The Best Trade Schools in Story City, Iowa
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Story City.
Top Trade Schools in Story City
Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids Campus
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College is a top-rated institution offering high-quality trade programs with excellent job outcomes and student satisfaction. The Cedar Rapids campus provides modern equipment, industry-recognized certifications, and experienced faculty, with job placement rates often exceeding 90%. Programs include welding, HVAC, electrical, automotive, and culinary arts, supported by strong employer connections and hands-on learning. Students appreciate the comprehensive support services and career-focused training.
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Des Moines Area Community College - Ames Campus
Des Moines Area Community College
Des Moines Area Community College's Ames Campus is a highly-rated institution known for its comprehensive trade programs and strong industry connections. With high job placement rates exceeding 90% for many trades, DMACC offers hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and modern facilities. Students benefit from experienced instructors, flexible scheduling, and robust career services. Programs include welding, HVAC, electrical, automotive technology, and carpentry, with a focus on practical skills and employer partnerships in central Iowa.
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Iowa Central Community College - Fort Dodge Campus
Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central Community College provides exceptional trade education with a focus on high-demand careers and student success. The Fort Dodge campus features state-of-the-art labs, certified instructors, and strong job placement support, with many programs boasting placement rates above 85%. Students gain industry certifications in trades like welding, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, through hands-on training and employer partnerships. The college is praised for its affordable programs and supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Story City, Iowa, and what programs do they offer?
The closest major trade schools for Story City residents are Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ames (about 15 miles away) and Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge (about 50 miles away). DMACC-Ames offers programs like Automotive Technology, Welding, HVAC, and Electrical Technology, while Iowa Central provides training in Carpentry, Plumbing, and Automotive fields, making them accessible options for Story City students.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs or partnerships with trade schools available in the Story City, IA area?
Yes, Story City and surrounding Story County have apprenticeship opportunities through local unions and contractors that often partner with DMACC-Ames. The Central Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council works with area trade schools to place apprentices in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry programs, providing hands-on experience while earning certifications through structured training programs.
What trade certifications are most in-demand by employers in the Story City and Central Iowa region?
In the Story City area, employers particularly seek certifications in Welding (AWS certifications), HVAC (EPA 608), Electrical (Iowa Electrical License), and Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The strong manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and construction sectors in Central Iowa create consistent demand for these certified tradespeople, with many graduates finding employment within 30 miles of Story City.
How do transportation options work for Story City residents attending trade schools in Ames or other nearby cities?
Story City residents can access DMACC-Ames via the CyRide public transit system, which connects from Story City to Ames with specific commuter routes. Additionally, many trade programs at DMACC offer hybrid or condensed schedules (like weekend welding labs) to accommodate commuting students. Some local employers in Story City also provide tuition reimbursement with flexible scheduling for employees pursuing trade certifications.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for Story City, IA students pursuing trade programs?
Story City students can access the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship program, which covers tuition for high-demand trade programs at Iowa community colleges. Additionally, the Story County Community Foundation offers local scholarships for vocational training, and many Story City area employers (like 3M and local manufacturing plants) provide tuition assistance for employees pursuing relevant trade certifications at DMACC or other approved schools.
About Trade Schools in Story City
Story City, 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.