Employment

The first step to finding employment in Wichita is to start preparing your resume, complete employment applications and practice interviewing techniques. Your Employment Assistance Program Manager at your current base can help you in these areas. Only a small percentage of jobs are listed with employment agencies. Job searchers should check online websites and should approach individual businesses, both small and large, for openings.

Spouses/family members seeking employment in Wichita should make the Military & Family Readiness Center one of their first stops. Job seekers can access a multitude of information and resources to get their job search off to a good start. The Resource Center offers computers with internet access for resume-writing, sample resumes and cover letters, and access to hundreds of job search websites all at your fingertips.

The following services are available at the Military & Family Readiness Center: resource room, resume assistance, data on area employers, job referral, MBTI and individual counseling.

NAF Human Resources Office

The Human Resources Office is located in building 732. Job postings are listed on https://www.USAJobs.gov. Unless otherwise stated, the positions listed are positions without guaranteed hours or benefits.

• If you think you qualify for Military Spouse Preference you need to submit a copy of your spouse’s PCS orders with your application.
• If you think you qualify for Transition Hiring Preference, because you left the military early due to downsizing, you must present your ID card with TA stamped on the back along with your application.
• If you think you qualify for Veteran’s Preference, you need to submit your DD214 (copy 4 if possible) with your application.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all jobs filled through this office. We accept these applications in anticipation of vacancies. A list of these positions is available. We strongly encourage you to apply for all the positions you are interested in because by the time you hear about a position, it may already be filled. If you would like further information, please call (316) 759-1612.

Good Prospects
Most available jobs are in the medical field, clerical, aircraft manufacturing, sales and services.

Fair Prospects
Some opportunities for employment exist in education, construction, retail trade, finance, insurance, and real estate.

Employers in the Wichita area are very receptive to hiring military families. A full listing of employers in the Wichita Metro Area is available through the Military & Family Readiness Center, Employment Resource Office. 

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information and training to ensure service members transitioning from active duty are prepared for their next step in life - whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business.

TAP is a cohesive, modular, outcome-based program that bolsters and standardizes the opportunities, services and training that service members receive to better prepare them to pursue their post-military career goals. The curriculum is designed to provide service members with the resources, tools, services and skill-building training needed to meet Career Readiness Standards. Shortly before departing the military, service members demonstrate achievement of these standards to their command through a verification process called the Capstone. This process includes an opportunity to connect service members who may need additional assistance to agency partners who provide them with additional support.

The TAP process must be initiated no later than 365 days before separating or retiring. Service members should start TAP up to 24 months before retiring or up to 18 months before separation. TAP requirements include:

• Step 1: Initial Counseling
• Step 2: Pre-Separation Counseling
• Step 3: TAP Workshop and participation in the two-day training tracks
• Step 4: Capstone (should be completed no later than 90 days before final out)

Two-Day Training Tracks
The TAP process includes service member selection of one of the two-day training tracks below. Service members may attend more than one track, but must attend at least one (unless exempt).

• DOL Employment Track - The Department of Labor Employment Workshop covers emerging best practices in career employment, including in-depth training to learn interview skills, build effective resumes, and use emerging technology to network and search for employment.
• DOL Vocational Track - Known as "Career and Credential Exploration," this Department of Labor workshop offers a unique opportunity for participants to complete a personalized career development assessment of occupational interest and ability. This industry-standard assessment presents participants with a variety of tailored job recommendations that align with their interests and aptitudes. Participants are also guided through a variety of career considerations, including labor market projections, education, apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure requirements.
• SBA Entrepreneurship Track - The Small Business Administration's entrepreneurship workshop, also known as "Boots to Business," provides participants with an introductory understanding of business ownership. The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business.
• DOD Education Track - This class assists service members in identifying the higher education requirements that support their personal career goals. The class is divided into the following topic areas: learning the basics, choosing a field of study, selecting an institution, gaining admission, and funding higher education. This workshop is beneficial for both service members attending college for the first time and those applying to graduate school programs. Throughout the workshop, participants conduct research as each topic is presented and complete a comparison of at least two institutions of higher education.

Contact the Military & Family Readiness Center at 316-759-6020 for more information.

My Career Advancement Account

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military One Source - Spouse Education & Career Opportunities..

Spouse Re-Licensure/Re-Certification Reimbursement Program

The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for re-licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves that cross U.S. state lines - to include OCONUS to stateside moves. Visit Military One Source - Spouse Education & Career Opportunities for more details.

Kansas recently passed legisltiation in 2024 to waive fees for military spouses seeking initial licensure or re-licensure due to PCS. Since it is a newer law, some careers are still working to figure out how to make this work. If you are interested in more information, call Military and Family Readiness Center at 316-759-6020.

Unemployment compensation may be available for the spouse of a newly assigned military member or civilian employee. For more information contact the Kansas Department of Labor. Kansas statute considers military spouses who are forced to leave their position due to their spouse's military orders as an involuntary separation from work and therefore eligible for unemployment insurance.

The unemployment rate in Sedgwick County is 3% compared to the national rate of 4% as of May 2024. The median household income is $60,854 for Wichita and $64,124 for Kansas.