The Best Trade Schools in Highland, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Highland.
Top Trade Schools in Highland
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College is a premier institution serving the Highland, IL region from its St. Louis campus. With over a century of experience, Ranken provides exceptional hands-on training in multiple trades with state-of-the-art facilities. The college boasts a remarkable 98% job placement rate and maintains strong industry partnerships. Programs lead to industry certifications and apprenticeships, with graduates consistently finding employment at top companies throughout the Illinois-Missouri region.
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Lewis and Clark Community College - Technical Education Center
Lewis and Clark Community College
Lewis and Clark Community College's Technical Education Center serves Highland and surrounding communities with comprehensive trade programs. The college offers certificate and degree programs with modern equipment and experienced instructors who bring real-world expertise. Their welding and industrial technology programs are particularly renowned, with strong connections to local employers. The college provides flexible scheduling options and financial aid assistance, making quality trade education accessible to Highland residents.
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Southwestern Illinois College - Sam Wolf Granite City Campus
Southwestern Illinois College
Southwestern Illinois College's Granite City campus provides excellent trade education options for Highland residents just 30 minutes away. SWIC offers comprehensive programs in high-demand fields with affordable tuition and multiple financial aid options. The college features modern labs and equipment, and many programs include internship opportunities with local employers. Their automotive and construction technology programs have particularly strong industry reputations, with graduates finding employment throughout the Metro East region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools near Highland, IL, and what are their specialties?
The primary trade schools serving Highland include Ranken Technical College, which is known for its strong programs in Electrical Automation Technology and Manufacturing Technology; Lewis and Clark Community College's Technical Education Center, offering excellent Welding Technology and HVAC-R programs; and Southwestern Illinois College's Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, which provides training in Construction Technology and Industrial Maintenance. Each institution has distinct strengths tailored to different career paths in the trades.
Which trade programs in the Highland area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs in Welding Technology, HVAC-R, and Industrial Maintenance consistently show strong job placement rates in the Highland region due to demand from local manufacturing, construction, and facilities maintenance employers. Ranken Technical College and Lewis and Clark Community College both report high employment success for graduates in these fields, with partnerships connecting students to regional companies like Prairie Farms and local industrial contractors.
Are there any short-term certification programs available at Highland-area trade schools for quick entry into the workforce?
Yes, several schools offer short-term certifications. Lewis and Clark Community College provides accelerated certificates in Welding and HVAC-R that can be completed in under a year. Southwestern Illinois College offers a Construction Technology certificate program designed for rapid skill development. These programs are ideal for those seeking to enter high-demand trades quickly in the Highland and surrounding Metro East job market.
What local apprenticeship opportunities are available for trade school students in Highland, IL?
Many trade programs in the Highland area facilitate apprenticeships with local employers. Electrical Systems and Carpentry students often find opportunities with regional contractors and unions. The HVAC Technology program at Ranken has partnerships with local service companies for hands-on training. Additionally, Southwestern Illinois College works with manufacturers in the area to place Industrial Maintenance students in paid apprenticeship roles.
How do the costs and financial aid options compare between trade schools near Highland, IL?
Community colleges like Lewis and Clark and Southwestern Illinois College typically have lower tuition rates for in-district residents, while Ranken Technical College may have higher costs but offers extensive scholarship opportunities and strong industry partnerships that can offset expenses. All three schools provide federal financial aid, and many have specific scholarships for trades students, with some programs offering tools or equipment as part of tuition to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Highland-area residents.
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About Trade Schools in Highland
Highland, 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.