Fort Hays Tech | North Central was named the Northwest Regional Apprenticeship Champion at the 2026 To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony October 8 in Overland Park, Kansas.

The award recognizes the college’s efforts to strengthen the Kansas workforce, support local employers and create career opportunities through apprenticeships and industry partnerships.

“It's an honor to receive this award on behalf of the northwest Kansas region, especially after seeing all the great work being done by businesses and organizations across our state. We're proud that Fort Hays Tech | North Central is making a difference and being recognized for it,” said President Eric Burks.

“This award really speaks to the incredible work Samantha Johnson is doing to connect our college with area businesses and create opportunities for apprenticeships, partnerships, and customized training. Along with Samantha, it takes our amazing faculty and staff working together to make these opportunities come to life. I'm pleased with what our team is doing for our students, our employers, and our communities.”

The college’s current Registered Apprenticeship partnerships include Carrico Implement, which trains farm equipment mechanics through Agricultural Technology; Osborne County, which supports an apprentice in Heavy Equipment Operation; and Amber Wave, which offers a maintenance mechanic apprenticeship connected to Electrical Technology and Welding Technology.

These partnerships combine technical instruction with hands-on experience, helping individuals build career skills while meeting employers’ workforce needs. The college also offers short-term training in motor grader operation, excavator operation, Microsoft Excel and other areas to address industry demand.

Through employer outreach, Johnson connects businesses with training, apprenticeship and funding opportunities that support employee development and workforce retention. Together, these efforts strengthen the talent pipeline and support economic growth throughout rural north central Kansas.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, contact Samantha Johnson at 785-639-5872 or samjohnson@fhtechnc.edu.

Media Contact:
Ryan Emerson
Marketing Director
Fort Hays Tech | North Central
785-738-9008 | remerson@fhtechnc.edu