KANSAS CITY, MO — Great Jobs KC is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This two-year, $680,000 award will help bridge the gender gap in high-demand, high-wage industries across the Kansas City region.

While women make up nearly half of the overall workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in technical and industrial sectors. This grant allows Great Jobs KC to provide 100 women with the specialized training and soft skills necessary to thrive in careers such as advanced manufacturing, construction, and commercial truck driving (CDL).

“This grant is a game-changer for women in our community who are ready to break into industries where they have historically been underrepresented,” said Karolyn Dreiling, Associate Vice President of Development at Great Jobs KC. “By providing tuition-free training and holistic support, we aren’t just filling jobs—we are creating pathways to financial independence and life-changing careers that pay $45,000 or more.”

Our plan to strengthen the workforce for women in non-traditional careers is built on three pillars to ensure long-term success for both participants and regional employers:

• Skills Training & Certification: Recruitment and training for 100 women in pre-apprenticeship and credential programs for manufacturing, construction, and
• Wraparound Support: To remove barriers to completion, the grant will fund soft skills workshops (time and stress management) and supportive services, including access to assistance with childcare, transportation, and equipment.
• Employer Technical Assistance: Great Jobs KC will partner with local companies to provide technical assistance, helping employers transform organizational cultures to better recruit and retain female talent.
  
  

The project aims for a high impact, with a goal of 80% of participants completing their training and securing employment in jobs paying at least $45,000 annually with benefits. This initiative aligns with Great Jobs KC’s broader mission to move 50,000 Kansas Citians into family-sustaining careers by 2032. By focusing on nontraditional occupations, the organization ensures the region’s economic growth is inclusive and accessible to all.

About Great Jobs KC

Great Jobs KC, a 501(c)(3) organization, drives regional economic stability and mobility by ensuring low- and modest-income individuals achieve family-sustaining careers. Our programs prepare the future workforce through two core pathways: college scholarships (up to $50,000) and tuition-free training in high-demand fields. We ensure success by providing one-to-one support for every participant, from enrollment through their first year of employment. greatjobskc.org