Be sure to apply by June 1 or as soon as possible. Many activities, including workshops and job fairs, will begin in May and the sooner registration is received, the sooner the applicant can access other resources.
How old do I have to be to participate in YEP? 
Participants must be at least 16 years old by June 1, of the current calendar year, to participate in a work experience. The YEP Workshops are open to all applicants, 14 and older. The Workforce Center also operates the WIOA Youth Program for young adults, ages 14-24. Camp HYPE is available for those aged 15. The WIOA Youth Program offers additional services beyond work experience, for those with barriers to education and employment.
Please click here for more information on the WIOA Youth Program.
What documents are required to participate? 
To participate in a Work Experience, applicants will need to provide documentation required for employment:
- Applicants aged 14-17, must provide a picture ID (not expired), and birth certificate
- Applicants aged 18-24 must provide a state-issued ID (i.e., driver’s license or state ID card)
- All applicants must have a Social Security card (must be signed by you)
- In addition, males age 18 or older must register with Selective Service at www.sss.gov and bring a copy of the document
What are the next steps in the process? 
After completing the www.kansasworks.com and YEP Registration, WA staff will screen for completeness and accuracy. Applicants will be informed about YEP workshops and job fairs via the email address provided in the application and contacted for further programs or match any employer requests.
Applicants who have completed the online application and KANSASWORKS account will be sent information to sign up for YEP Youth Essential Skills Workshops and Job Fairs.
What if I am not chosen to participate in an internship? 
All applicants 14 and older with completed applications on file can enroll in the YEP Workshop series and earn a Youth Essential Skills Certificate. YEP Work Experience placements are for applicants 16 and over. After attending the YEP Workshops, many individuals are able to find jobs on their own or by attending a YEP job fair. Others will be identified for potential work experiences through YEP based on employer and interest matches.
Applicants not selected for YEP placements can continue with their job search and have direct contact with hiring employers through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) at any Workforce Center. This includes resume writing and interviewing workshops, various job search training sessions as well as receiving information about job postings and hiring events.
When does YEP start/end? 
YEP will start with workshops offered March through June. Most employment will begin hiring in June and end in August. Each employer manages their own positions, so there will be variances from job to job.
Click here for more information on the City of Wichita Way to Work Program
Click here for more information on the YMCA Job Prep Program
What kind of training will I receive? 
All participants will be required to participate in YEP pre-employment workshops prior to being considered for a work experience position.
YEP Workshops will provide a Youth Essential Skills Certificate. The curriculum is designed to teach business etiquette, customer service, money handling and address the unspoken rules of the workplace. Young adults will earn a badge for each workshop they complete and a Certificate after completing a series of three workshops (Essential Skills, Customer Service and Financial Literacy). Workshops can be taken separately or together as a two-day session (times listed below).
Workshops begin in March and include:
- Workplace Etiquette
- Customer Service
- Resume & Interview Skills
- Financial Literacy
Do I get paid for training/workshop attendance? 
Participants are not paid for workshop attendance. They are only paid once they begin a work experience placement. If participants attend the entire YEP Workshop series, including all three workshops, they will earn a Youth Essential Skills Certificate, which can be listed as an accomplishment on their resume.
What kind of job will I get? 
There are several industry clusters applicants can indicate interest in working in, and YEP will try to match career interests with available placements. Most placements are 20 hours per week or less and last eight weeks or less.
- Banking or Finance
- Clerical or Office
- Customer Service or Retail
- Food Service or Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Janitorial or Maintenance
- Manufacturing (for ages 16-19)
- Construction (majority of placements must be 18 years old order)
YEP has designed the summer experience to support long-term career interests. Applicants are asked to choose the area of employment that interests them the most, and that would allow them to gain the most experience. Some summer employment can turn into permanent employment for youth that show potential and work hard.
How far away will my job be? 
The WA attempts to assist with job opportunities near the applicant’s home zip code and take factors like transportation into consideration when making placement to ensure participants will not have a problem getting to and from their job site, and won’t have to travel in the dark if taking the bus. If reliable transportation is an issue, applicants should indicate it as a barrier on the application so YEP staff can work to assist them.
How much will I earn? 
Positions pay a minimum of $7.25 per hour. Some employers may pay higher based on industry and experience. This will be discussed with the participants as they job search.
Additional Information about the Workforce Centers
Where are the Workforce Centers located and what are the office hours?
Click on the red links to view locations in Google Maps
Wichita Workforce Center
2021 N. Amidon, Suite 1100
Wichita, KS 67203
Tel: 316-771-6800
Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:00 to 6:00, Friday 9:00 to Noon
Butler Workforce Center
524 N. Main
El Dorado, KS 67042
Tel: 316-321-2350
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 to 5:00 and Friday 9:00 to Noon (virtual services)
Cowley Workforce Center
221 W. Chestnut
Arkansas City, KS 67005
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 to 5:00
Sumner Workforce Center
215 S. Washington
Wellington, KS 67152
Tel: 620-326-2659
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:30
How do I register on KANSASWORKS?
Visit www.kansasworks.com
Click on “Job Seekers”
Click on “Create a Job Seeker Account”
Follow instructions for setting up a job seeker account and enter required information
If you have previously created a job seeker account on KANSASWORKS, please review and update your information by visiting www.kansasworks.com. If you have trouble with the steps above and need assistance please visit a Workforce Center.
How do I update my contact information?
You may update your contact information at any time. All you have to do is:
- Go into your KANSASWORKS account (www.kansasworks.com) with your login and password information,
- Click the My Profile icon on the left side menu bar and submit any changes that need to be updated.
- Save your changes
Remember that it is very important to keep your contact information up to date so we can contact you regarding the status of your application. You will be contacted on the primary phone number and email listed in your account.
Where can I get a photo ID and how much does it cost?
For Wichita residents there is a DMV office located at 1823 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67203, directly across the street from the Wichita Workforce Center. Average fee for a first-time license is $24.
Additional Resources:
Where can I get a social security card and how much does it cost? 
To obtain a social security card in Wichita, visit the Social Security Administrative Office located at 3216 N Cypress St, Wichita, KS 67226. You may also call their toll-free number at (866) 931-9173. There is no cost to obtain a social security card. It takes approximately 7 to 10 business days to receive the original copy of the card.
For replacement cards, visit the SSA office or https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/