The Best Trade Schools in Ford, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Ford.
Top Trade Schools in Ford
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Northwest Tech
Northwest Tech is a highly-rated technical college serving western Kansas with exceptional hands-on training programs. The college boasts impressive job placement rates exceeding 90% and maintains strong industry partnerships. Students receive comprehensive training in modern facilities with industry-current equipment. Programs lead to multiple industry certifications and credentials. The welding program is particularly renowned, with graduates securing positions in energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors throughout the region.
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Garden City Community College Technical Division
Garden City Community College
GCCC's technical division provides outstanding career training with a focus on hands-on learning and industry certification preparation. The college offers flexible scheduling options and financial aid assistance. Their welding program features modern equipment and prepares students for AWS certifications, while the HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification. With strong employer connections throughout southwest Kansas, GCCC graduates enjoy high employment rates in their chosen trades with competitive starting wages.
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Dodge City Community College Technical Education
Dodge City Community College
DC3 offers comprehensive trade programs with strong regional employment outcomes. The college features state-of-the-art technical labs and experienced instructors with industry backgrounds. Their automotive technology program is NATEF-certified, and welding students can earn multiple AWS certifications. The college maintains excellent relationships with local employers throughout southwest Kansas, providing strong job placement assistance and internship opportunities for students in skilled trades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools offering in-person programs for residents of Ford, Kansas?
The closest in-person trade school options for Ford residents are Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland (about 2.5 hours away), Dodge City Community College Technical Education (approximately 30 minutes away), and Garden City Community College Technical Division (roughly 45 minutes away). These schools offer programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, HVAC, and Electrical Technology that are accessible through daily commuting.
Which trade programs at nearby Kansas technical colleges have the strongest local job placement rates in the Ford County area?
Programs with strong local job placement near Ford include Welding Technology, HVAC/R, and Construction Technology. Northwest Kansas Technical College reports high placement rates for welders, while Dodge City Community College's Construction and HVAC programs connect graduates with regional contractors and service companies throughout Southwest Kansas.
Are there any hybrid or online trade school options available for Ford, KS residents who need flexible scheduling?
Yes, several nearby colleges offer hybrid options. Garden City Community College provides some blended learning in Electrical Systems and Construction Technology, while Dodge City Community College offers flexible scheduling for working adults in Automotive Repair and HVAC programs. These options allow Ford residents to balance hands-on training with online coursework.
What local apprenticeship opportunities exist for trade school graduates in the Ford, Kansas region?
The Ford area has apprenticeship opportunities through local electrical, plumbing, and construction unions, as well as with regional agricultural equipment dealers and manufacturing facilities. Many graduates from Dodge City Community College's programs secure apprenticeships with Southwest Kansas contractors, while Northwest Kansas Tech maintains partnerships with regional energy and infrastructure companies.
How do certification requirements differ between trade programs at Northwest Kansas Technical College versus Dodge City Community College for Ford residents?
Both schools provide industry-recognized certifications, but with different specializations. Northwest Kansas Tech emphasizes AWS welding certifications and EPA HVAC certifications, while Dodge City Community College focuses on ASE automotive certifications and NCCER construction credentials. Ford residents should choose based on their desired certification path and career goals in specific trades.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Ford
Ford, Kansas 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.