Students trained in technical schools are in big demand throughout the state of Kansas. Whether their training is to be a machinist, welder, electrician, plumber or automotive mechanic jobs are ready and waiting for most graduates with technical skills. Increased funding could expand technical school offerings here and provide more qualified employees for local employers. Kansas boasts 16 technical schools, with nearly 33,000 students enrolled.
Most students are high school graduates with jobs, who hope to improve their job skills.
An even greater number of potential students are waiting to get into the vocational schools. Course offerings include health careers, criminal justice, early childhood education, power mechanics, building trades and graphics. Kansas Gov. Bill Graves and other legislators have understandably focused their attention and education dollars on universities and community colleges, which both went under the direction of the Kansas Board of Regents two years ago. Administrators at technical schools believe they have been overlooked. The funding numbers tell the story.