(KMZA)--Governor Laura Kelly has announced that $500,000 has been awarded to eight entities across Kansas for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeships.

Among the grant awardees is the Seneca-based Kansas Rural Water Association, which will receive a just over $54,000 grant.

The grants, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, assist existing registered apprenticeship programs with technical instruction, on-the-job training, and staffing to implement and manage programs, marketing and outreach, and other activities.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said the state is experiencing an increase in high-demand job opportunities, and the grants will provide businesses with more tools to develop and maintain a highly skilled and valuable workforce.