WICHITA, Kan. — March 13, 2026 — Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) today announced the launch of Training & Workforce Innovation, a coordinated workforce initiative designed to align skills development with industry demand and expand access to high-impact training across Kansas.

Training & Workforce Innovation unifies employer-specific training, short-term career learning, registered apprenticeships, and applied learning environments into a centralized workforce platform. The initiative focuses on delivering practical, skills-based training that responds directly to the needs of business and industry while creating accessible pathways for individuals seeking advancement.

“Training & Workforce Innovation is about meeting people and employers where they are,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “Whether an organization needs customized training to upskill its workforce, or an individual is looking to gain new skills quickly, this initiative is designed to deliver real-world results aligned with today’s workforce demands.”

While WSU Tech’s degree and certificate programs build long-term career foundations, Training & Workforce Innovation focuses on rapid skill development aligned with immediate employer demand. Programs are developed in direct partnership with industry and can be launched in days or weeks to close critical skill gaps.

“Training & Workforce Innovation gives us the ability to move at the speed of industry,” said Dr. Jennifer Seymour, Vice President of General Education & Applied Technologies at WSU Tech. “We can respond quickly to employer demand, build customized solutions, and deliver targeted skills training that meets real workforce needs in real time. This model allows us to complement our academic programs while providing flexible, employer-driven options for upskilling and reskilling.”

Training & Workforce Innovation strengthens the connection between education and employment through coordinated workforce pathways:

Customized Training for Employers: Developed in partnership with industry, customized training addresses specific workforce needs by combining flexible delivery with targeted instruction to close skills gaps and strengthen long-term organizational performance.

Career and Professional Training: Accessible, short-term learning opportunities enable individuals to explore new interests, build practical skills, and advance at any stage of their careers.

Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning: Structured apprenticeship models integrate paid, on-the-job experience with related instruction to develop work-ready talent and build sustainable employer pipelines.

Applied Learning Environments: Initiatives such as ShockStarter, WSU Tech’s student-powered creative agency, and the National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education (NICHE) deliver real-world business solutions and professional hospitality experiences while preparing students through structured, hands-on applied learning.

Training & Workforce Innovation is already supporting high-demand sectors through a range of targeted programs and partnerships. Examples of current and recent training initiatives include:

These examples represent the broader scope of Training & Workforce Innovation, which continues to evolve in response to employer demand and emerging industry needs. For industry partners, the impact is tangible.

“Our relationship with WSU Tech represents more than training; it’s an investment in our people,” said David Dellinger, HR Business Partner, Dondlinger Construction. “The hands-on, skills-based training has helped equip our employees with knowledge, confidence, and the ability to make a difference. Our collaboration directly supports long-term career development, and we are excited to continue this partnership for many years to come.”

Training & Workforce Innovation is housed at WSUTech.edu/GetTrained. In this centralized hub, employers and individuals can explore training pathways and connect directly with industry-focused specialists who assess workforce needs and develop responsive solutions. By bringing these efforts together into a single, accessible platform, WSU Tech is accelerating training timelines, strengthening partnerships, and expanding opportunities for Kansans to build skills that lead directly to employment and advancement.

“Strong employers require skilled talent, and individuals need clear pathways to opportunity,” said Utash. “Training & Workforce Innovation connects the two in a way that is collaborative, responsive, and built for long-term impact.”

Those interested in learning more can visit www.WSUTech.edu/GetTrained or contact the team at GetTrained@wsutech.edu.

About WSU Tech

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

Follow WSU Tech on social media: Facebook| LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | X (Twitter) | TikTok