The Best Trade Schools in Anderson, Indiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Anderson.
Top Trade Schools in Anderson
J. Everett Light Career Center
Metropolitan School District of Washington Township
Located approximately 35 miles from Anderson in Indianapolis, J. Everett Light Career Center is consistently ranked among Indiana's top career and technical education institutions. The center serves students from multiple counties including Madison County residents through special admission arrangements. The facility features industry-standard training environments including commercial-grade kitchens for culinary arts, fully-equipped automotive bays with lift systems, modern cosmetology salons, and comprehensive construction trades labs. Programs are taught by master-level instructors with extensive industry experience and maintain strong relationships with Indianapolis-area employers for job placement. The school boasts exceptional certification pass rates and high graduate employment statistics, with many programs offering paid internship opportunities. Transportation options and financial assistance make this accessible to Anderson-area students seeking premium trade education.
Programs Offered:
Apex Career Center
Apex Career Center
Serving east-central Indiana including Anderson residents, Apex Career Center in Muncie (approximately 25 miles away) provides comprehensive trade education with a focus on hands-on, employer-driven training. The institution features modern welding facilities with multiple welding stations for various processes, comprehensive HVAC training labs with both residential and commercial systems, and fully-equipped construction trades workshops. Programs are designed with direct input from regional employers to ensure graduates possess current industry-relevant skills. The center maintains strong job placement relationships with manufacturers, construction firms, and service companies throughout the region. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction, and career counseling services. Many programs offer accelerated completion options and industry certification testing on-site, making this an excellent choice for Anderson-area students seeking quality trade education with proven employment outcomes.
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Ivy Tech Community College - Anderson Campus
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech's Anderson campus is a highly-regarded public community college offering comprehensive trade programs with strong industry connections throughout central Indiana. The institution provides state-of-the-art training facilities including advanced welding labs with multiple booth stations, fully-equipped automotive technology centers with modern diagnostic equipment, and HVAC systems training with both residential and commercial units. Students benefit from industry-certified instructors with real-world experience and programs designed with input from local employers. The college maintains excellent job placement rates through partnerships with major regional employers like Nestle, GM suppliers, and local manufacturing companies. Programs lead to industry-recognized certifications and associate degrees, with many graduates securing employment before completion. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make this an accessible option for Anderson residents seeking quality trade education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs offered at Ivy Tech Community College's Anderson Campus for local job placement?
Ivy Tech's Anderson Campus offers several high-demand programs aligned with Central Indiana's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Their Advanced Manufacturing, Welding Technology, and Healthcare programs (like Nursing and Medical Assisting) have strong connections with local employers such as Nestlé, GTI, and Community Hospital Anderson, leading to excellent job placement rates for graduates.
How do the adult evening programs at J. Everett Light Career Center in Anderson work for career changers?
J. Everett Light Career Center offers adult evening courses in trades like Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Welding, designed for working adults seeking new careers. These part-time programs typically run 2-3 evenings per week and focus on hands-on training and industry certifications, allowing students to maintain employment while preparing for higher-paying skilled trades positions in the Anderson area.
What local apprenticeship opportunities are available for trade school graduates in Anderson's manufacturing sector?
Anderson's strong manufacturing base creates apprenticeship opportunities through partnerships with Ivy Tech and local unions. Companies like GTI (Greenville Technology Inc.), Nestlé, and major automotive suppliers often sponsor apprentices in Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance, and CNC Machining programs, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction at local trade schools.
Which Anderson trade schools offer the shortest path to employment in HVAC and electrical trades?
Both Apex Career Center and Ivy Tech Anderson offer accelerated certificate programs in HVAC/R and Electrical Technology that can be completed in 9-12 months. These programs prepare students for immediate employment with local contractors and utilities, and include preparation for Indiana state licensing exams and EPA Section 608 certification for HVAC technicians.
How do Anderson's trade schools support students seeking careers in automotive technology with local dealerships?
Ivy Tech Anderson's Automotive Technology program has direct partnerships with local dealerships and repair shops throughout Madison County. The program offers ASE certification preparation and often leads to paid internship opportunities at establishments like Tom Wood Honda Anderson or community repair shops, with many graduates securing positions before completing their certificates or degrees.
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About Trade Schools in Anderson
Anderson, Indiana 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.