Manufacturing Apprentice

Program Structure

• Attend K-State Salina full-time year-round, including the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
• Work year-round as a Manufacturing Apprentice at a Great Plains Manufacturing facility for a minimum of 20 hours per week, generally two 10-hour days.
• Rotate through departments such as Assembly, Fabrication, Welding, Material Handling, and Engineering Support.
• Complete more than 2,400 hours of relevant on-the-job training by graduation.

Compensation and Scholarship

• Hourly wage: $15.00 per hour, plus part-time benefits, while working at least 20 hours per week.
• Annual scholarship: Up to $10,000, awarded by K-State Salina—up to $3,333 in each fall, spring, and summer semester.
• Tuition support: The scholarship may cover 85% or more of the in-state tuition rate.

Training Experience

Scholars receive hands-on training across a range of manufacturing and technical areas, including:

• Product assembly
• Welding robot operation and automation
• Welding robot programming
• New-product design layout and product flow
• Troubleshooting
• Leadership development

Eligibility Requirements

• K-State Salina students enrolled Full-Time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) in an Engineering or Manufacturing program.
• Eligible degree programs include: Mechanical Engineering Technology, Robotics, Automation Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology, and other related degree programs.
• Maintain a college GPA of 2.8 or higher.
• Be available to work year-round as a Manufacturing Apprentice for a minimum of 20 hours per week while maintaining full-time enrollment.
• Be available to attend K-State Salina year-round, including during the summer term, while pursuing an accelerated three-year Bachelor of Science degree plan.

Selection Process

Recipients are selected during the fall semester of their first year at K-State Salina. Selection is based on:

• Recommendations from K-State Salina professors
• A minimum 2.8 GPA
• On-site interviews with Great Plains Manufacturing managers
• Demonstrated ability to attend K-State Salina full-time during the fall, spring, and summer terms and work year-round as a Manufacturing Apprentice for at least 20 hours per week

Program Outcomes

GPM Scholars can graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in just 3 years, with limited student debt, more than 2,400 hours of professional experience, and additional earnings and part-time benefits while in college.

How to Apply

Apply online via ADP for the "Manufacturing Apprentice" position at www.WorkForGPM.com by September 30, 2026.