GPM Scholars Program
Kansas State University–Salina | Manufacturing Apprentice I
Application deadline: September 30, 2026
*PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available exclusively for college students currently enrolled at Kansas State University-Salina, in Salina, KS.
Students who are not enrolled full-time at K-State Salina are not eligible to apply.
For more information on college programs available at Kansas State University-Salina, please visit: https://www.salina.k-state.edu/
GPM Scholars Program OverviewGreat 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.
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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 by September 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.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled full-time at Kansas State University-Salina in Salina, Kansas
- Enrolled in an engineering, manufacturing, or related eligible degree program
- Maintain a college GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Available to work year-round at least 20 hours per week
- Available to attend K-State Salina during fall, spring, and summer terms
- Pursue an accelerated three-year Bachelor of Science degree plan
- Ability to complete on-site interviews with Great Plains Manufacturing managers
- Recommendations from K-State Salina professors
What We Do
Great Plains Ag, a division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc., has been a leader in seeding and tillage equipment since its inception in 1976. Based in Salina, Kansas, the company is a leading producer of grain drills, vertical tillage, hybrid tillage, planters, and compact drills.
