Workforce & Talent
A Workforce Built for Industry
Allen County offers employers access to an experienced regional workforce backed by education and training partners that understand the needs of industry. With approximately 97,400 people living within 60 miles and a manufacturing concentration more than three times the national average, the region brings both reach and deep experience in production and skilled trades.
ACED works with employers, educators and workforce partners to connect businesses with the talent, training and recruitment resources they need to locate, expand and grow in Allen County.
Workforce at a Glance
Training for the Jobs Employers Need
Allen County employers have access to three community college partners — Allen Community College, Neosho County Community College and Fort Scott Community College — providing a broad network of education, technical training and workforce development resources.
Together, these institutions help prepare students for careers in manufacturing, skilled trades, healthcare, transportation and other high-demand fields while giving employers access to training resources that can respond to changing workforce needs.
Allen Community College
Based in Iola, Allen Community College provides a local pipeline of students and graduates while offering academic, career and technical programs that prepare students for employment and continued education.
Neosho County Community College
NCCC has expanded its technical training capacity with a new Career & Technology Center focused on programs including advanced manufacturing, welding, CDL and aerostructures — providing hands-on training aligned with the needs of regional employers.
Fort Scott Community College
Fort Scott Community College further expands the region’s training network with career and technical education programs that support skilled occupations and provide additional opportunities for students and employers across southeast Kansas.
For businesses locating or expanding in Allen County, ACED can help connect employers with these education partners to explore training, recruitment and workforce development opportunities specific to their project.
Building the Next Generation of Talent
Allen County’s three public school districts — USD 256, USD 257 and USD 258 — serve more than 2,260 students and provide early exposure to careers that support the region’s economy.
Students can pursue pathways in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, health science, business and entrepreneurship, technology, education and skilled trades — helping connect classroom learning with opportunities available close to home.
Allen County’s workforce pipeline starts in its local schools. Across the county’s three public high schools, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs give students opportunities to develop practical skills and explore careers connected to local and regional employers.
Manufacturing pathways are offered at all three Allen County high schools, complemented by programs in automation engineering, construction and design, agriculture and mechanical systems, information technology, health science, business and other high-demand fields.
Together, the county’s school districts serve more than 2,260 students, helping build a pipeline of young people with exposure to the industries and skills that will shape Allen County’s future workforce.
Iola High School
Manufacturing • Automation Engineering • Engineering & Applied Mathematics • Construction & Design • Vehicle Maintenance & Repair • Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems • Information Support & Services + additional pathways
Humboldt High School
Manufacturing • Construction & Design • Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems • Programming & Software Development • Health Science • Business Management & Entrepreneurship + additional pathways
Marmaton Valley High School
Manufacturing • Animal Science • Comprehensive Agricultural Science • Plant Systems • Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Connecting Employers with Talent
Kansas WorkforceONE provides recruiting, training and workforce services for employers across the region. Through this partnership, ACED can help companies connect with resources for:
- Recruiting and identifying qualified candidates
- Job postings and talent outreach
- Employee training and skills development
- Workforce programs supporting new and expanding employers
Let’s Build Your Workforce
Every project has different workforce needs. Whether you’re evaluating Allen County for a new operation or planning an expansion, ACED can bring together education and workforce partners to help assess your needs and identify the resources available to support your project.
Camille Lavon
ACED Executive Director
