The Best Trade Schools in Girard, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Girard.
Top Trade Schools in Girard
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College, while located in St. Louis, serves Illinois students from Girard and surrounding areas with exceptional job placement rates consistently above 95%. The college offers comprehensive programs in building trades, automotive, and electrical systems with industry-standard certifications. Students benefit from hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities, employer partnerships with major companies, and career services that connect graduates with regional employers. The electrical program includes NEC certification preparation, while automotive programs feature ASE education paths.
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Lincoln Land Community College - Capital City Training Center
Lincoln Land Community College
Lincoln Land's Capital City Training Center provides comprehensive trade education with industry-recognized certifications and strong employer partnerships. The welding program features AWS certification preparation with modern equipment, while the HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification. With job placement rates exceeding 85%, the center serves students from Girard and surrounding communities through both short-term certificates and associate degree programs. Instructors bring extensive industry experience, and the facility includes fully-equipped labs simulating real-world work environments.
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Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield Campus
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute's Springfield campus provides intensive, short-term training programs focused on high-demand trades. The welding program includes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes with AWS certification opportunities. Electrical and HVAC programs prepare students for licensure exams and include hands-on training with modern equipment. With strong industry connections and career placement assistance, MTI serves students from Girard and central Illinois, offering flexible scheduling and financial aid options. The institution maintains relationships with local employers to facilitate job placement upon completion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Girard, IL, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Girard, IL, are Lincoln Land Community College's Capital City Training Center in Springfield (about 30 minutes away), Ranken Technical College in Springfield, and Midwest Technical Institute's Springfield Campus. These schools offer programs in Welding, HVAC-R, Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive Technology, Plumbing, Carpentry, and more, providing Girard residents with accessible vocational training options.
Are there any local employers in the Girard area that hire graduates from Springfield-area trade schools?
Yes, Girard's proximity to Springfield and surrounding industrial areas creates opportunities with employers like manufacturing plants, construction firms, and service companies. Graduates from Springfield trade schools often find work with local HVAC contractors, electrical companies, welding shops, and automotive repair centers serving the Girard and Macoupin County region.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for Girard residents attending trade schools in Springfield?
Girard residents can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) at accredited schools like Lincoln Land Community College and Ranken Technical College. Additionally, many Springfield-area trade schools offer institutional scholarships, and Illinois residents may qualify for state programs like the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants when attending eligible institutions.
Which trade programs in the Springfield area have the strongest job placement rates for Girard graduates?
Programs like Welding Technology, HVAC-R, and Electrical Trades at schools like Ranken Technical College and Midwest Technical Institute typically report high job placement rates. These fields are in constant demand throughout central Illinois, and these schools have established relationships with employers who regularly hire graduates from the Girard area.
Can I complete any trade certifications or short-term training programs near Girard without commuting to Springfield daily?
While most comprehensive programs require Springfield campus attendance, some hybrid options may be available. Lincoln Land Community College occasionally offers satellite courses or evening programs, and local unions or employers in the Girard area sometimes provide apprenticeship training. It's best to contact the Springfield schools directly to inquire about flexible scheduling options for commuters.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Girard
Girard, Illinois 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.