The Best Trade Schools in Austin, Colorado
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Austin.
Top Trade Schools in Austin
Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver Public Schools
As Colorado's premier technical college, Emily Griffith serves students statewide including those from Austin seeking high-quality trade education. The college maintains exceptional job placement rates of 88% and partnerships with over 300 Colorado employers. Programs feature industry-experienced instructors, modern equipment, and comprehensive preparation for state licensing exams and industry certifications. The electrical, plumbing, and HVAC programs are particularly renowned for their apprenticeship pathways and strong union partnerships. With over a century of operation, Emily Griffith has trained generations of skilled trades professionals throughout Colorado.
Programs Offered:
Pikes Peak State College - Technical Education
Colorado Community College System
Pikes Peak State College offers comprehensive technical education programs serving the entire Front Range region, including Austin area residents. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with Colorado Springs and Denver-area employers, with job placement rates exceeding 85% for skilled trades graduates. Programs feature hands-on training in modern facilities, industry-certified instructors, and pathways to multiple industry certifications including AWS welding certifications, ASE automotive certifications, and EPA 608 certification for HVAC technicians. The institution has a longstanding reputation for quality career training since 1968.
Programs Offered:
Pickens Technical College
Aurora Public Schools
Pickens Technical College provides career and technical education serving the Denver metropolitan area, including accessible programs for Austin residents. The college offers hands-on training in high-demand trades with small class sizes and individualized attention. Programs feature industry-current equipment, experienced instructors with professional backgrounds, and strong connections to local employers. The automotive technology program maintains ASE certification, while construction trades programs provide pathways to apprenticeship opportunities. With nearly 50 years of operation, Pickens has established itself as a respected institution for practical skills training with job placement assistance and career counseling services.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools serving the Austin, Colorado area, and what types of programs do they offer?
The primary trade schools accessible to residents of Austin, CO, include Pikes Peak State College - Technical Education in Colorado Springs, Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver, and Pickens Technical College in Aurora. These institutions offer a wide range of programs such as Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Construction Management, HVAC-R, Electrical Systems, Plumbing, Carpentry, and Culinary Arts, providing both hands-on training and theoretical education for in-demand trades.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Austin, CO, particularly for trades like electrical or plumbing?
Yes, while Austin itself is a small community, nearby trade schools like Emily Griffith Technical College and Pikes Peak State College offer structured apprenticeship programs in trades such as Electrical Apprenticeship and Plumbing. These programs often combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training through partnerships with local contractors and unions in the broader Colorado region, helping students earn while they learn and gain essential certifications.
What career opportunities are available for trade school graduates in the Austin, Colorado region?
Graduates from trade schools in the Austin, CO area can find robust career opportunities in construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, and skilled trades across Central Colorado. With ongoing development in nearby cities like Colorado Springs and Denver, there is high demand for certified welders, HVAC technicians, electricians, and automotive technicians. Many local employers actively recruit from programs at Pikes Peak State College and Emily Griffith due to the region's growing infrastructure and housing needs.
How do I obtain industry-recognized certifications for trades like welding or HVAC in Austin, Colorado?
To earn certifications in trades like Welding or HVAC-R, you can enroll in accredited programs at schools such as Pikes Peak State College - Technical Education or Pickens Technical College. These programs prepare students for certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or HVAC Excellence through hands-on labs and exam preparation. Many programs also include certification exam fees in their tuition, ensuring graduates are job-ready with credentials valued by Colorado employers.
Are there flexible or part-time trade school options for working adults in the Austin, Colorado area?
Yes, several trade schools accessible from Austin, CO offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults. For example, Emily Griffith Technical College and Pikes Peak State College provide evening, weekend, and hybrid (online + in-person) classes for programs like Construction Management, Automotive Technology, and Electrical Systems. These options allow students to balance work and family commitments while gaining the skills needed for career advancement in Colorado's trade industries.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Austin:
About Trade Schools in Austin
Austin, Colorado 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.