WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TOP 3 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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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 and a relaunched KanVet.org to better serve veterans in Kansas. Statewide Virtual Job Fairs
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Five Job Fairs 403 employers set up booths on the virtual fair platform Average of 185 employers participating in the last five virtual monthly events of 2020 4,063 job seekers registered since May 2020
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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 KANSASWORKS to provide workforce services in regions of the state that lack permanent Workforce Centers or face unusually high demand for workforce assistance. It includes six internet-ready computer stations to assist job seekers and employers, as well as well appropriate staff for event volume and ADA compliant access.
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New Registered Apprenticeships Launched:
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Peaslee Tech in Lawrence started its registered program with one occupation, working with one business. As of today, Peaslee Tech has nine registered occupations serving several 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. As of the end of 2020, 24 apprentices were enrolled in USD 457’s Elementary Teacher Apprenticeship.
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