The Best Trade Schools in Derby, Iowa
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Derby.
Top Trade Schools in Derby
PCI Academy - Ames
PCI Academy
PCI Academy's Ames location provides exceptional beauty and wellness trade education serving central Iowa communities including Derby. The school maintains a 4.5-star rating with consistently high student satisfaction and strong graduate employment outcomes. Programs feature extensive hands-on training in commercial salon environments, with cosmetology students completing 2,100 clock hours of comprehensive training. The institution boasts modern facilities, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and strong relationships with regional employers. Graduates consistently achieve high state board exam pass rates and benefit from dedicated career placement services.
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Iowa School of Beauty - Des Moines
Iowa School of Beauty
Iowa School of Beauty's Des Moines campus has served central Iowa for nearly two decades, providing comprehensive beauty trade education to students from Derby and surrounding communities. The institution offers multiple program pathways with flexible scheduling options and maintains excellent graduate employment outcomes. Training emphasizes practical skills development in modern salon environments with industry-current techniques and equipment. The school features experienced instructors with professional backgrounds, strong industry connections, and dedicated career services supporting graduates in securing positions at top salons and spas throughout the region.
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Vatterott College - Des Moines
Vatterott Educational Centers
Vatterott College's Des Moines campus serves students across central Iowa, including the Derby area, with comprehensive trade programs featuring hands-on training in high-demand fields. The institution maintains strong industry partnerships and offers career placement assistance with reported job placement rates exceeding 80% for graduates. Programs include Electrical Technology with residential and commercial training, HVAC systems installation and repair, and comprehensive Welding Technology with multiple certification pathways. The campus features modern labs with industry-standard equipment and instructors with extensive field experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any trade schools located directly in Derby, Iowa?
There are no trade schools physically located within the small town of Derby, Iowa. However, residents typically commute to nearby cities like Des Moines or Ames for vocational training. Popular options within a reasonable driving distance include Vatterott College in Des Moines and PCI Academy in Ames.
What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in the Derby, Iowa area?
In the broader region surrounding Derby, skilled trades like Electrical Technology, HVAC Technology, and Welding Technology are consistently in high demand due to ongoing construction, manufacturing, and maintenance needs. Healthcare support roles, such as Medical Assisting from programs in Des Moines, also offer strong local career pathways in clinics and hospitals serving rural communities.
Can I complete a cosmetology or beauty program near Derby, Iowa, and what certifications are required?
Yes, you can attend programs like those at PCI Academy in Ames or the Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines. These schools offer training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Barbering. Graduates must pass the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences examinations to obtain a state license to practice professionally.
How do trade school programs near Derby, Iowa, typically handle hands-on training for fields like welding or HVAC?
Programs at schools like Vatterott College in Des Moines emphasize practical, hands-on training in dedicated labs and workshops that simulate real-world job sites. For trades like Welding and HVAC Technology, this includes working with industry-standard equipment and tools, which is crucial for building the skills needed to earn certifications and succeed in local apprenticeships or direct employment.
What financial aid or support options are available for Derby residents attending trade schools in Des Moines or Ames?
Students commuting from Derby can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA), state grants, and scholarships offered by the individual trade schools. Many Iowa trade schools also have partnerships with local employers and unions that may offer tuition assistance or apprenticeship sponsorships, particularly for high-demand trades in the region.
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About Trade Schools in Derby
Derby, 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.