A little-noticed provision in Kansas's budget bill puts apprenticeship funding directly within reach of small transportation businesses.
Most Kansas trucking and transportation owners don't realize that HB2513—a sweeping state budget bill signed into law—contains a provision that could reshape how they build their workforce. Buried in Section 65(b) on page 199 is $14.3 million earmarked specifically for apprenticeship development at Kansas community and technical colleges, with funds flowing directly to support small business workforce needs.
HB2513 distributes $14.3 million to Kansas community and technical colleges for apprenticeship programs designed around small business demands. The money funds two key activities: apprenticeship development itself and direct outreach to businesses and industries to identify workforce gaps and design training solutions.
For trucking and transportation companies, this means access to workforce-ready apprentices and customized training programs at no direct cost to the business. Colleges use the state funding to build and deliver the training; companies participate in curriculum design and hire graduates. The funds are allocated by formula across the state's community college system, ensuring statewide availability.
Small transportation businesses are the explicit target. Unlike large carriers with dedicated HR and training budgets, small operators often struggle to find qualified drivers, maintenance technicians, and logistics staff—and lack resources to develop in-house training programs. This provision removes that barrier by making community colleges the training intermediary, funded by the state.
Businesses don't need to apply for grants or navigate complex paperwork. Instead, they work with their local community college to define skill needs, participate in apprenticeship design, and recruit from the resulting pipeline.
The $14.3 million is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. However, there's a critical condition: community colleges must certify that they are not increasing their 2027 tax levy. If a college cannot meet this requirement, the funds allocated to that institution lapse—meaning they revert to the state and are not available.
This constraint is important for businesses to understand. If your local community college increases its tax levy in 2027, the apprenticeship funding for your region may disappear. It's worth asking your college directly about their levy plans if you're considering participation in an apprenticeship program.
Transportation business owners interested in apprenticeship partnerships should contact their nearest Kansas community or technical college. Colleges are now tasked with identifying businesses in their service areas and building apprenticeship programs around real workforce demand. Early engagement—before programs are finalized—gives you a voice in what training gets developed.
The provision is real, the funding is allocated, and the timeline is tight. For small trucking and transportation firms facing driver and technician shortages, this represents a rare opportunity to access state-funded workforce development at no cost.
Source: Kansas HB2513, Section 65(b), page 199; Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations.