Important new information

For All Laid-Off Workers

As impacts related to COVID-19 unfold, more information and resources are becoming available, including:

Utilities providing additional options for payment

Extended unemployment benefits - the State of Kansas passed a law extending benefits from 16 weeks to 26 weeks for anyone laid off in 2020

Governor Kelly has halted evictions and foreclosures

How groups provide these services are changing to meet CDC guidelines. Education and training programs have been suspended or moved online. Workforce Centers are providing job support services by phone or e-mail. What remains the same is that the community cares about you and all other workers. Call United Way’s 2-1-1 to get help for any need.

Furloughed Workers

Based on you and your family’s specific needs, start by calling 2-1-1 for connections to more than 1,000 local programs, ranging from budget and credit counseling to child care support and more. View the Community Resources section below for more information.

If you need to access unemployment benefits, the Unemployment Resources section below has a one-stop shop from the State of Kansas.

Spirit AeroSystems

In addition to some* Boeing 737 MAX Laid-Off Workers

New benefits from a federal grant can provide additional resources for some* workers affected by the Boeing 737 MAX suspension. All Spirit AeroSystems laid-off employees and many others are eligible for more education and training benefits as well as income supplements during training.

*Federal grant benefits available based on certified companies or individuals

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AIR CAPITAL COMMITMENT

 A coordinated community response to keep and support our people and companies

Wichita, KS

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About the air capital commitment 

The Air Capital Commitment is just that - a commitment to you. A dedication that when things get tough, we rally together to provide the immediate support and long-term resources for what makes the Air Capital world-class: our people, our companies and our community. 

This webpage serves as a local resource guide and connecting point for those affected by the recent layoffs in response to the Boeing 737 MAX production suspension. Here, you can discover ways to find a job, learn about training and education opportunities and connect to community resources. As more efforts are launched, additional information will be posted.

The Air Capital Commitment is backed by community supporters fiercely committed to retaining our world-class workforce and companies. 

Because we are the Air Capital of the World. 

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New Benefits*

*Federal grant benefits are now available for Spirit AeroSystems and other companies affected by the 737 MAX suspension. Review the list at the bottom of this section for eligible companies.

Trade Adjustment Act (TAA)

With a federal grant called the Trade Adjustment Act (TAA), eligible workers qualify for additional benefits including:

Paid education/retraining

Income support while in training

Job search and relocation assistance

Wage subsidy for re-employed workers 50 and older

Health coverage tax credit (HCTC)

Employment and case management services

A list of frequently asked questions about TAA is available at the link below.

For additional information, watch the video at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voLKSD4ebrY&feature=youtu.be

Eligibility for TAA

*TAA benefits are available for employees impacted from the companies listed below:

Laid-off workers from Spirit AeroSystems, including leased workers from the following companies: Acro Service Corporation, Aerotek, Aircraft Technology Group, Axius Group, Donatech, Corporation, Hi-Tek Professionals, iCONMA, Indotronix International Corporation, LanceSoft Inc., Launch Technical, LSI Staffing, Mentis, PDS Technical, Strom Aviation, Systemart, The Arnold Group, US Professional, Yoh Aerospace & Defense, CTS International, Compunnel Software Group Inc., Johnson Service, and United Global Technologies

Laid off workers from DB Schenker, including on-site leased workers from Randstad and Aerotek

Laid off workers from Cox Machine, including leased workers from Summit Employment Professionals and the Arnold Group

Laid off workers from Axiom Engineering including leased workers from LaborMax

Navigating TAA

Laid-off workers from other companies impacted by the Boeing 737 MAX suspension should contact the Workforce Center. Call Kansas Workforce Centers at 316-771-6800 or toll free at 1-877-509-6757 for questions on eligibility. If you have returned to work, benefits may still be available.

Find a Job

Use the resources below to help you find a new job, including immediate openings related to needs during this unfolding situation.

All Kansas Open Jobs

Find more open jobs at the link below.

View an additional resource for high-paying construction jobs in our region at the link below. Or, find more information about wages for a variety of skills through the Build-Up Kansas website.

Workforce Center Resources

Workforce Centers are here to help you. During this time, call 316-771-6800 to schedule a time to speak with a representative. Leave a message with your name, phone number and e-mail address. You can also use the chat function at www.kansasworks.com.

Upcoming Job Fairs

Due to recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Workforce Alliance has canceled all job fairs through April 5. Call (316) 771-6800 or click the link below for job assistance via phone or email. 

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Training And Education Opportunities

Explore the many high-quality, local options for online learning and programs. Due to impacts of COVID-19, these opportunities will begin as soon as possible. If you are covered by the new TAA Federal Grant this may be the time to get additional education or training that the grant will cover while also receiving additional income supplements.

Technical Training and Credentials

Short-term technical training or credential programs can help you add new skills within aerospace or get into a different field quickly. Find information on programs, scholarships, course scheduling and career services assistance at the links below. Check back for updates on technical training start dates and information.

Butler Community College

Cowley College

Hutchinson Community College

WSU Tech Tuition-Free Training

Explore options and get more information through WSU Tech’s online chat feature. Check back often for updated information on class start dates, the Wichita Promise scholarship program and more.

Universities

Explore opportunities from the region’s diverse education institutions that also offer short-term professional development and options to start or complete your degree. Check back for updates on start dates and information.

Wichita State University

Newman University

Friends University

Connect to Community Resources

One Stop for Support

United Way of the Plains’ one-stop resource will connect you to more than a thousand different health and social service programs, including child care, mental health support, financial counseling, healthcare information and more. At any time, you can call 2-1-1 to talk with a call specialist for free or text your zip code to 898-211 to be connected to resources. Utilities are offering programs during this time. Check with your utility companies or ask a specialist at 2-1-1 for more information on your utility bills.

Local Discounts and Offers

Several local businesses are offering support by providing discounts to those affected by recent layoffs. View discounts at the link below and check back for updates.

Note to businesses:  If your organization is interested in supporting laid-off workers, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is working with Wichita on the Cheap to coordinate these offers. You can provide information about your local offer at the link below.

wichitaonthecheap.com/air-capital-commitment/ 

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Loan payment and mortgage support

Your lending bank may have gap solutions for loan and mortgage payments during this time. Contact your institution for specific information.


For workers affected by the 737 MAX production suspension, Meritrust is offering existing customers multiple options for budget planning and financial preparation in these times of uncertainty.

In addition, Governor Kelly has halted evictions and foreclosures during this time.

Healthcare information

How to best continue healthcare coverage can be one of the most important and complex decisions. There are national resources and local organizations to help you sort through your different options based on you and your family’s needs. Your company will also have information based on your specific situation.

Healthcare Assisters

Some local organizations have “assisters” who can provide free and unbiased information on healthcare coverage and help you find the best option for you and your family. Call 2-1-1 for a list of local assisters or enter your zip code at the link below to find an assister near you.

Information about Marketplace options and COBRA coverage (if offered by your company) can be found at the links below.

Information on COBRA coverage and Marketplace Options

4 Ways to Access the Marketplace

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 unemployment resources

Explore unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Kansas. Some local employers, including Spirit AeroSystems, will file unemployment insurance for laid-off employees electronically, so check with your employer for more information. If your employer is not filing for you, you can file individually to determine eligibility through the State of Kansas at the link below. The State has passed a law extending unemployment benefits from 16 weeks to 26 weeks.

For more information, read Kansas Department of Labor’s frequently-asked-questions document at the link below.

FAQs for Unemployment

If your company will not be filing for unemployment insurance for you, Workforce Alliance has helpful tips on the filing process at the link below.

Workforce Alliance Unemployment Resources

Federal program support

If you have questions about a program or process with a federal agency, such as Social Security or Veteran’s Affairs, each of your federal elected representatives has provided resources to help. Click the name of a representative to learn more.

Office of U.S. Congressman Ron Estes

Office of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

Office of U.S. Senator Roger Marshall

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 Start your own business

If your entrepreneurial spirit is calling, numerous local organizations are here to help. Use the links below for guidance and resources through the start-up process.

Steps to Starting a Business

Small Business Association Services

WSU Kansas Small Business Development Center

Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship

The Center for Entrepreneurship strives to positively impact and grow Wichita’s economy by providing startup support to entrepreneurs and assisting them in developing innovative ideas to guide them toward the creation of a new business.

Community Partners Coordinating Efforts