IT is envisioned that the kansas trec program will consist of a partnership between 1) the kansas corporation commission, 2) kansasworks, and 3) the kansas board of regents (kbor); all with support…

IT is envisioned that the kansas trec program will consist of a partnership between 1) the kansas corporation commission, 2) kansasworks, and 3) the kansas board of regents (kbor); all with support from the kansas departments of commerce and labor, and the workforce advisory group. The kansas corporation commission will administer the distribution of funds to existing organizations in the state who have demonstrated a track record of providing training through partnerships and a workforce advisory group. The kansas trec program will provide short-term training programs to prepare and support new contract employees for certifications as home energy auditors or HVAC contractor employees. Kansas is a mostly rural state, so the program utilizes five workforce regions that are being supported by kansasworks, a core partner, who has existing services in five local workforce development areas, including 35 workforce centers. The kansas department of labor has identified that there will be an expected growth in energy efficiency jobs broadly in kansas and that employers in kansas reported a 52% overall hiring difficulty, which the trec program will support through their certification programs and engaging transitioning, disadvantaged, and rural workers. The state intends to train 345 new workers, focusing on energy auditors and HVAC workers.