Commerce Groundbreaking ROI Study on Registered Apprenticeships

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the release of a study recognizing the positive return on investment (ROI) companies receive by participating in registered apprenticeship programs. The analysis was drawn from surveys of Kansas employers involved in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) for high-wage and high-demand occupations.

“These results make the case that businesses who adopt apprenticeship programs simply perform better by attracting and retaining more skilled workers,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As we continue to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Kansas, this research will help inform employers’ workforce decisions — and keep up with industry demand for trained talent.”

As more companies show interest in RAPs, and more individuals pursue earn-and-learn pathways, there is a need to understand the benefits to employers who invest in this important workforce and educational initiative.

Key findings from the recent study revealed:

• Identified company participation has grown 228% since 2022 – from 280 to 919 in just three years since Governor Kelly established the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship
• At program completion, half of all employers report breaking even in the short term, while nearly two-thirds break even within five years — demonstrating both immediate and long-term returns on investment
• After five years, the median ROI increases dramatically to 246%, or $2.49 in net direct benefits for every $1 invested
• In addition to financial gains, employers also report indirect benefits such as improved employee satisfaction, stronger workforce culture, and a more reliable pipeline of skilled workers

The size of the sample group included 18 Kansas employers who provided full ROI responses and 16 reporting on indirect outcomes. The insights offer valuable insight into how RAPs are creating value for Kansas companies.

“This study alone confirms the feedback we’ve heard from our industry partners — that registered apprenticeships pay off,” Director of Apprenticeships and Internships Shonda Anderson said. “With this important data showing the monetary value of these programs, we can elevate our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the state.”

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its partners will use the findings to support future policy, expand employer engagement and drive investment in high-quality training programs to meet the needs of the workforce and businesses.

To view the report, click here.

To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its resources, visit the webpage here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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