Workforce Program Manager

About the role

The Workforce Programs Manager at Kelso Industries owns the strategic development and execution of workforce training initiatives in direct partnership with the Director of Learning and Development. This position is responsible for building, funding, and supporting robust workforce training programs that span the Kelso ecosystem and its operating companies. The role requires collaboration with a diverse set of stakeholders to identify needs and deliver targeted solutions in the MEP+ space. You will manage the full lifecycle of workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and operational needs. Success in this role means empowering employees to grow from entry-level positions into skilled craft professionals, field leaders, project managers, and future business leaders. Innovation, excellence, and safety remain central to how you will design and implement these programs.

Key facts

What you'll do

Identify and analyze workforce development needs in collaboration with operation leaders, HR, Safety, Talent Acquisition, and Learning and Development teams.

Develop, administer, and oversee apprenticeship, on-the-job learning, and incumbent worker training programs across all Kelso operating companies.

Manage all aspects of Department of Labor registered apprenticeships, including training plans, OJT hours, wage progression, participant tracking, and completion documentation.

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with workforce boards, state apprenticeship offices, technical colleges, trade associations, schools, and private organizations.

Research and identify funding opportunities that support apprenticeships, OJT, incumbent worker programs, technical training, and broader workforce development initiatives.

Write, coordinate, and submit grant applications, proposals, reimbursement requests, and required reports to secure external funding.

Maintain a comprehensive grant calendar to track deadlines, award periods, reporting requirements, renewal dates, and closeout activities.

Partner with finance and program teams to gather budgets, data, training plans, and supporting documentation for grant submissions.

Maintain accurate records for apprenticeship programs, grant funding, participant progress, OJT hours, and training outcomes to ensure compliance.

Ensure all programs meet applicable federal, state, grant, and apprenticeship requirements through rigorous oversight and quality control.

Prepare clear, concise reports for internal leaders and external funding partners to communicate program performance and impact.

Track and report on key outcomes such as funding secured, program participation, completion rates, retention, wage progression, credential attainment, and promotions.

Support the creation of training pathways that empower employees to advance their careers within HVAC, electrical, plumbing, service, and related trade roles.

Champion a culture of continuous improvement by analyzing program data and recommending enhancements to training delivery and funding strategies.

Requirements

Possess three or more years of experience in workforce development, apprenticeship administration, grant writing, HR, training, education, or a related field.

Have direct experience researching, writing, managing, or reporting on grants or workforce funding programs.

Demonstrate strong project management, communication, writing, and organizational skills in previous roles.

Show the ability to manage multiple deadlines, stakeholders, and complex compliance requirements simultaneously.

Exhibit strong attention to detail and comfort working with data, budgets, documentation, and reporting systems.

Show proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams, to perform analysis and communication duties.

Be willing to work from the Salt Lake City, UT location as required by the role.

Must be able to pass background checks and meet any other standard employment requirements as applicable.

Nice to have

Hold a Bachelor's degree in workforce development, education, business, human resources, public administration, construction management, organizational development, or a related field.

Have prior experience with Department of Labor regulations and compliance standards related to apprenticeship and workforce programs.

Possess knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, service, or construction-related industries and training pathways.

Have experience working with federal, state, local, and private funding sources for workforce initiatives.

Demonstrate a track record of successful grant writing and securing external funding for training or development programs.

Show familiarity with learning management systems and tools used for tracking training and development activities.

Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with partners across industry and education sectors.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Salt Lake City, UT. Travel may be required as part of partnership building and grant activities. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and meet all eligibility requirements for employment. Applications must be submitted directly by the candidate; Kelso Industries respectfully requests that external recruiters and staffing agencies not submit candidates for this role.