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GPM Scholars Program
Kansas State University–Salina | Manufacturing Apprentice I
Application deadline: October 31, 2026
*PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available only for college students currently enrolled at Kansas State University-Salina, in Salina, KS.Â
Students who are not enrolled full-time at K-State Salina are not eligible to apply.Â
For more information on college programs available at Kansas State University-Salina, please visit: https://www.salina.k-state.edu/
GPM Scholars Program Overview
Great Plains Manufacturing has partnered with Kansas State University-Salina for the GPM Scholars Program! The GPM Scholars Program is a paid apprenticeship and scholarship opportunity exclusively for students enrolled full-time at Kansas State University-Salina in Salina, KS.Â
Participation requires a year-round commitment: scholars must attend K-State Salina during the fall, spring, and summer terms and work year-round as a Manufacturing Apprentice at Great Plains Manufacturing for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The accelerated academic plan is designed to support completion of a bachelor’s degree in three years while providing substantial, relevant work experience.
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. Students who are not enrolled full-time at K-State Salina are not eligible to apply.
- Eligible degree programs include: Mechanical Engineering Technology, Robotics, Automation Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology, and other related degree programs.Â
- 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 October 30, 2026.
Great Plains Manufacturing, headquartered in Salina, KS, is a proud subsidiary of Kubota with more than 50 years as a Kansas leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of agricultural implements, including seeding, tillage, and landscaping equipment. Our new Construction Equipment Division adds Kubota-branded skid steers, compact track loaders, and CE attachments, supported by Kubota Construction R&D Engineering in Salina. Operating in eight Kansas communities with multiple divisions, including Great Plains Ag; Land Pride; Great Plains International; and the Construction Equipment Division, we employ over 2,000 people and are committed to innovation and professional growth. If you are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and collaborative, explore our open opportunities at www.WorkForGPM.com.
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