The Best Trade Schools in Durango, Colorado
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Durango.
Top Trade Schools in Durango
Four Corners School of Construction Trades
Independent
Located just across the state line in Aztec, New Mexico, Four Corners School of Construction Trades serves the entire Four Corners region including Durango. This highly-rated institution specializes exclusively in construction trades with comprehensive apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Their electrical program prepares students for New Mexico and Colorado licensing exams, while their plumbing apprenticeship meets state certification requirements. With small class sizes and industry-experienced instructors, the school maintains exceptional graduate employment rates and strong relationships with construction firms throughout Southwest Colorado and Northern New Mexico.
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San Juan College School of Trades and Technology
San Juan College
San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico serves as a major regional trade school for Durango residents, located approximately 45 minutes south of Durango. Their School of Trades and Technology features state-of-the-art facilities including a full automotive and diesel technology center, comprehensive welding labs with robotic welding equipment, and modern HVAC/R training systems. The college holds multiple industry accreditations and maintains articulation agreements with Colorado institutions. With strong job placement assistance and industry partnerships throughout the Four Corners region, San Juan College provides Durango students access to extensive trade programs not available locally, with many students commuting from Colorado for their specialized training programs.
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Pueblo Community College - Southwest Colorado Campus
Colorado Community College System
Pueblo Community College's Southwest Colorado Campus is the primary trade school serving Durango directly, offering comprehensive career and technical education programs. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers throughout Southwest Colorado, providing hands-on training in modern facilities. Their welding program features AWS certification preparation, while automotive technology includes ASE certification pathways. With excellent job placement rates exceeding 85% for graduates, PCC Southwest provides one of the most established and respected trade education pathways in the region, serving both recent high school graduates and career-changing adults.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools offering hands-on programs in Durango, Colorado?
The primary institutions in the Durango area include Pueblo Community College - Southwest Colorado Campus, which offers associate degrees and certificates, and the Four Corners School of Construction Trades, which focuses on apprenticeship-style training. San Juan College's School of Trades and Technology, located nearby in Farmington, NM, also serves many Colorado residents with programs like Welding and Diesel Technology.
Which trade programs in Durango have the strongest local industry connections for job placement?
Construction Technology, Electrical Trades, and HVAC programs have particularly strong ties to Durango's growing construction and tourism sectors. Local partnerships with companies like those in the Four Corners region help facilitate apprenticeships and direct hiring, especially for graduates of Pueblo Community College and the Four Corners School of Construction Trades.
Are there accelerated or apprenticeship-based trade programs available in Durango, CO?
Yes, the Four Corners School of Construction Trades specializes in accelerated, hands-on apprenticeship programs in fields like Plumbing, Electrical, and Carpentry. Additionally, Pueblo Community College offers shorter-term certificates in areas such as Welding Technology and Automotive Technology that can be completed in one year or less to quickly enter the workforce.
What certifications can I earn through Durango-area trade schools that are recognized by Colorado employers?
Programs at Pueblo Community College and other local schools prepare students for industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA safety credentials, EPA 608 Certification for HVAC/R technicians, and AWS welding certifications. Electrical programs align with Colorado state licensing requirements for journeyman electricians, which is crucial for local employment.
How does Durango's tourism and outdoor industry create unique trade career opportunities for graduates?
Durango's robust tourism and outdoor recreation economy drives demand for skilled tradespeople in specialty areas. Graduates in HVAC, Electrical, and Diesel Technology often find work maintaining resort properties, ski lifts at Purgatory Resort, and recreational vehicle fleets, while Construction Technology skills are needed for ongoing hospitality and residential development projects.
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About Trade Schools in Durango
Durango, 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.