Kansas – Expansion of virtual services was listed among the top three accomplishments of 2020 in an annual Kansas report. The state recognized a solid shift to virtual platforms as a bright spot in the year’s workforce development.
The top three workforce accomplishments noted in an annual Kansas report listed expanding virtual services at the top, followed by the launch of a new mobile workforce center and the launch of new registered apprenticeships.
Expanding Virtual Services: The pandemic shifted services to virtual platforms, without interruption for job seekers or employers. These innovations included the Live Chat function on KansasWorks.com, the Job Search Mobile App, Statewide Virtual Job Fairs an a relaunched KanVet.org to better serve veterans in Kansas.
New Mobile Workforce Center launched: In January 2020, Governor Kelly unveiled the newest member of the KansasWorks Mobile Workforce Center Fleet. The Mobile Workforce Center allows Kansas Works to provide workforce services in regipons of the state that lack permanent Workforce Centers or face unusually high demand for workforce assistance. It includes six internet-ready computers stations to assist job seekers and employers, as well as appropriate staff for event volume and ADA compliant access.
New Registered Apprenticeships launched:
Peaslee Tech in Lawrence started its registered program with one occupation, working with one business. As of today, Peaslee Techn has nine registered occupations serving employers with a total of 89 registered apprentices.
Crossland Construction in Columbus has used Registered Apprenticeship in Kansas, and as a result has lowered its turnover rate and increased the caliber of new, qualified employees.
USD 457 in Garden City has a Registered Elementary Teacher Apprenticeship, which helped paras obtain teaching certificates when they otherwise may not have had that opportunity.
