TradeSchools.review
Industry Certified

The Best Trade Schools in Saint Francis, Arkansas

Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Saint Francis.

3
Training Programs
4.3
Average Rating

Top Trade Schools in Saint Francis

1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis

Tennessee Board of Regents

★★★★☆
4.4/5

Located just 45 minutes from Saint Francis, TCAT Memphis is one of the highest-rated trade schools in the Mid-South region, serving students from Eastern Arkansas. The college boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% across most programs and maintains strong relationships with major employers throughout the Memphis metropolitan area. Their welding program offers AWS certifications, while the HVAC program provides EPA 608 certification preparation. TCAT Memphis features modern facilities, industry-experienced instructors, and flexible scheduling options including evening classes. Many Saint Francis residents commute to take advantage of their comprehensive trade programs and excellent reputation among regional employers.

Experience:55+ years
Reviews:89 student reviews
550 Alabama Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105

Programs Offered:

Welding TechnologyAutomotive TechnologyHVACElectrical TechnologyPractical NursingCosmetologyCulinary Arts
2

Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute

Arkansas Department of Career Education

★★★★☆
4.3/5

Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute is the premier trade school serving Eastern Arkansas, located just 15 miles from Saint Francis. As part of Arkansas's career education system, CRTI offers comprehensive technical training with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 85%. The school features state-of-the-art welding labs with American Welding Society certification programs, fully-equipped automotive bays with ASE-certified instructors, and modern HVAC training facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on training, and strong industry partnerships with regional employers. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make career training accessible to Saint Francis area residents.

Experience:50+ years
Reviews:48 student reviews
1620 Newcastle Road, Forrest City, AR 72335

Programs Offered:

Welding TechnologyAutomotive Service TechnologyHVACElectrical SystemsPractical NursingComputer Information Systems
3

Arkansas State University Mid-South

Arkansas State University System

★★★★☆
4.1/5

Arkansas State University Mid-South serves as a comprehensive community and technical college providing high-quality trade education to Eastern Arkansas residents, including those from Saint Francis. The college offers certificate and associate degree programs in high-demand trades with industry-recognized certifications. Their Industrial Technology program includes welding, manufacturing, and maintenance technology tracks developed with input from regional employers. The automotive program features NATEF certification and partnerships with major dealerships. With strong articulation agreements to four-year institutions and excellent job placement services, ASU Mid-South provides both immediate employment opportunities and pathways for career advancement.

Experience:30+ years
Reviews:67 student reviews
2000 West Broadway, West Memphis, AR 72301

Programs Offered:

Industrial TechnologyWeldingAutomotive TechnologyComputer NetworkingHealthcare ProgramsBusiness Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest trade schools to Saint Francis, Arkansas, and what are their standout programs?

The most accessible trade schools for Saint Francis residents include Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute in Forrest City, Arkansas State University Mid-South in West Memphis, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis. Crowley's Ridge is particularly known for its Welding Technology and Automotive Service Technology programs, while ASU Mid-South offers strong Healthcare and Industrial Technology pathways.

Which trade programs in the Saint Francis area have the strongest local job placement rates?

Programs in Practical Nursing, Welding, and Electrical Systems consistently show strong job placement in Eastern Arkansas and the greater Memphis region. Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute and ASU Mid-South have established partnerships with regional employers like Nucor Steel, local healthcare systems, and manufacturing plants, which often lead to direct hiring opportunities for graduates.

Are there any short-term certification programs available near Saint Francis for someone looking to enter the workforce quickly?

Yes, Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute offers several short-term certifications that can be completed in under a year, including Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training, HVAC fundamentals, and basic welding certifications. These programs are designed specifically for rapid entry into high-demand trades throughout the Arkansas Delta region.

What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade school students in Saint Francis County?

Students in Saint Francis County can access Arkansas' Workforce Challenge Scholarship for high-demand fields like nursing and industrial technology, along with federal Pell Grants. Additionally, Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute offers institutional scholarships and many local employers, such as agricultural and manufacturing companies, provide tuition reimbursement for relevant trade programs.

How do the trade programs at Arkansas State University Mid-South differ from those at Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute for Saint Francis residents?

ASU Mid-South typically offers more advanced technical associate degrees and broader academic pathways, including Computer Information Systems and advanced Manufacturing Technology, while Crowley's Ridge focuses on hands-on skill certificates and diplomas in trades like Automotive Technology and Electrical Systems. Both institutions provide quality training, but Crowley's Ridge programs are often shorter and more directly focused on immediate job skills for the local market.

Finding Your Path in Engineering Trades Near Saint Francis, Arkansas

If you're in Saint Francis, Arkansas, and typing 'engineering trade schools near me' into a search bar, you're on the right track to a stable and rewarding career. The term 'engineering' in this context often refers to the high-skill technical trades that are the backbone of modern industry, and Northeast Arkansas offers several excellent pathways to enter these fields. While Saint Francis itself is a smaller community, its proximity to major educational hubs means you have access to top-tier training without having to relocate far from home. This region values practical skills, and investing in a trade education here is a smart move toward financial security and job satisfaction.

Your local search for engineering trade schools near me will likely lead you to institutions like Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute, which provides hands-on programs directly aligned with regional employer needs. Slightly further afield, Arkansas State University Mid-South and even the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis are within a reasonable commute and offer robust curricula. These schools specialize in turning curiosity and hard work into marketable expertise in Welding Technology, Automotive Service, HVAC, Electrical Systems, and Industrial Technology. These programs are designed to be efficient, often taking two years or less, and focus intensely on the precise skills employers are hiring for right now.

The local and regional job market for skilled tradespeople in the Arkansas Delta is strong and growing. Major industries, including advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, and commercial construction, consistently seek certified technicians. A graduate with a welding certification can find work on infrastructure projects, in fabrication shops, or with equipment manufacturers. An HVAC or Electrical Systems technician is essential for both new construction and maintaining existing homes and businesses across Crittenden County and beyond. These careers offer more than just a job; they provide a respected profession where you can see the tangible results of your work.

Choosing to pursue a trade is a decision to build a future with your own hands and mind. If you're searching for 'engineering trade schools near me,' take the next step. Reach out to the admissions departments at the local schools, ask about their lab facilities, instructor qualifications, and, most importantly, their job placement rates. Many offer financial aid and flexible scheduling. The demand for skilled technicians in our area isn't slowing down, and by starting your training now, you position yourself at the forefront of a workforce that builds, maintains, and innovates. Your journey toward a fulfilling career in the skilled trades begins right here in Northeast Arkansas.

Nearby Cities

Explore trade schools in cities near Saint Francis:

About Trade Schools in Saint Francis

Saint Francis, Arkansas offers a variety of vocational training programs and trade schools for students looking to launch careers in skilled trades. Our comprehensive directory helps you find the best programs based on instructor quality, job placement rates, certifications, and student reviews.

Browse through local trade schools offering programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive, and more. Each school has been evaluated using our rigorous 5-star rating system to help you make the best choice for your career goals.