Various initiatives have evolved into Kansas' current workforce services system.  When the Employment and Training Division of the Kansas Department of Human Resources was transferred to the Kansas Department of Commerce in 2004, an initiative was established to link post-secondary schools with state and federally funded workforce training and labor exchange programs. This resulting partnership would form a seamless, integrated workforce development system that is both responsive and relevant to employers. 

In the "Joint Committee on Economic Development Report to the 2006 Kansas Legislature", the Committee defined workforce development as “…a partnership between the State and business to develop employment opportunities with meaningful and sustainable income to Kansans and to provide programs to assist business through specialized training.”  In 1998, the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) mandated that states create a customer-based, locally driven, seamless system of employment and training services to be accessed by both employees and employers.  States were directed to establish One-Stop Centers to provide access to 14 Federal and other state/local programs.  The KANSASWORKS State Board and five local area boards (shown above) oversee the implementation of the WIA programs, services and initiatives and continuously work to align partner services and programs for Kansans. As part of the KANSASWORKS system under the Department of Commerce, Registered Apprenticeship programs continue to be developed across the state.  See our program sponsors listed below.  

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors: West Region

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors: Northeast Region

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors: Greater Kansas City Region

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors: South-Central Region

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors: Southeast Region