Governor Kelly Signs Kansas Apprenticeship Act to Build Skilled Workforce
June 30, 2023
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today ceremonially signed House Bill 2292, bipartisan legislation that promotes and expands apprenticeships with businesses, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit groups through the use of tax credits and grants. The legislation, known as the Kansas Apprenticeship Act, also creates a matching grant program for eligible higher education institutions based on the number of engineering program graduates.
“Registered Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways we can build our state’s skilled workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why I signed this bipartisan law to build on our efforts to expand and modernize apprenticeships. Now we are preparing even more Kansans to fill the high-demand, high-wage jobs we are creating throughout the state.”
In September 2022, Governor Kelly established Kansas’ first Office of Registered Apprenticeship to increase the state’s workforce development efforts and meet the talent needs of businesses. Kansas lawmakers authorized $13 million in total annual funding. It is the single largest and most significant financial investment Kansas has made in Registered Apprenticeships.