The Best Trade Schools in Cross City, Florida
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Cross City.
Top Trade Schools in Cross City
Santa Fe College Perry Center for Emerging Technologies
Santa Fe College
The Santa Fe College Perry Center is a highly-regarded technical education facility serving the Cross City area and surrounding rural communities. Located just 30 minutes from Cross City, this state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive trade programs with strong industry partnerships. The welding program is particularly notable, featuring AWS certification preparation and modern equipment. Students benefit from experienced instructors with real-world industry backgrounds, and the college maintains strong job placement rates with local employers in manufacturing, construction, and industrial sectors. The center serves as a regional hub for workforce development in North Florida.
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RIVEROAK Technical College
RIVEROAK Technical College
RIVEROAK Technical College serves the tri-county area including Gilchrist, Levy, and Dixie counties, making it highly accessible to Cross City residents. Located approximately 45 minutes away, this accredited technical college offers hands-on training in high-demand trades with modern equipment and industry-current curriculum. The welding program features multiple processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding with AWS certification opportunities. The institution maintains strong relationships with local employers throughout North Central Florida, resulting in excellent job placement outcomes. Programs are designed for quick entry into the workforce, with many offering completion in under a year.
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Lively Technical College
Lively Technical College
Lively Technical College, located approximately 90 minutes from Cross City, is a highly-respected public technical college serving the broader North Florida region. The institution offers extensive trade programs with industry-recognized certifications and strong employer connections. Their automotive program features NATEF certification, while the HVAC/R program includes EPA 608 certification preparation. Lively maintains exceptional job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions before completion. The college serves students from surrounding rural counties including Dixie County, offering flexible scheduling and financial aid options for qualifying students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools serving students in Cross City, Florida, and what are their specialties?
The primary institutions serving Cross City and the surrounding Dixie County area are Santa Fe College's Perry Center for Emerging Technologies in nearby Perry, Lively Technical College in Tallahassee, and RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak. These schools offer programs like Welding Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Automotive Service, HVAC, Electrical Trades, and Practical Nursing, with some offering specific short-term certifications and others providing comprehensive career training.
Are there any local partnerships in Cross City that help trade school graduates find employment?
Yes, local trade schools like Santa Fe College's Perry Center often partner with regional industries in North Central Florida, including manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities, and construction companies in the Dixie, Levy, and Gilchrist County areas. These partnerships can lead to internship opportunities, apprenticeships, and direct job placements for graduates in fields like welding, industrial systems, and automotive technology.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for Cross City residents attending trade schools in the region?
Residents of Cross City can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) and Florida-specific aid like the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship (for eligible high school graduates) and the Florida Student Assistance Grant. Additionally, many technical colleges, including Lively and RIVEROAK, offer institutional scholarships and payment plans, and local organizations in Dixie County may provide scholarships for students pursuing vocational training.
Which trade programs in the Cross City area offer the quickest path to certification and employment?
Programs like Welding, HVAC/R, Electrical Trades, and Commercial Vehicle Driving often offer shorter-term certificates or career-ready diplomas that can be completed in under a year at schools like RIVEROAK Technical College or the Santa Fe College Perry Center. These fields are in high demand in North Florida's construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors, allowing for a fast entry into the workforce.
How do I decide between a program at Santa Fe College's Perry Center and a program at RIVEROAK Technical College for training in a field like Electrical Trades?
Consider your career goals and schedule. Santa Fe College's Perry Center may offer programs that can lead to an Associate in Science degree with more general education, potentially beneficial for advancement into supervisory roles. RIVEROAK Technical College typically focuses on hands-on, career-specific diploma and certificate programs designed for immediate job entry. Visiting both campuses or speaking with their admissions advisors about curriculum, cost, and job placement rates is highly recommended.
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About Trade Schools in Cross City
Cross City, Florida 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.