The Best Trade Schools in Pendleton, Indiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Pendleton.
Top Trade Schools in Pendleton
J. Everett Light Career Center
Metropolitan School District of Washington Township
J. Everett Light Career Center has been a premier career and technical education institution serving central Indiana for five decades, including Pendleton residents. The school offers both high school programs and adult education with exceptional facilities including commercial kitchens, automotive bays with lift systems, and construction labs. Their adult programs feature intensive 10-month certifications with job placement assistance boasting 92% employment rates. The HVAC-R program provides EPA 608 certification, while construction trades include NCCER certifications. With small class sizes and industry-experienced instructors, students receive personalized training using current industry equipment and methodologies.
Programs Offered:
Apex Career Center
Apex Career Center
Apex Career Center serves northeast Indiana including Pendleton area residents with comprehensive adult technical education programs. The facility features extensive hands-on training environments including multiple welding bays with SMAW, GMAW, GTAW equipment, fully-equipped construction labs, and automotive technology centers. Their programs lead to industry-recognized certifications including AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 for HVAC, and state licensing preparation for electrical and plumbing trades. With strong employer partnerships throughout the region, Apex maintains high job placement rates and offers flexible scheduling including evening programs. The career center provides career counseling and job placement assistance with connections to union apprenticeships and major employers.
Programs Offered:
Ivy Tech Community College - Anderson Campus
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College's Anderson campus serves Pendleton and Madison County with comprehensive trade programs featuring state-of-the-art facilities and industry partnerships. The college offers associate degrees and technical certificates with strong job placement rates exceeding 85% for skilled trades graduates. Programs include hands-on welding labs with AWS certification preparation, EPA-certified HVAC training, and electrical technology programs aligned with NEC standards. As Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution, Ivy Tech provides affordable tuition and multiple financial aid options while maintaining strong relationships with local employers like Nestle, GTI, and major construction firms throughout central Indiana.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade school options for residents of Pendleton, Indiana, and how accessible are they?
Pendleton residents primarily access trade programs through nearby institutions like Ivy Tech Community College's Anderson Campus (about 15 minutes away), the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis (for high school and adult programs), and the Apex Career Center in Anderson. Many programs offer flexible schedules, including evening and hybrid options, making them accessible for working adults in Madison County.
Which trade programs in the Pendleton area have the strongest local industry connections for job placement?
Programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding Technology, and HVAC-R at Ivy Tech Anderson and Apex Career Center have robust partnerships with local manufacturers and contractors in Madison County and the greater Indianapolis region. These connections often lead to apprenticeships, internships, and direct job placements with companies like Nestlé, GTI, and local construction firms.
Are there short-term certification programs available near Pendleton for quick entry into skilled trades?
Yes, institutions like Ivy Tech Anderson and Apex Career Center offer short-term certificates in areas like Electrical Technology, Welding, and HVAC that can often be completed in one year or less. These programs focus on industry-recognized credentials (like NCCER or EPA certifications) that are in high demand by central Indiana employers.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for Pendleton area students pursuing trade programs?
Beyond federal aid, Pendleton students can access Indiana's Next Level Jobs program which provides free tuition for qualifying programs at Ivy Tech, plus local scholarships through the Madison County Community Foundation and industry-specific scholarships from regional employers. Many trade programs also qualify for Indiana's Workforce Ready Grants.
How do trade school programs near Pendleton, IN, incorporate hands-on training with local industry needs?
Programs feature extensive lab work, simulated environments, and often require externships with area employers. For example, Construction Technology students at Ivy Tech Anderson work on real projects in the community, while Automotive Technology students train on current vehicle systems at the Apex Career Center, ensuring skills match what local dealerships and repair shops require.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Pendleton:
About Trade Schools in Pendleton
Pendleton, 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.