The Top 20 Free and Affordable Training Programs for Adults in Milwaukee
Milwaukee offers a wealth of opportunities for adults looking to gain new skills, credentials and connections to improve career prospects and earning potential. This guide provides an overview of 20 of the top free and affordable training programs serving Milwaukee-area residents.
1. Herzing University
Herzing University is a career-focused private university specializing in technology, healthcare, business and public safety programs. In addition to degree options, Herzing offers continuing education courses and certifications. Their convenient downtown Milwaukee campus provides flexible options for working adults.
Standout Programs: Project Management certification, Medical Coding bootcamp
More Info: Herzing Milwaukee
2. MATC Health Sciences Training Center
The Milwaukee Area Technical College Health Sciences Hub in downtown Milwaukee offers specialized job training programs geared toward high-demand healthcare careers. These intensive courses range from 8 weeks to 2 years, with options like Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant and Nursing Assistant.
Standout Programs: Phlebotomy Technician, Healthcare Customer Service Representative
More Info: MATC Health Sciences Programs
3. UWM School of Continuing Education
UWM‘s continuing ed department delivers flexible and convenient training options in fields like business, tech and healthcare. Programs range from youth coding camps to process improvement certifications for working professionals. Many offerings are eligible for financial aid.
Standout Programs: Supply Chain Management, Web Development, Project Management
More Info: UWM Continuing Ed
4. WI Regional Training Partnership
This workforce collaboration provides training for high-demand construction jobs through partnerships with technical colleges, unions and trade groups. Programs like Construction Gateway help remove barriers to entering the industry.
Standout Programs: Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), Construction Gateway
More Info: Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership
5. Word of Hope Adult Literacy Center
For adults needing to strengthen English reading, writing and communication skills, Word of Hope offers free small-group and 1-on-1 tutoring at five Milwaukee locations. Learners receive customized instruction to meet academic, employment and life goals.
Standout Programs: English Language Learners, High School Equivalency Prep
More Info: Word of Hope Milwaukee
6. Milwaukee Repertory Theater Workshops
The Milwaukee Rep, one of the nation???s top regional theaters, provides hands-on professional training opportunities through its educational programs. Adult classes cover a range of theater disciplines, from acting to design.
Standout Programs: Introduction to Technical Theater, Fundamentals of Acting
More Info: Milwaukee Rep Education
7. American Indian Center of Milwaukee
Dedicated to the Milwaukee-area Native community, the Indian Center offers culturally-tailored adult education, employment assistance and skills training. Current program topics include construction, IT fundamentals, personal finance and more.
Standout Programs: IT Fundamentals, Intro to Construction Trades
More Info: American Indian Center Programs
8. Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center empowers LGBTQ+ individuals through training and career development programs focused on in-demand fields. Current offerings including IT networking, cybersecurity, software QA and healthcare tech.
Standout Programs: CompTIA Network+, Healthcare Technical Specialist
More Info: Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
9. Skills Wisconsin
This free online platform offers career training programs focused on high-growth industries in Wisconsin. Learners can access video courses and materials on topics like IT, manufacturing, business, healthcare and customer service.
Standout Programs: Certified Production Technician, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Insurance Industry Essentials
More Info: Skills Wisconsin
10. UMOS Latina Resource Center
UMOS is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit focused on assisting underserved Hispanic families through workforce development, education and social services. Their Latina Resource Center provides training, advising and networking opportunities tailored to Milwaukee???s Hispanic community.
Standout Programs: In-Demand Careers for Bilingual Job Seekers, Skills Enhancement for Advancement & Development (SEAD)
More Info: UMOS Latina Resource Center
11. YWCA Southeast Wisconsin
The YWCA has delivered workforce development programming tailored to women for over a century. Today they offer skills training and career coaching focused on growing fields including healthcare, IT, manufacturing, construction and transportation.
Standout Programs: Careers in Trucking, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Manufacturing Fundamentals
More Info: YWCA Workforce Development
12. Maximus Office of Workforce Development
Funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Maximus connects Milwaukee County residents with free career planning, training referrals and job placement assistance. They work closely with technical colleges and community partners.
Standout Programs: Career Pathway Partnerships, Targeted Career Helpdesk
More Info: Maximus Office of Workforce Development
13. WRTP Big Step Youth Apprenticeship
The Big Step program provides underserved Milwaukee high school students with hands-on training, mentorship and pathways to Registered Apprenticeships. Students explore construction, healthcare, manufacturing and tech careers while earning credentials.
Standout Programs: Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), Youth Apprenticeships
More Info: WRTP Big Step
14. Journey House Workforce Readiness Boot Camp
This free 16-week program prepares Milwaukee residents with barriers to employment for careers in fields like construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing. The boot camp includes hands-on technical skills instruction, industry-recognized certifications and job placement assistance.
Standout Programs: Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR/AED
More Info: Journey House
15. Milwaukee Urban League Skilled Trades Program
Part of the National Urban League movement, Milwaukee???s chapter aims to empower communities and families through career exposure, training and advancement resources. Their Skilled Trades Program offers apprenticeship prep and job placement for roles including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and facilities maintenance. Certifications, tools, PPE and uniforms provided free of charge.
Standout Programs: Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), Construction Gateway
More Info: Milwaukee Urban League
16. Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Office of Apprenticeship
WRTP‘s Office of Apprenticeship helps expand inclusive Registered Apprenticeship opportunities with private and public sector employers in the Milwaukee region. They provide guidance on establishing apprenticeship programs aligned with industry needs. Open apprenticeships span fields like manufacturing, construction and healthcare.
Standout Programs: Youth Apprenticeship, Manufacturing Apprenticeship
More Info: WRTP Apprenticeship
17. Iron Workers Local 8 Apprenticeship Training
Managed in partnership with WRTP, Local 8???s highly-regarded apprenticeship program develops skilled, OSHA-certified ironworkers. Apprentices gain paid on-the-job training while progressing through 8,000 hours of combined classroom and hands-on education in structural, ornamental and reinforcing ironwork.
Standout Programs: Ironworker Apprenticeship
More Info: Iron Workers Local 8 Apprenticeship
18. Milwaukee Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center
Part of the national Electrical Training Alliance apprenticeship program, Milwaukee JATC offers a five-year training for union electricians combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Apprentices gain skills in residential, commercial and industrial electrical work while earning wages and benefits.
Standout Programs: IBEW Electrician Apprenticeship
More Info: Milwaukee Electrical JATC
19. Milwaukee Career Cooperative Apprenticeship Academy
Created through a partnership between MATC and WRTP, the Apprenticeship Academy streamlines the pipeline into Registered Apprenticeships. The tuition-free program includes MC3 certification, career exploration and direct connections to over 100 local apprenticeship employers.
Standout Programs: Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), Construction Gateway
More Info: Apprenticeship Academy
20. WRTP TechHire IT Apprenticeship
This innovative program helps overlooked talent launch careers in tech through paid apprenticeships, industry-recognized credentials and access to WRTP???s network of over 400 employer partners. Tracks include software developer, IT generalist and cybersecurity analyst.
Standout Programs: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ Certifications; Google IT Support Professional & IT Automation with Python Certifications
More Info: WRTP TechHire
The Milwaukee area offers an immense range of workforce training initiatives geared toward in-demand industries. Local institutions like technical colleges, community nonprofits and employer partnerships provide quality skills instruction while connecting residents with family-supporting careers.
Learners can choose from short-term certifications, apprenticeships, boot camps, degree programs and more spanning fields like healthcare, tech, construction, manufacturing and business. Support services aiming to increase access and opportunity are also available.
Customizing your training path based on individual talents and interests is key. Fortunately local career development resources can help map out options and next steps based on your goals.