Training for Every Step of a

Manufacturing Career

Two people in hi-vis vests and hard hats having a standing discussion in a warehouse full of boxes.

Manufacturers need people who can improve processes, keep systems running and build what comes next. K-State Olathe offers hands-on, industry-informed training at every stage, from two-day short courses to a bachelor’s degree. Here’s how the pieces fit together.

Start with a short course.

Graphic for "Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma" registration that shows a four people meeting in a conference room.

The Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma course, Nov. 9-10, is a two-day, in-person introduction to the DMAIC methodology and process improvement. No prior experience is needed, and participants earn a microcredential and certificate of completion.

The fee is $800 and includes lunches. Registration closes Nov. 2.

Register for Yellow Belt.

Go deeper on the plant floor.

Advanced Pneumatic Conveying, Dec. 8-10, is for people who already know the basics and want to master system design and troubleshooting. It includes hands-on demonstrations at an industry partner facility and is led by Jonathan McPherson, director of K-State’s Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center.

The fee is $1,700. Registration closes Nov. 24.

Register for Advanced Pneumatic Conveying.

Graphic for "Advanced Pneumatic Conveying" registration with a purple overlay over an industrial machine in a brick wearhouse.

Stack it into a degree.

Credits from the Applied Electronics and Industrial Automation certificates combine with K-State Core coursework to complete the new B.S. in Engineering Technology – Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology. You can start in either certificate and transfer those credits later, or pursue the degree on its own. The program emphasizes building prototypes, troubleshooting and integrating electronic systems over advanced mathematical theory. Classes begin spring 2027.

Join a free program webinar at noon Nov. 10 on Zoom.

Five office professionals at a conference table meeting looking to one person who has joined on a computer remotely.

Online, In Person or Hybrid? Find the Format That Fits Your Life

Going back to school raises a big question: how? K-State Olathe classes are taught in person, online and as a hybrid, and most are held after hours for working professionals. Our latest blog post helps you figure out whether you’re a Connector, a Juggler or a Best-of-Both.

Finishing a degree you started? The new Bachelor of Science in Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies lets you transfer up to 75 credits and earn a bachelor’s degree plus a leadership certificate from the Staley School of Leadership, with classes in person, online and hybrid. A student success coach can help you map out your transfer credits and pick a focus area.

Upcoming events

Academic Webinars

Ready to complete your bachelor's degree or earn a master's degree or certificate? Join one of our free webinars to learn more about your options.

Animal Health Data Analytics and Insights Graduate Certificate Webinar — Noon on Oct. 21 | Register
Urban Food Systems and Master's in Horticulture Webinar — Noon on Nov. 4 | Register
Bachelor's Degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology Webinar — Noon on Nov. 10 | Register
Bachelor's Degree in Human Nutrition Webinar — Noon on Dec. 1 | Register

Professional Development

Elevate your expertise with targeted training events designed for professionals.

Succession Planning: Why do we wait until it's too late? — Feb. 4, 2027 | Register
- If one of your key employees gave notice tomorrow, would you know what knowledge, relationships, and responsibilities would leave with them? Build your internal talent pipeline with us during this three hour workshop.

Around Campus

Ben Wolfe, K-State Olathe's Dean and CEO, standing on stage at the AURP 2026 International Conference.

K-State Olathe was proud to be part of the “Foundations that Scale: Innovation Campuses and Biomanufacturing Growth” panel at the AURP 2026 International Conference in Dallas. Ben Wolfe, Dean and CEO, joined the discussion on how academia, industry and workforce development are working together to grow Kansas City’s biomanufacturing sector as part of the KC BioHub’s EDA Tech Hub award.

Event space with several round tables of sat attendees enjoying a catered lunch.

Thank you to the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and everyone who joined us Oct. 15 for the October Luncheon and K-State Showcase at K-State Olathe. Kansas Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith shared an update on animal health priorities and biosecurity, and Dr. Susan Metzger offered perspectives on K-State research addressing water, sustainability and agricultural production.

Keep up with us.

From new courses to student successes, there’s more to see than one newsletter can hold. Follow along on social media for updates all month long.