Best Trade Schools in Wichita, Kansas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Wichita. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, see which trades are hiring, and learn the steps to get licensed in Kansas. Construction, aviation manufacturing, and building services drive steady demand for skilled workers in the Wichita area1.

Top Trade Schools in Wichita

Below are accredited options and registered apprenticeships in or near Wichita. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current schedules.

School Program Length Highlights
WSU Tech (Wichita State Univ. Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology) Certificates 4–12 months; AAS 2 years HLC-accredited public technical college. Aviation maintenance, machining/CNC, welding, HVAC, automotive, healthcare. Multiple Wichita sites including the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT)2.
Wichita Technical Institute (WTI) Diplomas 9–18 months ACCSC-accredited career school. HVAC/R, Electrical, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, and IT support. Day and evening schedules3.
Eric Fisher Academy (Wichita) State-required hours NACCAS-accredited cosmetology and esthetics school. Salon floor training, industry partnerships, Kansas Board of Cosmetology exam preparation2.
Crave Beauty Academy (Wichita) State-required hours NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nails. Flexible scheduling and board exam prep2.
Wichita Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 271) 5-year apprenticeship Paid on-the-job training plus classes. Prepares for journeyman electrician licensing in local jurisdictions. Competitive entry with aptitude test and interview.
UA Local 441 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center (Wichita) 5-year apprenticeship Paid apprenticeship in plumbing, pipefitting, and HVACR service. Classroom instruction plus field hours leading to journeyman status in local jurisdictions.

Tip: Visit each school’s College Navigator profile to confirm accreditation and program offerings2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Commercial projects, aviation facilities, and ongoing maintenance keep electricians busy in the Wichita metro. Electricians earn solid wages and have steady job prospects nationwide1. Training options include WTI and the IBEW Local 271 apprenticeship. Learn the career path here: Electrician.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Wichita’s climate and a large stock of commercial buildings create consistent service demand. HVAC technicians see continued growth and frequent overtime during peak seasons1. Hands-on training at WSU Tech and WTI helps you prepare for EPA Section 608 certification. Explore the field: HVAC.

  • Welder and Metal Fabricator

    • Wichita’s “Air Capital” heritage means ongoing fabrication and maintenance work in aviation and manufacturing. Many employers value AWS certifications and strong blueprint reading. WSU Tech offers welding pathways. Learn more: Welding.

  • Plumber and Pipefitter

    • New construction and facility upgrades keep plumbers and pipefitters in demand. Apprenticeships through UA Local 441 offer paid training that leads to journeyman licensing1. See the career overview: Plumbing.

For all four trades above, the BLS projects stable employment with competitive median pay when compared to other hands-on careers1.

Licensing Requirements in Kansas

Kansas licenses most construction trades at the city or county level. In Wichita and Sedgwick County, the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) oversees contractor and journeyman licensing.

  • Electrician (Wichita/Sedgwick County)

    • Typical steps:
    • Complete an approved apprenticeship or equivalent experience (often 8,000 hours OJT plus classroom).
    • Pass a recognized journeyman exam, commonly the ICC exam accepted by the jurisdiction.
    • Apply to MABCD for journeyman or master license and meet insurance requirements if contracting independently.
    • Renew license and complete required continuing education.
    • Local authority: Sedgwick County MABCD Licensing4.

  • Plumber (Wichita/Sedgwick County)

    • Typical steps:
    • Complete an apprenticeship or documented field experience.
    • Pass the jurisdiction-approved journeyman exam.
    • Apply to MABCD for journeyman or master license. Provide insurance and business details if contracting.
    • Renew and complete continuing education as required.
    • Local authority: Sedgwick County MABCD Licensing4.

  • HVAC/Mechanical (Wichita/Sedgwick County)

    • Typical steps:
    • Complete training or apprenticeship in HVAC or mechanical systems.
    • Pass the mechanical journeyman exam accepted by the local jurisdiction.
    • Hold EPA Section 608 certification to service refrigeration systems5.
    • Apply to MABCD for journeyman or master license and renew as required.
    • Authorities: MABCD for licensure; EPA for refrigerant certification54.

  • Cosmetology and Esthetics (Statewide)

    • Steps for Kansas:
    • Complete a state-approved program with the required hours.
    • Pass the written and practical exams.
    • Apply to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology for licensure and renew per state rules.
    • Authority: Kansas Board of Cosmetology6.

If you plan to work outside Wichita, always check the licensing rules of that specific city or county in Kansas. Requirements can vary.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning

    • Many technical programs blend online theory with in-person labs. Examples include HVAC fundamentals, electrical code, and medical terminology. Schools like WTI and WSU Tech often offer day, evening, and some hybrid formats.

  • Apprenticeships

    • Apprenticeships mix paid job experience with scheduled classroom hours. Most related instruction is in-person, but some programs add online code or safety modules. You earn while you learn, which helps career changers manage costs.

  • Short courses and certifications

    • OSHA 10/30, EPA 608, and basic safety courses are commonly available in short formats. These can supplement your main program and improve job readiness.

Ask each school about night tracks, accelerated cohorts, and credit for prior learning if you have experience.

Next Steps

Have your shortlist ready before you visit campuses. Verify accreditation, exam pass rates, and job placement. Ask about schedules, tools, and required certifications. Then choose the program that matches your target license and timeline.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook entries for Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers/Pipefitters/Steamfitters, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional profiles and accreditation. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/Directory/index.aspx ↩

  4. Sedgwick County MABCD, Licensing and Certification. https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/mabcd/licensing/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. Kansas Board of Cosmetology. https://www.kansas.gov/kboc/ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.