In the Spotlight

WBJ Emerging Leaders had the opportunity Aug. 11, 2023, to hear from local business and nonprofit leaders about their future visions for Wichita. Panelists, from left to right, were: Shirley LeFever, Wichita State University; Noreen Carrocci, Envision; Danielle Johnson, Wichita Habitat for Humanity; Kelly Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools; Keith Lawing, Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas; Aaron Bastian, Fidelity Bank; and Ben Hutton, Hutton.

The Workforce Alliance and Child Start Inc. are partnering to increase awareness and availability of child care in the local area.

The Maize school district recognizes that college isn’t in the cards for every graduating senior. That’s why they offered a job fair showcasing careers you may not even need a degree for. Twenty-five different local businesses took a trip to Maize today to meet with high school seniors about future career opportunities.

Road Trip Nation: Paths Across Kansas will be broadcast regionally in two parts on September 28 and October 5, at 8:30 pm on PBS Kansas. Follow the journeys of five young Kansans as they take a deep dive into their home state's career possibilities. From aerospace and advanced manufacturing to healthcare and agriculture, discover the diverse range of career paths available in South Central Kansas.

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The seasonal job picture is changing across the Wichita area and the country. Workforce Alliance CEO Keith Lawing goes into further detail on KNSS radio with Steve and Ted in the morning. Listen here: A look at seasonal job opportunities in the Wichita area (audacy.com)

Governor Kelly has announced administration appointments. Keith Lawing, CEO of the Workforce Alliance of S. Central Kansas has been appointed to the Wichita State Board of Trustees. See highlighted area of document for further details.

An innovative strategy designed to recruit people leaving the military to Wichita has launched. The initiative, Home Base Wichita, led by the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas and partners including the Greater Wichita Partnership, the Greater Wichita Area Veterans Advocacy Board, and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, received initial funding through the City of Wichita as part of an economic recovery strategy for small business and individuals impacted by COVID-19.

Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas awarded $210,000 through Workforce Development Board Digital Skills Pilot Initiative from Jobs For the Future. The Digital Skills Initiative will provide opportunity to prepare and upskill
Kansans for competitive and high-demand technology careers in the region.

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — Child Start, and the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas have partnered up to create Creative Child Care Connections. It is a series that matches child care providers with employers.

Evergy Connect, a new facility near downtown Wichita operated by the state's largest electricity provider, aims to help customers who might be going through a challenging time — or might just prefer face-to-face interaction — while providing other services for the community.