By Scout Nelson
A hemp processing facility in Great Bend has graduated its first apprentice through the Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program. This milestone highlights the success of workforce development efforts that prepare skilled workers for long-term careers in rural Kansas.
The apprentice completed a yearlong training program offered through Kansas Farm Bureau’s award-winning Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program, also known as RKAP. The program is designed to connect talented individuals with stable career opportunities while helping rural businesses build a reliable workforce.
“I invested a lot into this training program because I see a career pathway available to me,” Streit says. “One of my favorite parts of the apprenticeship was learning about hydraulics, which has allowed me to perform repairs on machinery.”
Kansas Farm Bureau served as the intermediary sponsor for the apprenticeship. The organization worked closely with the hemp processing facility and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship to manage the administration and reporting requirements associated with the training.
The Great Bend facility processes Kansas-grown industrial hemp into bast and hurd. These materials are used in manufacturing and agricultural industries for a wide range of products. By offering specialized training, the facility helps strengthen local supply chains and support new agricultural markets within the state.
“We are excited about William’s progress through RKAP, and his development has made our repair bills smaller and less frequent,” says Melissa Nelson-Baldwin, a co-founder of South Bend Industrial Hemp. “William is exactly who we were looking for when we offered the state’s first certified apprenticeship in hemp processing.”
The apprenticeship has also encouraged long-term community investment. The graduate has shared that he sees strong career potential in Great Bend and plans to continue building his future in the area.
“RKAP was designed to connect talented workers with careers in rural Kansas,” says Kylee Stout, RKAP business development manager. “South Bend is an ideal partner because the company is a committed member of the Barton County community and contributes to the area’s economic success.”
RKAP supports agriculture-related and rural businesses by creating customized apprenticeship programs based on specific workforce needs. The program assists with curriculum development and manages reporting requirements tied to apprenticeships.
Additional information about RKAP is available at www.kfb.org/RKAP. Interested businesses and individuals can also contact the program by email at stoutk@kfb.org to learn more about participation opportunities.
Photo Credit: kansas-farm-bureau
Categories: Kansas, Business, Education