The Best Trade Schools in Preston, Iowa

Scott Community College is part of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges district and serves the Quad Cities region including Preston. The college offers comprehensive trade programs with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 12,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Center. Programs feature hands-on training, industry certifications, and strong employer partnerships with companies like John Deere and Arconic. The college boasts excellent job placement rates, with many graduates securing employment before completion. Financial aid options and apprenticeship pathways make this a top choice for trade education in eastern Iowa.

Kirkwood Community College is one of Iowa's premier trade schools, serving students from across eastern Iowa including the Preston area. The college features extensive technical education facilities including the Automotive Technology Center, Industrial Technologies Center, and Iowa Hall. Programs combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training and often include paid internship opportunities. Kirkwood maintains strong relationships with Iowa employers, resulting in exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% for many trade programs. The college offers multiple financial aid options and flexible scheduling to accommodate working students.

The Clinton campus of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges provides accessible trade education for residents of Jackson County and surrounding areas including Preston. The college offers certificate and diploma programs with flexible scheduling options including evening classes. Programs are designed with industry input and feature modern equipment, experienced instructors with field experience, and direct pathways to local employers. The welding program is particularly renowned, featuring multiple processes and certification preparation. Strong articulation agreements with four-year institutions provide additional advancement opportunities for graduates.