KGFA’s legislative efforts result in tax credit for certain employers who create apprenticeship programs

01 Aug KGFA’s legislative efforts result in tax credit for certain employers who create apprenticeship programs

In the 2023 legislative session, Kansas Grain and Feed Association lobbied in support of passage of HB 2292 last year which Governor Kelly signed into law. The bill creates a tax credit for certain employers who create apprenticeship programs. The bill also creates new grant programs that support apprenticeships.

This week, the National Governors Association selected Kansas to join its best practices/policy academy to advance youth apprenticeship programs. The program is provided through the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship.

According to Gov. Laura Kelly, the academy will enable Kansas to develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youths 16 and older to build skills for careers in the modern workforce. “My administration has focused on apprenticeships as a way to build the Kansas workforce in a way that is both pro-business and pro-worker,” Kelly said. “Now, we are furthering our efforts by developing a plan to ensure more of our high school students graduate with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.” 

Working with employers, the program will provide paid, on-the-job learning under supervision of skilled mentors, classroom-based instruction, assessment of skills and industry-recognized credentialing and postsecondary credits.

Shonda Anderson is the Director of apprenticeship and internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. “With more than 160,000 high school students across the state, Kansas youth apprenticeship has significant potential,” said Shonda Anderson. “The Policy Academy will support Governor Kelly’s focus on improving employment opportunities for young adults, especially in rural parts of the state.” 

For more information on the state apprenticeship program please contact the Kansas Apprenticeship office at apprenticeship@ks.gov or (785) 296-4161, or visit the program website at https://ksapprenticeship.org/.