MANHATTAN – Mid-Kansas Cooperative (MKC), a member-owned agriculture cooperative based in Moundridge, continues to grow its workforce with the addition of five apprentices through Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program (RKAP). The five new hires will work full time and receive on-the-job training for leadership roles in the company.

Tristen Burger, Matt Pauly, Mark Perry, Anthony Redar and Kyle Sherwood recently began their yearlong apprenticeships in leadership development. The program will rotate the apprentices through multiple MKC locations across the state where they will learn from division experts about agronomy, grain, risk management, feed, energy, information technology, human resources, accounting and safety.

"The Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program is a crucial part of our people strategy to build a robust and skilled workforce," says Anne Warren, chief talent officer at MKC. "By investing in these apprentices, we're not only strengthening our company but also contributing to the economic vitality of rural Kansas. Our apprentices gain invaluable hands-on experience and leadership training, positioning them for successful careers with MKC."

These full-time roles include technical instruction designed to lay a foundation for the apprentices to assume leadership roles at MKC and be successful through all seasons of the business.

After becoming Kansas' first agricultural apprenticeship program in 2023, MKC has enhanced its labor force with seven apprentices through RKAP. The company previously hired two operations specialists through the program. Currently, MKC has apprentice openings for CDL drivers.

“The goal is to create trained and skilled workers for companies operating in rural Kansas,” says Kylee Stout, KFB’s business development manager. “RKAP gives employers the ability to create pathways for workers to acquire practical skills that lead to well-paying jobs in any role where a company has a need.”

Apprenticeships benefit employers by developing a skilled and loyal workforce. Employees benefit from having a full-time job as they earn a certified credential showing mastery of their craft.

To learn more about RKAP, contact Kylee Stout at stoutk@kfb.org or visit www.kfb.org/rkap.