The Best Trade Schools in Arlington, Iowa
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Arlington.
Top Trade Schools in Arlington
Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus
DMACC
DMACC's Ankeny Campus is a leading trade school serving central Iowa, including the Arlington area, with comprehensive career technical education. The college offers industry-recognized certifications and degrees in high-demand trades, featuring state-of-the-art automotive technology centers, modern welding facilities with robotic welding training, and construction technology programs aligned with current industry standards. DMACC maintains exceptional job placement rates through strong employer partnerships with companies like John Deere, Vermeer, and Iowa construction firms. The college provides flexible scheduling options and financial aid assistance for trade program students.
Programs Offered:
Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids Campus
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College is one of Iowa's premier technical education institutions serving the Arlington area with comprehensive trade programs. The college offers state-approved apprenticeships, industry certifications, and associate degrees in high-demand skilled trades. With modern welding labs featuring Lincoln Electric equipment, advanced automotive technology centers, and certified HVAC training facilities, Kirkwood provides hands-on training with job placement rates exceeding 90%. The college maintains strong partnerships with Iowa manufacturers and construction firms, ensuring graduates are employment-ready with recognized credentials.
Programs Offered:
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges - Muscatine Campus
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges serves the Arlington region with exceptional technical training programs focused on industrial and construction trades. The Muscatine campus features advanced welding technology programs with AWS certification preparation, comprehensive HVAC-R training with EPA 608 certification, and electrical technology programs aligned with national electrical codes. The college boasts strong industry partnerships with regional employers like HON Industries, Kent Corporation, and Genesis Health System, providing students with internship opportunities and high job placement rates in skilled trades throughout eastern Iowa.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Arlington, Iowa, and what programs do they offer?
While Arlington itself does not host a major trade school, residents typically attend nearby institutions like Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids (about 45 minutes away), which offers programs in Automotive Technology, Welding, HVAC, and Electrical Technology. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges in Muscatine and Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny are also within commuting distance, providing training in Construction Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and Culinary Arts.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Arlington, IA, for trade school graduates?
Yes, trade school graduates from Arlington can find apprenticeship opportunities with local employers in construction, manufacturing, and agricultural equipment repair. Many graduates connect with regional contractors, HVAC companies, and manufacturing plants in nearby towns like Oelwein or Waterloo, which often seek skilled workers in electrical, welding, and diesel technology fields.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for Arlington, IA, students attending trade schools?
Students from Arlington can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) and Iowa-specific grants like the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, which covers tuition for high-demand programs at Kirkwood and other community colleges. Additionally, local organizations such as the Arlington Development Corporation or Fayette County Economic Development may offer scholarships for vocational training in trades like manufacturing or construction technology.
Which trade programs in the Arlington, IA, area have the strongest job placement rates?
Programs in Welding Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and Diesel Technology at nearby schools like Kirkwood Community College report high job placement rates due to demand from regional manufacturers, agricultural operations, and transportation companies. Graduates often find employment with employers like John Deere in Waterloo, regional construction firms, or HVAC service providers serving rural Northeast Iowa communities.
Can I complete any trade certifications or short-term training locally in Arlington, IA, without commuting to a larger campus?
While comprehensive programs require commuting, some local workshops or continuing education courses may be offered through Arlington's community center or in partnership with nearby high schools for skills like basic welding or construction safety. For full certifications, residents typically attend Kirkwood's Cedar Rapids campus or utilize hybrid options with online theory components paired with hands-on labs at satellite locations in smaller towns.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Arlington:
About Trade Schools in Arlington
Arlington, Iowa 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.