Editor’s Note: This article was paid for and written by the Kansas Department of Commerce and approved by Area Development.
Like most other states, Kansas has a worker shortage. And, as the number of international companies locating here and existing businesses expanding operations continues to soar, Kansas has more opportunities for lucrative careers than ever before. Almost 60,000 brand-new jobs have been created since 2019 alone.
One of the strategic approaches Kansas employs to find potential talent for a wide range of available positions is to work collaboratively with private-sector employers and military members about to transition out of the service.
With three military installations, the Sunflower State is home to a large number of military families. Approximately 3,000 members of the armed forces rejoin the civilian sector each year in Kansas. Research reveals only about 10% of these veterans decide to remain here.
The state does not see that as a deficit. Instead, it is committed to bridge workforce gaps, assist military transitions, and retain this highly motivated, trained talent in Kansas — and fill critical roles in all industries.
Approximately 3,000 members of the armed forces rejoin the civilian sector each year in Kansas.
By investing in programs that focus on post-military education and employment, Kansas has created an environment where veterans can plant roots and thrive. Kansas’ state-level support for military families through initiatives such as military articulation agreements with education institutions, workforce engagement and services, and occupational licensure reciprocity.
In 2021, Governor Laura Kelly signed the bipartisan Occupational License Reciprocity bill — recognizing that a license obtained in one state by military spouses also is valid in Kansas. By expanding on the existing law, it’s now easier for military spouses to utilize their professional licenses and find fulfilling careers in Kansas.
KANSASWORKS is another Department of Commerce workforce initiative that assists jobseekers find reliable employment in any region of the state. Qualified veterans are granted priority in employment offerings through KANSASWORKS, as well as assistance with referrals to specific job openings, training or related services.
With the goal of retaining and growing the state’s workforce, Kansas is committed to being a leader in the SkillBridge program offered through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The state’s laser focus on growing and retaining workforce and partnership with the SkillBridge program will bring opportunities for transitioning service members – and provide a viable solution for companies with critical vacancies in Kansas.
The state is committed to bridging workforce gaps, assisting military transitions, and retaining this highly motivated, trained talent in Kansas.
The DoD’s SkillBridge program assists veterans with post-military employment opportunities such as training, apprenticeships and internships that prepare them for permanent employment at the conclusion of their service. Participating service members are granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training and gaining in-demand work experience.
The shared values and goals at the federal and state level make for great partnerships to elevate the work being done by both entities.
Economic opportunities are booming in the Sunflower State, and there are no signs of the momentum slowing down. With innovative programs such as SkillBridge — and dedicated workforce development professionals at KANSASWORKS — there is no doubt that Kansas will be a strong player in assisting and placing veterans and their families into promising careers.
For more information on doing business in Kansas – The State of Unexpected, please visit kansascommerce.gov.
