Trade Schools in Colony, Kansas

Iola Area Technical Center serves as the primary vocational training hub for Allen County and surrounding areas, including Colony. The center offers comprehensive programs in high-demand trades with state-of-the-art welding labs featuring Lincoln Electric equipment, fully-equipped automotive bays, and modern construction trade facilities. Students earn industry-recognized certifications including AWS welding certifications, ASE automotive credentials, and OSHA safety certifications. The program boasts a 94% job placement rate with strong partnerships with local employers like Gates Corporation, Russell Stover Candies, and regional construction firms. Instructors are industry veterans with 15+ years of field experience.

Pittsburg State University's Kansas Technology Center is a regional leader in technical education serving over 50 Kansas counties including Colony. The 275,000 square foot facility features industry-standard labs including a full automotive technology center with dynamometer testing, advanced manufacturing labs with CNC equipment, and construction technology facilities. Programs lead to associate degrees and bachelor's degrees with multiple industry certifications embedded in the curriculum. The university maintains a 92% job placement rate with graduates employed at companies like Textron, John Deere, and Black & Veatch. The Automotive Technology program is NATEF-certified, and the Construction program has ACCE accreditation.

Fort Scott Community College's Technical Center provides extensive trade education serving southeast Kansas communities including Colony. The institution holds ACCSC accreditation and offers certificate and associate degree programs with a focus on hands-on training. The welding program features 30+ welding stations with Miller Electric equipment, while the HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification preparation. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with companies like Cessna, Spirit AeroSystems, and local manufacturing plants, resulting in an 89% placement rate. Programs include paid internship opportunities and apprenticeship pathways with starting wages averaging $18-22/hour for graduates.