The Best Trade Schools in Tipton, Indiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Tipton.
Top Trade Schools in Tipton
J. Everett Light Career Center
Metropolitan School District of Washington Township
This highly-rated career center serves central Indiana including Tipton County with exceptional trade programs featuring industry partnerships with major employers like Cummins and Allison Transmission. Students earn multiple certifications including ASE, EPA, and AWS credentials. The school boasts a 92% placement rate with graduates securing positions at $18-28/hour starting wages. Modern facilities include fully-equipped automotive bays, commercial kitchens, and welding labs with robotic welding systems.
Programs Offered:
ATS Institute of Technology
ATS Institute of Technology
Located just 20 minutes from Tipton, ATS Institute provides intensive hands-on trade training with small class sizes and personalized instruction. The welding program offers comprehensive training in MIG, TIG, and stick welding with AWS certification preparation. HVAC students graduate with EPA 608 Universal certification and NATE readiness. With strong industry connections to local manufacturers and construction firms, the school maintains an 88% job placement rate and offers job search assistance and employer networking events.
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Ivy Tech Community College - Kokomo Campus
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech's Kokomo campus serves Tipton County with comprehensive trade programs featuring industry-standard certifications and strong employer partnerships. The welding program offers AWS certifications, while HVAC students earn EPA 608 certification. With a 85% job placement rate for trade graduates, the college provides hands-on training in modern labs and offers flexible scheduling options for working students. Financial aid and apprenticeship pathways are available through local union partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for Tipton, Indiana residents, and what programs do they offer?
The most accessible trade schools for Tipton residents are Ivy Tech Community College's Kokomo Campus (about 20 miles away) and the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis. These schools offer programs highly relevant to local industry, including Welding Technology, HVAC, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, and Construction Trades. The ATS Institute of Technology, also within commuting distance, provides focused training in fields like Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology.
Which trade programs in the Tipton, IN area have the strongest connections to local employers for job placement?
Programs in Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and Welding have particularly strong local industry ties due to the manufacturing presence in Central Indiana. Ivy Tech Kokomo and J. Everett Light Career Center have established partnerships with regional employers for internships and direct hiring. Completing these programs often leads to immediate job opportunities in factories and industrial facilities within Tipton County and the surrounding Kokomo region.
Are there any short-term certification programs available near Tipton for someone looking to quickly enter the skilled trades?
Yes, both Ivy Tech Kokomo and career centers offer short-term certificates in high-demand fields. You can earn certifications in HVAC-R, Electrical Systems, Plumbing Fundamentals, or Carpentry Skills in often less than a year. These focused programs are designed to provide the essential skills needed to pass licensing exams and secure entry-level positions with local contractors, utility companies, and construction firms serving the Tipton area.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for Tipton County students attending trade schools?
Tipton County students can access federal financial aid (FAFSA) at Ivy Tech and other accredited schools. Additionally, local organizations like the Tipton County Foundation often offer scholarships for vocational training. Many trade programs also qualify for Indiana's Next Level Jobs program, which provides Workforce Ready Grants to cover tuition for high-value certificates in fields like Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, and Transportation & Logistics.
For high school students in Tipton, are there dual-credit or early enrollment options in trade programs?
Yes, Tipton High School students can pursue dual-credit courses through partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, allowing them to earn college credits in trade subjects while still in high school. Programs like Project Lead The Way may offer pathways into engineering technology. Furthermore, seniors may be eligible for area career center programs, providing hands-on training in Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, or Automotive Technology before graduation.
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About Trade Schools in Tipton
Tipton, 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.