YOUR MISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, IS TO ATTEND THE:

4th Annual National Apprenticeship Week Summit

April 29th, 2026

8:15 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Docking State Office Building

3rd Floor Conference Room

Topeka, KS

Speakers Include:

David Toland

Lieutenant Governor of the State of Kansas and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce

Commendations: Honoring Those Who Deliver Results

Also hear from: AFL-CIO, Maize Schools, Plastikon, IBEW, KBS Constructors, Textron Aviation, Mr. Breeze, Panasonic, Kansas Farm Bureau, Grace Team Services, American Implement, Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers/USD K-12, HCA Midwest Health, Yingling Aviation, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), Washburn University, City of Winfield and more.

Mission Possible: Event Agenda

8:15 AM — Agents Assemble: Check in, grab materials, and connect with fellow attendees as we prepare to launch the mission.

9:00 AM — This Mission Is Possible: Opening Remarks: Kick off the day with an inspiring overview of the mission, goals, and impact of Registered Apprenticeships.

9:40 AM — Operation Influence: Making Apprenticeship Visible: Explore how storytelling, partnerships, and media are expanding apprenticeship awareness across Kansas. Featuring Kristin Brighton and HirePath’s voices from education, industry, and workforce leaders.

10:40 AM — Operation Career: Blueprint from Apprenticeship to Degree: Learn how apprenticeships can be seamless pathways from K12 to higher education and long-term career growth. Featuring Dr. Burns Wallace with Kauffman Association and perspectives from major industry and higher education partners.

11:40 AM — Operation Command Center: The Future of the Mission: Dive into the federal perspective on where apprenticeship is headed and how Kansas fits into the national strategy. Featuring John Colborn with Apprenticeship for America.

1:20 PM — Field Reports: Real Stories from the Front Lines: Hear directly from apprentices across industries, including healthcare, education, construction, and more. Featuring a live apprentice panel.

2:35 PM — Operation Impact: Start Early, Go Further: A look at how early exposure to apprenticeships transforms career trajectories.
Featuring educator, employer, and youth perspectives, including a youth panel.

3:30 PM — Mission Accomplished: Closing remarks, final awards, and next steps.

Check out the 2026 summit Photo Gallery