There’s a new business coming to the former Babies R Us space on West Kellogg

There’s a new occupant coming to the former Babies R Us space at 4646 W. Kellogg.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprentice Training of Kansas is moving from its downtown space to the 45,000-square-foot former retail space once renovations are complete around mid-May.

Training director John Clark said it was intentional to find such prominent space.

“Quite honestly, we’ve been the best-kept secret for many years.”

He said the organization wants to get more notice to attract more apprentices.

“That location is going to help quite a little bit.”

Currently, the training program sees about 300 students a year on a rotating basis.

“Our goal is to grow to 600 students in the next five years,” Clark said. “There’s going to be a huge shortage of skilled labor coming up, particularly in service.”

He means in trades like plumbing and HVAC work.

The shortage is due to the numbers of people who will be retiring, which Clark said is similar to what other industries are experiencing.

“I call it the silver tsunami,” he said. “We’re just kind of trying to prepare for that.”

The 45,000 square feet is a huge jump from the 14,000 square feet the organization now leases at 1330 E. First St., where it shares space with Local 441.

In addition to the building being a significant increase in size, Clark said the area is attractive because of its convenient location and access to restaurants and hotels for the apprentices who are coming from all over the state.

Clark said the new center will train people who can immediately earn a base pay of $17 an hour in the Wichita area with an almost $20 an hour benefits package. After five years, the Wichita-area salary jumps to $35.25 an hour plus benefits.