The Best Trade Schools in Worthington, Iowa
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Worthington.
Top Trade Schools in Worthington
Northeast Iowa Community College - Peosta Campus
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College has been serving eastern Iowa communities for over five decades with comprehensive trade programs. The Peosta campus offers state-of-the-art facilities including advanced welding labs with both MIG and TIG equipment, fully-equipped automotive technology centers, and modern HVAC training systems. Programs are designed with industry input and feature hands-on training with job placement rates exceeding 90%. Students can earn multiple industry certifications including AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 certification for HVAC, and various automotive service excellence credentials. The college maintains strong partnerships with regional employers throughout Dubuque County and surrounding areas, providing excellent career pathways for Worthington residents.
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Kirkwood Community College - Main Campus
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College is one of Iowa's premier technical education institutions serving multiple counties including Jones County where Worthington is located. The college offers extensive trade programs with industry-standard equipment and facilities. The automotive program features multiple ASE-certified master technicians as instructors and partnerships with major manufacturers. Construction trades programs include hands-on building projects and partnerships with local contractors. Kirkwood boasts exceptional job placement rates, with many programs reporting 95%+ employment upon completion. The college offers flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend classes, making it accessible for Worthington residents commuting to Cedar Rapids.
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Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College provides comprehensive trade education serving eastern Iowa including Worthington residents. The college features advanced technical facilities including a 30,000 square foot industrial technologies building with multiple welding bays, automotive and diesel technology centers, and modern construction labs. Programs are designed with direct industry input and feature paid internship opportunities with regional employers. Hawkeye maintains strong relationships with major Iowa employers including John Deere, Tyson Foods, and various manufacturing companies, ensuring relevant curriculum and excellent job placement outcomes. The college offers multiple financial aid options and flexible program lengths from short-term certificates to two-year degrees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Worthington, Iowa, and which programs are most accessible for residents?
Residents of Worthington, IA, typically attend Northeast Iowa Community College's Peosta Campus (about 30 minutes away), Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids (about 1 hour), or Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Popular accessible programs include Welding, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, and Construction Technology, with many offering flexible schedules for commuting students.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Worthington, IA, that partner with nearby trade schools?
Yes, local employers in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades in the Worthington and Dubuque County area often partner with Northeast Iowa Community College for registered apprenticeships. These combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction at NICC's Peosta Campus in programs like Industrial Mechanics, Electrical, and Carpentry.
Which trade programs in the Worthington, IA, area have the strongest job placement rates with local employers?
Programs with high local placement near Worthington include Welding Technology, Diesel Mechanics, and HVAC, due to demand from regional manufacturers, agricultural equipment companies, and construction firms. Northeast Iowa Community College's career services report strong connections with employers in Dubuque County and surrounding areas for these trades.
Can I complete a trade certification while living in Worthington, IA, without a long daily commute?
Yes, many programs at Northeast Iowa Community College's Peosta Campus offer hybrid or accelerated formats, and some shorter certifications (like welding or electrical basics) have evening or weekend options. Additionally, some online theory components are available, though hands-on training requires campus visits, which are manageable from Worthington.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available specifically for Worthington, IA, residents attending trade schools in the area?
Worthington residents can apply for federal aid (FAFSA) and Iowa-based grants like the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, which covers tuition for high-demand trades at Iowa community colleges. Additionally, Northeast Iowa Community College offers foundation scholarships, and local organizations (e.g., Worthington-area businesses) sometimes sponsor vocational training for residents.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Worthington
Worthington, 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.