Kansas Apprenticeship Program Expands with Grant

Friday, October 10, 2025

The Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program (RKAP), led by the Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB), has received a $381,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to expand workforce opportunities and strengthen skilled trades across rural Kansas.

“RKAP is committed to building a high-quality workforce in rural Kansas,” says Joel Leftwich, KFB chief strategy officer. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for this grant supporting RKAP’s work to help businesses train and retrain qualified labor.”

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, continues the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson through its mission of “working together to help rural communities thrive.” The foundation focuses its support on rural counties throughout Kansas and western Missouri, funding projects that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life.

This multiyear grant will enable RKAP to educate Kansas employers on how registered apprenticeships can help them develop, retain, and upskill their workforce. The funding will also allow the program to offer mini grants that assist employers in covering apprentice training expenses.

Established in 2022, RKAP designs and manages apprenticeship programs tailored to agriculture, rural trades, and small business careers. The goal is to create sustainable career pathways for individuals in rural communities while helping local employers build a strong and reliable workforce.

Registered apprenticeships not only help employers fill essential positions but also provide participants with full-time jobs, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate their mastery of a skilled trade. This dual benefit strengthens both local economies and long-term employment prospects.

With support from the Patterson Family Foundation, RKAP will continue promoting workforce innovation and economic growth across rural Kansas, empowering communities to meet their evolving labor needs.

Photo Credit:kansas-farm-bureau