The Best Trade Schools in Rico, Colorado
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Rico.
Top Trade Schools in Rico
Southwest Colorado Community College - Durango Campus
Colorado Community College System
Southwest Colorado Community College provides high-quality hands-on training in skilled trades with strong industry connections and job placement support. The college features state-of-the-art facilities, certified instructors, and programs aligned with regional employer needs. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, financial aid options, and pathways to certifications like AWS welding certifications and EPA HVAC certifications, leading to excellent employment outcomes in southwestern Colorado.
Programs Offered:
San Juan College
San Juan College
San Juan College offers comprehensive trade programs with a reputation for high job placement rates and industry-recognized certifications. The college features modern labs, experienced faculty, and partnerships with local employers. Programs include hands-on training in fields like welding and automotive, with opportunities for apprenticeships and immediate entry into the workforce. Student satisfaction is high due to supportive services and career guidance.
Programs Offered:
Western Colorado Community College
Colorado Mesa University
Western Colorado Community College delivers robust trade education with a focus on practical skills and employer partnerships. The college boasts high-quality training facilities, expert instructors, and programs that lead to certifications such as ASE automotive standards and AWS welding credentials. Students appreciate the small class sizes, career services, and strong track record of job placements in the region's growing industries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Rico, Colorado, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Rico are Southwest Colorado Community College in Durango (about 45 miles away) and San Juan College in Farmington, NM (about 70 miles away). These schools offer programs highly relevant to the local economy, including Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, HVAC-R, Electrical Trades, and Carpentry, which are in demand in the region's construction, mining, and tourism sectors.
Are there any trade programs in the Rico area that specifically prepare students for careers in the local mining or outdoor recreation industries?
Yes, programs like Welding Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation (often available through community college partnerships), and Automotive/Diesel Technology are excellent pathways into the local mining sector. For the outdoor recreation and tourism industry, which is strong in the San Juan Mountains, Culinary Arts programs can lead to careers in local resorts and restaurants, while Electrical and HVAC skills are needed for maintaining vacation properties and lodges.
How can a resident of Rico, CO, access financial aid or scholarships for trade school programs at nearby colleges?
Residents of Rico can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) for programs at Southwest Colorado Community College and San Juan College. Additionally, it's worth inquiring about Colorado-specific workforce development grants, such as those from the Colorado Community College System, and local scholarships from organizations like the Rico Historical Society or regional foundations that support vocational education in Dolores and San Miguel counties.
What certifications can I earn through trade programs near Rico that are valued by employers in Southwest Colorado?
Programs in the area lead to industry-recognized certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) certification for welders, EPA Section 608 certification for HVAC-R technicians, and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications for automotive technicians. For electrical trades, you can work towards becoming a licensed journeyman electrician in Colorado, which is highly valuable for residential and commercial work throughout the region.
Given Rico's remote location, are there hybrid or online options available for any trade school coursework from local institutions?
While hands-on training is essential for trades, some theoretical coursework for programs like Electrical Trades or Business aspects of contracting may be available online through Southwest Colorado Community College. However, most lab and practical skill components require in-person attendance. Some colleges offer condensed or weekend schedules to accommodate students traveling from remote towns like Rico, so it's best to contact the college's admissions office directly to discuss flexible scheduling options.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Rico
Rico, 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.