The Best Trade Schools in Portland, Indiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Portland.
Top Trade Schools in Portland
Apex Career Center
Apex Career Center
Located approximately 30 minutes from Portland, Apex Career Center provides intensive trade programs with exceptional hands-on training. Their welding program features comprehensive training in MIG, TIG, and stick welding with AWS certification preparation. The construction trades program covers residential and commercial skills with NCCER certifications. Automotive students train in modern facilities with ASE-certified instructors. With small class sizes and strong local employer relationships, Apex maintains an 88% placement rate for graduates.
Programs Offered:
Ivy Tech Community College - Muncie
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech's Muncie campus serves the Portland area with comprehensive trade programs featuring industry-standard certifications and strong employer partnerships. Their welding program includes AWS certifications, while HVAC students earn EPA 608 certification. With one of the highest job placement rates in the region (85%+), the college offers flexible scheduling and financial aid options. The automotive technology program features NATEF certification and partnerships with local dealerships.
Programs Offered:
Fortis College - Indianapolis
Fortis Colleges
Fortis College Indianapolis serves students from Portland with hands-on technical training programs. Their HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification preparation and NATE testing opportunities. The welding program covers multiple processes and prepares students for AWS certifications. With strong industry connections throughout central Indiana, Fortis boasts an 82% job placement rate and offers career services support. The electrical trades program includes residential and commercial wiring training.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools offering in-person programs for residents of Portland, Indiana?
While Portland itself has limited on-campus options, nearby institutions include Ivy Tech Community College in Muncie (about 45 minutes away), Fortis College in Indianapolis (roughly 1.5 hours), and Apex Career Center in Muncie. Many of these schools offer programs in Welding, HVAC, Automotive Technology, and Electrical Trades that are accessible to Jay County residents.
Which trade programs in the Portland, IN area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding Technology, and HVAC-R consistently show strong placement in the Eastern Indiana region, including at local manufacturers and service companies in Jay County. Ivy Tech Muncie and Apex Career Center often report high employment rates for graduates in these fields due to partnerships with regional employers.
Are there any hybrid or online trade school options available for Portland residents who can't commute daily?
Yes, Ivy Tech Community College offers hybrid programs where theory components can be completed online, with hands-on labs scheduled at their Muncie campus. Some certification programs in Electrical Technology and HVAC may have flexible scheduling. It's best to contact their admissions office to discuss options tailored for students from rural areas like Portland.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities exist specifically for Portland, IN students pursuing trade certifications?
Portland residents can apply for Indiana's Next Level Jobs program, which provides free tuition for qualifying programs at Ivy Tech in high-demand fields like Advanced Manufacturing and Construction Trades. Additionally, the Jay County Community Foundation offers local scholarships for vocational training, and many regional employers provide tuition reimbursement for relevant trades.
How do the Medical Trades programs at nearby schools like Fortis College benefit Portland's healthcare employment needs?
With major healthcare providers like IU Health Jay and Reid Health serving the region, Medical Trades graduates from programs at Fortis College Indianapolis often find positions at local clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. These programs, including Medical Assisting and Practical Nursing, help address critical staffing needs in rural healthcare settings throughout Jay County and surrounding areas.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Portland:
About Trade Schools in Portland
Portland, 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.