The Best Trade Schools in Empire, Colorado
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Empire.
Top Trade Schools in Empire
Warren Tech
Jefferson County Public Schools
Warren Tech is a premier career and technical education center serving Jefferson County and surrounding mountain communities, including Empire residents. With over 50 years of operation, the school has established an outstanding reputation for preparing students for high-demand trades. Their welding program includes SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW training with AWS certification opportunities, while the construction management program covers residential and commercial building techniques. The HVAC-R program provides EPA 608 certification preparation and hands-on training with modern systems. Warren Tech boasts exceptional job placement rates and strong industry partnerships throughout the Colorado Front Range.
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Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver Public Schools
Emily Griffith Technical College is one of Colorado's most established and respected trade schools, serving the entire Denver metro area including mountain communities like Empire. Founded in 1916, the college offers comprehensive training programs with strong industry partnerships and high job placement rates. Their welding program features AWS certification preparation, while electrical and HVAC programs include hands-on training with modern equipment. The school maintains strong connections with Colorado trade unions and employers, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready with industry-recognized certifications and practical skills.
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Pickens Technical College
Aurora Public Schools
Pickens Technical College has been serving the Front Range region for over four decades with high-quality career and technical education. Located in Aurora, the college provides accessible training for students from mountain communities including Empire. Their programs feature industry-standard equipment, certified instructors with real-world experience, and strong job placement assistance. The construction trades program includes carpentry, electrical, and plumbing fundamentals, while automotive technology offers ASE certification preparation. The college maintains partnerships with local employers and trade unions to ensure curriculum relevance and employment opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for students in Empire, Colorado, given the local economy?
In Empire and the surrounding Clear Creek County area, programs in Construction Trades, HVAC, and Electrical Trades are highly sought after. This demand is driven by ongoing residential and commercial development in the mountain communities, as well as the need for skilled technicians to service homes and businesses in the region. Local schools like Warren Tech and Pickens Technical College have strong partnerships with area employers in these fields.
Are there any trade school programs in the Empire area that specifically prepare students for careers in the local tourism or hospitality industry?
Yes, culinary arts programs are an excellent pathway into Empire's tourism and hospitality sector, which includes nearby ski resorts and mountain lodges. Schools like Emily Griffith Technical College offer professional culinary training that can lead to careers in local restaurants, resorts, and catering services. These programs often include hands-on experience and industry certifications valued by employers in Clear Creek and Gilpin counties.
How do trade schools near Empire, CO, like Warren Tech, help students connect with apprenticeships or local employers?
Schools such as Warren Tech and Pickens Technical College have established Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and dedicated placement offices that actively connect students with local apprenticeships. They frequently host job fairs with employers from the Front Range and mountain communities, and many programs include work-based learning components with companies in construction, automotive service, and skilled trades operating in and around Empire.
What certifications can I earn through trade programs in the Empire area that are recognized by Colorado employers?
Programs in the Empire vicinity offer industry-recognized credentials such as EPA 608 Certification for HVAC-R technicians, ASE certifications for automotive technology, and AWS certifications for welding. Many construction trade programs also prepare students for OSHA safety certifications and specific licensure exams required by the state of Colorado, which are essential for working on local projects.
For someone living in Empire, what are the options for attending trade school if I need a flexible schedule due to work or family commitments?
Several schools serving the Empire area, including Emily Griffith Technical College, offer flexible scheduling with evening, weekend, and hybrid online/in-person courses for programs like Electrical Trades and Construction Management. Many programs are also offered in accelerated formats or as part-time pathways, allowing students from mountain communities to balance training with other responsibilities while accessing hands-on labs at central locations.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Empire
Empire, 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.