Commissioners on Oct. 30 agreed by consensus to let county staff and Manhattan Area Technical College (Manhattan Tech) develop a regional, noncredit credential and training consortium intended to fill long‑running vacancies in maintenance and operator roles.

David Mansol, outreach coordinator with Manhattan Tech, described a proposed employer consortium limited to about six participating employers to design a short-term, competency‑based credential in general maintenance skills: light carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, basic electrical and the ability to recognize when specialized work is needed. Mansol said the program would emphasize skill verification rather than academic credit and would be designed to provide employable, hands‑on skills quickly.

Elizabeth Ward, county resources director, said the approach was intended to be more flexible than a state registered apprenticeship — which she said can carry substantial paperwork and rigid hour requirements — and better matched to Riley County’s needs for broadly capable maintenance staff. Mansol estimated a potential employer share in the ballpark of $5,000 per employer to launch the pilot but said the precise cost would be determined once employer partners were finalized.

The board asked that public‑works supervisors be included in defining the curriculum and that legal and human resources review any subsequent agreements. No formal vote was taken; the commission directed staff to proceed with drafting a proposed scope, timeline and MOU for future formal approval.

Why it matters: Riley County and other regional employers report prolonged vacancies for general maintenance and operator positions. The proposed credential is intended to shorten hiring timelines and deliver demonstrable, work‑ready skills for entry and trainee positions.

Next steps: Manhattan Tech and county staff will draft curriculum and a cost‑sharing proposal and return to the commission with an MOU for legal review and formal approval.