On May 2, Graduating Seniors and Local Businesses/Employers gathered for the Apprenticeship Career Fair in the Rezac Auditorium and Main Corridors of Manhattan High.  

Apprenticeship programs through Department of Commerce-KANSASWORKS were presented to the participating employers by; Jo Brunner, Chastity Troxel and Joseph Comfort.  Topics covered the advantages to employers of; the Workforce Innovations Fund, Kansas Health Professional Opportunities Program, Work Opportunity Tax Credits, and Opportunities to grow your workforce through Apprenticeships.

25 employers participated in the event and approximately 40 students attended.  Students were able to walk to all tables to visit with the employers on their employment opportunities.

HRMN employers that participated included:  Midwest Concrete Materials, GTM/Champion Sports Wear, Advanced Property Management, Bayer Construction, Blueville Nursery, Kansas State University Human Capital Services, Riley County and Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community.

The event was co-sponsored by the Pottawatomie County Economic Development, Wamego Chamber of Commerce and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. 

Coordination of the event was provided by; Jo Brunner, KANSASWORKS Supervisor and HRMN Member, Craig Poe, Midwest Concrete Materials Director of HR and HRMN Program Chair, and Jack Allston, Director of Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corp and HRMN Professional Development Chair.

This event is part of the HRMN EXCEL initiative program that focuses in the area of Advancing the HR Profession Category.  “Initiatives advancing the HR profession by creating awareness with or supporting key constituents including workplace, government and regulatory representatives, employers, schools, media and the community at large.  Activities may be outreach and awareness programs, government or public affairs, raising funds and supporting the SHRM Foundation’s annual initiative to build inclusive organizations, or focus on key issues such as inclusion, diversity, or workforce readiness.”