The Best Trade Schools in Cambridge, Iowa
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Cambridge.
Top Trade Schools in Cambridge
Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College is one of Iowa's premier trade and technical education institutions, serving students from across eastern Iowa including the Cambridge area. The college offers comprehensive career training programs with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 32,000 square foot automotive training center and advanced welding labs. Kirkwood maintains strong industry partnerships with companies like Collins Aerospace and Rockwell Collins, resulting in exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% for many trade programs. Students benefit from industry-certified instructors, hands-on training, and multiple certification pathways including AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 certification for HVAC, and ASE certifications for automotive programs.
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Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College serves central Iowa including the Cambridge region with exceptional trade and technical programs. The college features advanced training facilities including the Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center with comprehensive welding labs, automotive bays, and construction technology workshops. Hawkeye's trade programs emphasize hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and maintain strong relationships with local employers like John Deere, Tyson Foods, and various construction firms. The college boasts impressive job placement rates, with many graduates securing employment before completion. Programs lead to multiple industry certifications including NCCER credentials, AWS certifications, and EPA certifications for refrigeration technicians.
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North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC)
North Iowa Area Community College
NIACC has been serving northern Iowa communities including Cambridge for over a century with quality career and technical education. The college offers comprehensive trade programs through its Career and Technical Education division, featuring modern facilities with industry-current equipment. NIACC's welding program includes multiple processes (MIG, TIG, Stick) and prepares students for AWS certifications, while the automotive program features ASE-certified instruction. The college maintains strong industry connections with regional employers and provides excellent job placement assistance. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and flexible scheduling options including some evening and hybrid courses for working students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Cambridge, Iowa, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Cambridge, IA are Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids (about 45 minutes away), Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo (about 1.5 hours), and North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City (about 2 hours). These schools offer programs including Welding Technology, HVAC, Electrical, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Diesel Technology, and Construction Technology that are accessible to Cambridge residents.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Cambridge, Iowa for trades like electrical or construction?
While Cambridge itself doesn't host large trade schools, local construction companies and electrical contractors in the Cambridge area often partner with regional community colleges for apprenticeship programs. You can contact the Iowa Workforce Development office or check with Kirkwood Community College about their apprenticeship connections for Story County residents, which includes Cambridge.
What transportation options are available for Cambridge residents attending trade schools in Cedar Rapids or Waterloo?
Cambridge residents typically commute by personal vehicle to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids or Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. Some students carpool with classmates from the Cambridge area, and Kirkwood offers limited online/hybrid options for certain trade programs. Public transportation between Cambridge and these larger cities is very limited, so planning for commute time is essential.
Which trade programs in the Cambridge, Iowa area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Welding Technology, Construction Technology, and HVAC programs from Kirkwood Community College have strong placement rates in central Iowa, including opportunities in Cambridge and nearby Ames. Local manufacturers and construction firms in Story County frequently hire graduates from these programs. The Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs also see good regional placement due to demand from agricultural and transportation industries near Cambridge.
Are there any short-term certification programs available for Cambridge residents looking to enter trades quickly?
Yes, Kirkwood Community College offers several short-term certifications accessible to Cambridge residents, including Welding Certifications (multiple levels), HVAC-R Technician certification, and Electrical Technology certificates. These programs typically range from a few months to one year and are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into central Iowa's workforce, with many classes offered in evenings or hybrid formats to accommodate working students.
About Trade Schools in Cambridge
Cambridge, 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.