The Best Trade Schools in Kokomo, Indiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Kokomo.
Top Trade Schools in Kokomo
Fort Wayne Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
United Association Local 166
This highly-regarded apprenticeship program serves northeastern Indiana including Kokomo residents, offering comprehensive training in multiple skilled trades through the United Association. The five-year apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, leading to journeyman status and multiple industry certifications. The program boasts exceptional job placement rates, competitive wages during training, and no tuition costs for apprentices. Graduates earn recognized credentials and have access to union employment opportunities throughout Indiana with excellent benefits and career advancement potential.
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J. Everett Light Career Center
North Central Career Cooperative
Located in Indianapolis and serving students from throughout central Indiana, J. Everett Light Career Center offers exceptional trade programs with industry-recognized certifications. The center features modern facilities including fully-equipped automotive bays, commercial kitchens, and construction labs. Programs are taught by experienced industry professionals and include extensive hands-on training with strong emphasis on job readiness. The school maintains high placement rates with partnerships across multiple industries, making it a premier choice for Kokomo residents seeking quality trade education within reasonable commuting distance.
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Ivy Tech Community College - Kokomo
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech's Kokomo campus offers comprehensive trade programs with strong industry partnerships throughout north-central Indiana. The college provides state-of-the-art facilities for welding, automotive, and advanced manufacturing training, with multiple certification pathways and excellent job placement rates. Programs feature hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, and the institution maintains strong relationships with local employers like Stellantis, GM, and Haynes International for direct career pathways. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make this a top choice for trade education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs at Ivy Tech Community College in Kokomo, given the local manufacturing industry?
Ivy Tech Kokomo's most in-demand programs directly support the region's manufacturing and industrial base, including Welding Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, and HVAC. These programs are designed with input from local employers like Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) and other manufacturers, ensuring graduates have the specific skills needed for immediate employment in Kokomo's robust industrial sector.
How does the J. Everett Light Career Center serve high school students and adults in Kokomo interested in trades?
The J. Everett Light Career Center provides career and technical education (CTE) for high school students from several area school districts, offering programs like Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, and Cosmetology. For adults, it often serves as a pathway for exploration or supplemental training, with many graduates continuing to Ivy Tech Kokomo or directly into apprenticeships with local unions and manufacturers.
What local union apprenticeship opportunities are available for trades like pipefitting and electrical work in the Kokomo area?
While based in Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee serves the broader region, including Kokomo, offering a rigorous 5-year apprenticeship program. Locally, Kokomo residents can also explore electrical and plumbing apprenticeships through their respective Indiana union chapters, which combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often in partnership with Ivy Tech.
Are there short-term certification programs in Kokomo that can lead to quick entry into the workforce?
Yes, Ivy Tech Kokomo offers several short-term certificates and credential programs, such as CNC Machining, Basic Welding, and HVAC-R essentials, which can often be completed in a semester or two. These focused programs are ideal for individuals seeking to quickly gain employable skills to enter Kokomo's manufacturing, construction, or service sectors with a recognized credential.
What career placement resources or local industry connections do Kokomo trade schools offer graduates?
Ivy Tech Kokomo has a dedicated Career Development office that works closely with major local employers like Stellantis, Haynes International, and Maple Leaf Farms for job placements and internships. Additionally, programs often feature advisory boards with local industry leaders, and the college hosts job fairs specifically for trade and technical graduates, creating direct pipelines to careers in Howard County and surrounding areas.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Kokomo
Kokomo, 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.