The Best Trade Schools in Griswold, Iowa
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Griswold.
Top Trade Schools in Griswold
Iowa School of Beauty
Iowa School of Beauty
Iowa School of Beauty has been training skilled beauty professionals for over 50 years with their Council Bluffs campus serving students from Griswold and surrounding areas. The school maintains exceptional state board exam pass rates of 94% and offers comprehensive training in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology. Students train in modern salon environments using professional-grade equipment and products. The school provides job placement assistance with partnerships spanning 150+ salons across Iowa and Nebraska. Financial aid options are available, and the curriculum includes business management training to help graduates succeed as salon professionals or entrepreneurs. The school is accredited by NACCAS and approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
Programs Offered:
Western Iowa Community College
Iowa Community College System
Western Iowa Community College (WICC) is a highly-regarded public community college serving southwest Iowa with comprehensive trade programs. The college offers state-of-the-art facilities including a modern welding lab with 40+ stations, fully-equipped automotive technology center, and advanced HVAC training labs. WICC maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers like Tyson Foods, Cargill, and regional construction firms, achieving an 89% job placement rate for graduates. Programs lead to industry certifications including AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 certification for HVAC, and ASE certifications for automotive technicians. The college provides flexible scheduling with evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students from Griswold and surrounding communities.
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Vatterott College
Vatterott Educational Centers
Vatterott College's Council Bluffs campus provided comprehensive trade education to students from Griswold and southwest Iowa for decades before its recent closure. The institution was known for hands-on training in electrical systems, HVAC-R technology, plumbing, and welding. Programs featured industry-standard equipment and curriculum aligned with national certification standards. While the physical campus has closed, Vatterott's legacy includes thousands of successful graduates who entered skilled trades throughout the region. For current options, students from Griswold typically pursue trade education at Western Iowa Community College or explore apprenticeship programs through local unions and contractors in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools offering in-person programs for Griswold, IA residents?
While Griswold itself doesn't have a trade school campus, residents typically attend Western Iowa Community College in Council Bluffs (about 45 minutes away) or Vatterott College in Des Moines (about 1.5 hours away). For cosmetology programs, Iowa School of Beauty has multiple locations including Des Moines and Council Bluffs, both within reasonable commuting distance.
Which trade programs at Western Iowa Community College are most in-demand by employers in the Griswold area?
Welding Technology and Electrical Technology programs at Western Iowa Community College have strong local demand due to Griswold's proximity to agricultural equipment manufacturers and construction needs in southwest Iowa. The Automotive Technology program also sees high placement rates with regional dealerships and repair shops serving Cass County and surrounding areas.
What financial aid options are available specifically for Griswold, IA students attending Iowa trade schools?
Griswold students can access Iowa's Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship for qualifying programs at Western Iowa Community College, covering tuition gaps after other aid. Additionally, many local employers like Pella Corporation and regional manufacturers offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing relevant trade certifications in HVAC, welding, or electrical technology.
Are there any apprenticeship programs in Griswold that partner with Iowa trade schools?
Yes, several Griswold-area employers participate in registered apprenticeship programs through Iowa's community colleges. Local plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors often partner with Western Iowa Community College to provide earn-while-you-learn opportunities. The Cass County Economic Development Corporation can help connect students with these local apprenticeship openings.
How do cosmetology programs at Iowa School of Beauty prepare students for licensing in Griswold and surrounding communities?
Iowa School of Beauty's programs meet Iowa's licensing requirements for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, which include 2,100 training hours for cosmetology. Their curriculum includes practical business training specifically relevant to operating in smaller Iowa communities like Griswold, where many graduates work in local salons or start their own businesses serving Cass County residents.
About Trade Schools in Griswold
Griswold, 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.