GPM Scholars Program Kansas State University–Salina | Manufacturing Apprentice IThe GPM Scholars Program is a paid apprenticeship and scholarship opportunity exclusively for students enrolled full-time at Kansas State University-Salina in Salina, KS.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. 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 TroubleshootingLeadership development Eligibility RequirementsK-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. 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. 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 GPAOn-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 weekGPM 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. Apply online via ADP for the "Manufacturing Apprentice" position at www.WorkForGPM.com by September 30, 2026.
