Koch, WSU Tech and Wichita State University Partner to Launch Accounting Apprenticeship Program in Wichita
Koch Apprenticeship Program provides pathway to employment with Koch Industries – no prior experience needed.
WICHITA, Kan. – People with an interest in pursuing accounting and tax careers are getting a boost thanks to the Koch Apprenticeship Program, a partnership between Koch Industries, WSU Tech, and Wichita State University. Beginning in January, WSU Tech and Koch will guide apprentices through an accelerated 18-month program in Wichita, home of Koch’s global headquarters.
The program’s goal: Provide an opportunity for people from any background or experience level with natural aptitudes and interest in accounting or tax, to participate in a highly focused, collaborative, and accelerated education process that has the potential to result in meaningful full-time employment.
“Providing applied learning and real-world experience opportunities for all students is one of our top priorities,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “This accounting apprenticeship program not only provides those opportunities but is designed to remove barriers that may keep an individual from pursuing a career in accounting or tax. We are thrilled to collaborate with Koch Industries to offer this outstanding opportunity for our community.”
In the first phase, students will learn foundational business and accounting concepts through in-person and online WSU Tech courses, in addition to complimentary instruction from Koch U, Koch’s talent development capability. Successful apprentices can then finish their coursework at Wichita State University while applying and strengthening their knowledge of key accounting concepts as paid Koch employees.
“This is a terrific opportunity for anyone in our community who’s looking to explore a new career path,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean, Barton School of Business, Wichita State University. “All they need to bring is curiosity and a passion to learn.”
From financial reporting and analysis to tax strategy and more, the Koch Apprenticeship Program offers numerous opportunities for students to develop and apply their abilities across Koch companies.
“For people with the right aptitude and passion, the program’s accelerated nature, coupled with a real apprenticeship learning model and compensation from Koch, opens the profession up to many more people who otherwise wouldn’t follow this path,” said Richard Dinkel, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Koch Industries. “We’re excited to pilot this program with WSU Tech and Wichita State in our hometown, removing barriers and expediting a path for individuals to develop and apply their gifts and abilities.”
Koch will cover educational expenses while students learn foundational concepts throughout phase one. During phase two, apprentices will begin paid employment with Koch, working 20-25 hours each week alongside accountants and tax professionals, while completing coursework. Those who successfully complete the program will earn a Kansas Board of Regents-recognized Technical Accounting Certificate from WSU Tech (45 credit hours), credits towards a bachelor’s degree at Wichita State, and be eligible for full-time employment with Koch companies, with starting pay comparable with that of other tax and accounting professionals.
Applications are open from Oct. 19 until Nov. 9. To learn more and to apply, visit https://apprenticeship.kochcareers.com.
About Koch Industries, Inc.
Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest private companies in America, with estimated annual revenues greater than $115 billion, according to Forbes. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in refining, chemicals, and biofuels; forest and consumer products; fertilizers; polymers and fibers; process and pollution control systems; electronics, software and data analytics; minerals; glass; automotive components; commodity trading; and investments. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested more than $130 billion in growth and improvement projects with more than $30 billion invested in technology since 2013. With a presence in more than 70 countries, Koch companies employ 122,000 people worldwide, with about 62,000 of those in the United States. From January 2009 to present, Koch companies have earned more than 1,300 awards for safety, environmental excellence, community stewardship, innovation, and customer service. For more news and information, visit www.KOCHind.com.
About WSU Tech
WSU Tech is the state’s leader in modern technical education offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, criminal justice, and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS, and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a Kansas Board of Regents institution. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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