In short
Kansas City (KS side) residents can train for the trades at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) or Johnson County Community College (JCCC), through union apprenticeships for electricians (IBEW Local 124) and plumbers (Local 8), or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. Kansas has the Promise Scholarship that can cover community college for eligible high school grads. Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.
Jobs hiring in Kansas City
The Kansas City metro has a diverse economy — manufacturing, logistics, construction, and healthcare all need skilled workers. Here's what the common trades pay on the Kansas side and how long it takes to get in:
| Job | Training time | Typical pay in KC metro | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $55,000–$65,000 | IBEW Local 124 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $50,000–$58,000 | Trade school or KCKCC, then EPA 608 card |
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $45,000–$52,000 | Trade school or KCKCC; certifications from the school |
| Plumber | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $55,000–$65,000 | Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 8 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $48,000–$55,000 | CDL school; many carriers pay for it if you drive for them |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $37,000–$42,000 | Trade school or KCKCC; clinics and hospitals hire constantly |
| Diesel mechanic | 1–2 years | About $50,000–$60,000 | Trade school or KCKCC; trucking and construction fleets hire from programs |
Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the Kansas City metro, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Union apprentices start around half of journeyman pay and get raises every six months to a year.
Ready for the list for Kansas City?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)
KCKCC is the public community college on the Kansas side of the state line, with its main campus in Kansas City KS and technical programs in welding, HVAC, electrical technology, automotive, and nursing. JCCC in Overland Park also has strong technical programs if you live in Johnson County. Cheaper than private schools and Kansas Promise Scholarship money works here.
Union apprenticeships
IBEW Local 124 covers both sides of the Kansas City metro for electricians. Plumbers and pipefitters (Local 8) also serve the Kansas-side area. You work full time, earn a paycheck, and attend classes — no tuition. Takes 4–5 years to reach full pay, but you're earning from day one.
Private trade schools
Faster programs with rolling start dates: CDL in a month, welding or HVAC in under a year, medical assisting in about nine months. Cost more than the community colleges but often include job placement help. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers before you sign.
What Kansas will help pay
Kansas money for training
- Kansas Promise Scholarship
- Covers tuition, fees, and some living costs at participating Kansas community colleges and technical colleges. You need a high school diploma or equivalent and must enroll within two years of graduating or earning a GED. Some adult students may also qualify. Ask KCKCC's financial aid office if you're eligible.
- Kansas WIOA
- Free training through the KC CareerForce (the Kansas-side workforce board) if you qualify. Covers community college or trade school for people who meet income or job-loss guidelines. Ask about it before you enroll anywhere.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.
- GI Bill
- Covers KCKCC, JCCC, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans.
Sources: Kansas Board of Regents (Promise Scholarship); KC CareerForce; Federal Student Aid. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Put those together and many Kansas City KS residents can attend KCKCC for very little out of pocket. Private schools take Pell, GI Bill, and WIOA but Promise rules vary by program.
Kansas vs. Missouri
Questions from Kansas City
Can I attend a Missouri school if I live in Kansas?
Yes. Schools on both sides take students from either state. The important difference is which state's aid you qualify for — Kansas students use Kansas Promise, not Missouri A+ or Fast Track. Federal aid (Pell, GI Bill) works at any accredited school.
How does the Kansas Promise Scholarship work?
It covers tuition and eligible fees at participating Kansas community and technical colleges. You need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and usually need to enroll within two years of graduating. Apply through your school's financial aid office. It can cover the full cost at KCKCC or JCCC for many programs.
Which union covers electricians on the Kansas side?
IBEW Local 124 covers both Kansas and Missouri sides of the KC metro. The application period opens once or twice a year. You need a high school diploma or GED, a driver's license, and to pass a basic aptitude test.
Is Johnson County different from the rest of Kansas City KS?
Johnson County (Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee) has its own community college — JCCC — with excellent technical programs. It's also the wealthier part of the metro with a strong job market. KCKCC serves Wyandotte County and Kansas City KS proper. Both are good options; pick the one closer to you.