with the launch of this new apprenticeship program at KMW Loaders.
Great Bend Economic Development will host the media, community leaders, as well as other businesses interested in taking part in the program. During the presentation of the Apprenticeship Champion award to KMW Loaders from GBED, there will be a press conference, Q&A about apprenticeships, and a short tour of KMW Loaders.
Following the event, businesses are invited to learn more about the apprenticeship program from GBED and Hamilton-Ryker/TalentGro at an informational session. For more on the informational session please call GBED at 620-796-2407, register online at: www.gbedinc.com/gbwc, or email: [email protected].
Apprenticeship programs can help not only attract people to Kansas while keeping young Kansans from leaving. The state of Kansas received the SAEEI (State Apprenticeship Expansion, Equity and Innovation) Grant, awarding just under $6 million in funding to assist in this expansion effort statewide. Multiple partners working with the Kansas Department of Commerce will receive these funds, and KMW will be the first business to take advantage of this opportunity in Barton County.
This opportunity will help the local manufacturer in developing their talent. Hamilton-Ryker/TalentGro not only connects employers to the grants and funding available to support this effort but also assists the employer in building, launching, and managing the program.
Apprenticeships are generally regarded as a positive program to help workers gain experience and knowledge; they need to be hirable members of the workforce. Unlike internships, apprenticeships are paid and frequently include a track to being hired full-time. The length of an apprenticeship depends on both the sponsor and the job. The range can be anywhere from one year up to six years, however, the average apprenticeship lasts two years.
To learn more about how to become an Apprenticeship Champion or join the apprenticeship program as an employee, please contact GBED via email at [email protected] or by calling 620-796-2407. GBED connects employers to partners like Hamilton-Ryker to grow Barton County businesses.