Workforce Training
Information Source: State Department of Kansas
The state of Kansas is dedicated to the training and retraining of its work-force
to obtain the skills needed by employers. Expansion Management magazine recently
ranked the Kansas workforce training programs among the top ten in the nation for
ease of access and overall financial value to clients. If your company is new to
Kansas, or if your Kansasbusiness is expanding or restructuring, you may qualify
for assistance under one of our workforce training programs.
These flexible programs offer:
- A custom-designed program to meet your specific training needs
- A streamlined application and reimbursement process
- Maximum flexibility and minimal "red tape"
Kansas Industrial Training Program (KIT)
DESIGINED FOR
New and expanding businesses. Customized to your company's needs.
TYPE OF TRAINING
Pre-Employment Training: Prospective employees usually attend classes on their
own time, without pay, while gaining detailed knowledge of specific skills necessary
for job entry. Allows company and potential employee to evaluate one another before
making a commitment.
On-the-Job Training: Employees on the payroll receive instruction on the company's
equipment in a classroom or on the work floor. Each program is customized to match
your company's specific need. Pre-Employment and On-the-Job Training may be combined.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Basic Enterprises* creating at least one new job paying at least $8.00 per hour
(excluding recalled workers, replacement workers, or formerly existing jobs).
COVERED EXPENSES
Can pay negotiated costs for instructors' salaries; travel, meals, and lodging;
videotape development; training manuals and textbooks; supplies and materials; minor
equipment; certain utility costs; temporary training facilities; and curriculum
planning and development.
INSTRUCTOR SELECTION
Instructors may come from your supervisory staff, community colleges, technical
schools, consultants, vendors, etc. If desired, we can assist in locating qualified
instructors.
TRAINING FACILITIES
State universities, vocational-technical schools, community colleges, temporary
rental facilities, or your facility.
TRAINEE SELECTION
The company retains complete control over their hiring specifications and final
trainee selection. If desired, the Kansas Department of Human Resources can assist
in screening potential trainees.
HOW TO APPLY
The company prepares and submits to the KDOC a training proposal based on a brief
outline. State training consultants can provide free assistance to help you develop
this proposal.
Kansas Industrial Retraining Program (KIR)
DESIGINED FOR
Restructuring companies whose employees are likely to be displaced due to obsolete
or inadequate job skills. Customized to your company's needs.
TYPE OF TRAINING
On-the-Job Training: Employees on the payroll receive instruction on the company's
equipment in a classroom or on the work floor. Each program is customized to match
your company's specific needs.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Basic Enterprises* that are restructuring due to the incorporation of existing
technology, new technology, product diversification, or new production activities.
Minimum training requirement of one existing employee. Average employee wages must
be at least $7.00 per hour.
COVERED EXPENSES
Same as KIT program, however, requires matching funds from your company.
INSTRUCTOR SELECTION
Same as KIT program.
TRAINING FACILITIES
Same as KIT program.
TRAINEE SELECTION
Existing employees likely to be displaced due to obsolete or inadequate job skills
and knowledge.
HOW TO APPLY
Same as KIT program, however, projects are funded on a competitive basis and
are awarded every two months.
*Basic Enterprises include manufacturing, distribution, regional or national
service facilities, and other businesses primarily engaged in the development or
production of goods or the provision of services for out-of-state sale.
Investments in Major Projects and Comprehensive Training Program (IMPACT)
DESIGNED FOR
New and expanding businesses or consortiums of businesses that are creating a
large number of new jobs and/or new jobs paying above-average wages. Customized
to your company's needs.
TYPE OF TRAINING
Same as KIT program.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Same as KIT program.
IMPACT is typically reserved for projects involving at least 100 new jobs at
a higher-than-average wage. Projects with less than 100 new jobs may be funded but
must involve wage levels significantly higher than average.
COVERED EXPENSES
Same as KIT. Also, up to 50 percent of funds may be used to lease or purchase
training equipment for local educational institutions. Up to ten percent of funds
may be used to cover the administrative costs of the school.
PAYBACK PROVISIONS
If withholding taxes fail to match projections (for example, insufficient new
jobs created), your company may be required to repay some of the funding. If your
company leaves Kansasbefore the bonds are retired, the full cost must be repaid,
less withholding taxes already collected.
INSTRUCTOR SELECTION
Same as KIT program.
TRAINING FACILITIES
Same as KIT program.
TRAINEE SELECTION
Same as KIT program.
COMMENTS
IMPACT has two major components: SKILL (State of Kansas Investments in Lifelong
Learning) and MPI (Major Project Investment). SKILL funds may be used to pay for
workforce training expenses. MPI funds may be used for other expenses related to
the project such as the purchase or relocation of equipment, labor recruitment,
or building costs. IMPACT is funded through tax-exempt, public purpose bonds issued
by the Kansas Finance Development Authority.
HOW TO APPLY
The company and a Kansas public educational institution (area technical school,
community college, regents institution, municipal university) jointly submit a training
proposal to the KDOC. KDOC recommends a funding amount based on the level of training
required, the overall efficiency of the project, the quality of jobs created, etc.
The recommendation is passed to the Governor's Council on Workforce Training and
Investment, which must approve all IMPACT projects.
For more information about the Kansas Industrial Retraining Program,-Kansas Industrial
Training Program or IMPACT-please contact:
Beth Johnson
Vice President of Economic Development
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
734 Vermont, Suite 101
P.O. Box 586
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 865-4427 phone
(785) 865-4400 fax
bjohnson@lawrencechamber.com