20 Best Free Training Programs For Adults In Wichita, KS (2026 Edition)

Wichita is home to a wide range of free training programs tailored specifically for adult learners. As a Higher Education Reform Expert, I have compiled this definitive guide to the 20 best free adult training opportunities across Wichita in 2024. Whether you’re looking to gain new job skills, earn a professional certificate, or simply pursue a personal passion, these programs have something to offer.

1. Cowley College’s Career Advantage Program

Cowley College has launched an innovative new initiative called the Career Advantage Program, which provides tuition-free career training to adults over 21 years old in certain high-demand fields. Some of the tuition-free options include Commercial Driver‘s License training, welding, building trades, early childhood education, medical assisting, and more. This is a fantastic opportunity for adult learners to gain skills and credentials at no cost that can lead to good-paying local jobs.

2. Wichita State University’s Adult Learning Center

Wichita State University‘s Adult Learning Center offers an extensive catalog of free non-credit courses and workshops for adults looking to develop professional skills, earn industry certifications, explore hobbies or passions, and more. Courses cover everything from data analytics to digital marketing, financial planning to arts and crafts. Many courses prepare students for national certification exams.

3. Wichita Workforce Center’s Skills Training Programs

The Wichita Workforce Center provides skills training tailored to in-demand industries in Wichita. Current programs prepare students for careers in healthcare, IT, manufacturing, construction trades, transportation, and more. Training is free for qualifying adults and can lead to professional certifications. Job search assistance is also provided.

4. Butler Community College’s Adult Education Center

The Adult Education Center at Butler Community College offers FREE adult education and literacy programs, High School Equivalency test prep classes, English Language Learning courses, and more. Ideal for adults looking to complete their HSE/GED, improve English skills, or brush up on basic academic abilities.

5. Wichita Public Library’s Career Online High School Program

The Wichita Public Library offers eligible adult learners the chance to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate tuition-free through their Career Online High School program. Students receive a personal academic coach and job search assistance upon completion.

6. ITproTV Skills Training

In partnership with the Wichita Workforce Center, ITproTV provides FREE premium access to their entire catalog of over 750 IT certification training video courses. Ideal for anyone interested in launching or advancing their IT career by gaining highly marketable skills.

7. Local Health Centers Offer CNA Training

Several health centers and skilled nursing facilities, including Rolling Hills Health Center, Pine Village Care Center and Wesley Towers, provide FREE CNA training programs for adults qualified to sit for the state certification exam. This includes tuition, materials, and job placement assistance.

8. McPherson College’s Heat Up Wichita Program

The “Heat Up Wichita” program hosted by McPherson College provides FREE training in HVAC technology to eligible adults in the community. Participants can earn an HVAC technician certificate qualifying them for local HVAC jobs needed to support Wichita’s HVAC industry workforce shortage.

9. Wesley Healthcare’s Patient Care Assistant Training

Wesley Healthcare provides FREE 4-week patient care assistant (PCA) training, preparing students to work in roles such as patient transporters, nurse assistants, etc. This includes certification. Wesley even helps students get job placed within their care facilities upon completion.

10. Kansas Building Science Institute Certifications

The Kansas Building Science Institute located at WSU Tech offers FREE tuition assistance to qualifying adults for programs covering OSHA 10 Hour Construction Training, Home Energy Professional Certifications, HVAC training and other certificates related to construction/skilled trades.

11. All Saints Parish Free ESL Classes

All Saints Parish offers FREE weekly English as a Second Language courses taught by qualified volunteers. Multiple levels from beginner to advanced help adult English language learners develop proficiency for school, work and everyday life.

12. Catholic Charities Adult Education Services

Catholic Charities provides FREE ESL, Citizenship Test preparation courses, computer literacy classes and more for low-income adults thanks to generous community donors and volunteers. Promoting education, language and employment skills.

13. Wichita Festivals Volunteer Training Program

Passionate about local culture? Wichita Festivals, Inc. offers FREE volunteer training to adults interested in helping support the operations of cherished community festivals and cultural events, including Riverfest, Autumn & Art and more. Gain transferrable skills!

14. Health ICT Free Community Health Programs

Health ICT facilitates various FREE classes and workshops covering nutrition education, medication management, fall prevention for seniors, problem gambling prevention, health insurance navigation, and much more open to the public.

15. Wichita Parks & Recreation Adult Sports Leagues

Wichita Parks & Recreation offers FREE training opportunities for adults interested in officiating/coaching adult sport leagues across the city. Training covers rules and regulations for kickball, softball, basketball, and volleyball. Great for sports enthusiasts!

16. Kansas Small Business Development Center Trainings

The Kansas SBDC provides FREE business startup and management education to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through practical workshops, seminars, conferences and webinars. Up to date, expert-led training.

17. Wichita Transitional Center Re-Entry Program

The Wichita Transitional Center offers FREE services to previously incarcerated individuals, including transitional programs providing life skills training, addiction recovery services, career development courses and mentorship. Removing employment barriers through education and guidance.

18. Kansas Family Partnership Parent Training

Kansas Family Partnership delivers FREE, research-based parent education and family support training focused on foster and adoptive families. Topics include understanding trauma, addressing challenging behaviors and accessing community resources. Open to all caregivers.

19. Independent Living Resource Center Disability & Aging Training

The Independent Living Resource Center facilitates FREE online classes and in-person workshops that provide useful information for seniors and those with disabilities, as well as family caregivers, professionals and the general public. Promoting accessibility and inclusion through knowledge.

20. Kansas Grown Farmers Market Vendor Training

Passionate about local food? Kansas Grown facilitates FREE regular online workshops for potential vendors selling homemade food products at Farmers Markets. Their training covers key legal regulations, labeling requirements, food handling safety and business marketing essentials.

I hope this guide provides valuable insights into some of the wealth of tuition-free training opportunities waiting to be discovered by adults across Wichita. Whether looking to expand your skillset for work or simply enrich your life, these programs offer access to education with immense potential for impact.