Program addresses shortage of skilled workers

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers. FRAME was developed in response to a housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The study highlighted the critical shortage of housing and skilled workers needed to meet the state’s growing demand. Existing contractors are stretched thin, and there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new workforce to ensure Kansas communities can build, grow and thrive.