TOPEKA, Kan. — The Build Up Kansas initiative is making significant strides in expanding the construction workforce pipeline by connecting high school students with technical training, college pathways, and midcareer construction jobs, according to Mike Gibson of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas.
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Gibson told the Senate committee that the program has expanded access to construction trades curriculum in Kansas high schools and strengthened pathways to community colleges and state universities. Enrollment in Build Up Kansas CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses has surged to nearly 9,000 students, up from around 2,000 three years ago.
“The program is giving students exposure to high-quality construction education, and it’s opening doors for scholarships, community-college degrees, and ultimately, rewarding careers,” Gibson said.
According to Gibson, college graduates in construction science programs now see record starting salaries, with a cited $76,000 median for recent cohorts, and 90% remain in-state after graduation. Many graduates move directly into midcareer-paying technical roles, with the AGC reporting average starting wages from the CTE pipelines near $54,000, not including overtime and regional variations.
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“Build Up Kansas is connecting the classroom to career pathways in a meaningful way,” Gibson added. “It’s not just about technical skills—it’s about preparing students to thrive in real-world construction jobs.”
The AGC emphasized the need for continued legislative support to scale the program statewide, fund CTE instructors in rural areas, and maintain industry partnerships that provide internships and employer-led instruction. The initiative also includes adult upskilling programs, targeting corrections-facility populations and military veterans transitioning to construction careers.
Committee members praised the initiative and requested return-on-investment data for a forthcoming review. The AGC pledged to provide additional documentation and offer subject-matter experts to guide legislators during visits to program sites.
“Investing in programs like Build Up Kansas is critical to sustaining a skilled construction workforce and supporting economic growth across the state,” Gibson said.
The Build Up Kansas initiative illustrates how public-private partnerships in education and industry can address workforce shortages, enhance technical training, and provide meaningful career opportunities for Kansas residents across both urban and rural communities.
Originally reported by Citizen Portal.
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