The Best Trade Schools in Gardner, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Gardner.
Top Trade Schools in Gardner
Johnson County Community College - Career and Technical Education Center
Johnson County Community College
JCCC's Career and Technical Education Center is one of the most respected trade schools in the Kansas City metro area, serving students from Gardner and surrounding communities. The college offers comprehensive programs with state-of-the-art facilities, industry-standard equipment, and experienced instructors. With strong industry partnerships and excellent job placement rates, JCCC provides certifications and associate degrees in high-demand trades. The welding program features AWS certification preparation, while automotive and HVAC programs include manufacturer-specific training. Financial aid and flexible scheduling options make it accessible for working adults.
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Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Area Technical College
MATC serves students from across eastern Kansas with highly-regarded technical programs that consistently produce skilled graduates. The college maintains strong relationships with regional employers and boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 95%. Programs feature hands-on training with modern equipment and industry-recognized certifications. The welding program includes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and pipe welding training, while HVAC/R covers residential and commercial systems with EPA certification preparation. MATC's electrical technology program prepares students for apprentice electrician positions with comprehensive code training.
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North American Trade Schools - Kansas City Campus
North American Trade Schools
NATS Kansas City campus provides focused, accelerated training programs specifically designed for quick entry into skilled trades. Located just 30 minutes from Gardner, the school offers intensive hands-on training with industry-experienced instructors. Programs typically range from 7-12 months and include job placement assistance with local contractors and unions. The welding program features comprehensive training in multiple processes with certification preparation, while HVAC and electrical programs include licensing exam preparation. Small class sizes and flexible scheduling options cater to career-changers and recent high school graduates seeking rapid skill development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Gardner, KS, and what programs do they offer?
The most accessible options include Johnson County Community College's Career and Technical Education Center in Overland Park and the North American Trade Schools - Kansas City Campus. These schools offer programs highly relevant to the Gardner area, such as Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, HVAC/R, Electrical Technology, and Carpentry, providing practical training for in-demand local trades.
Which trade programs in the Gardner, KS, area have the strongest local job placement and apprenticeship connections?
Programs in Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Welding have particularly strong ties to local unions and contractors in the Greater Kansas City area, including Johnson County. Many graduates from Johnson County Community College and North American Trade Schools secure apprenticeships with local electrical, plumbing, and mechanical firms serving Gardner's growing residential and commercial construction sectors.
Are there any specialized certifications I can earn through trade schools near Gardner that are in high demand locally?
Yes, schools like Johnson County Community College offer industry-recognized certifications such as EPA 608 for HVAC/R technicians and AWS welding certifications. These credentials are highly valued by employers in the Kansas City metro area, including the many manufacturing, facility management, and construction companies that operate in and around Gardner.
How do the costs and financial aid options compare between trade schools accessible from Gardner, KS?
Johnson County Community College, as a public community college, typically offers the most affordable tuition for Johnson County residents. Both JCCC and private institutions like North American Trade Schools offer federal financial aid, and many have partnerships with local employers for tuition reimbursement programs, especially for high-need fields like electrical and plumbing trades in the region.
What local career opportunities exist in Gardner, KS, for graduates of trade programs like HVAC or Electrical Technology?
Gardner's ongoing growth in residential, commercial, and industrial development creates consistent demand for skilled tradespeople. Graduates can find opportunities with local HVAC companies, electrical contractors, the Gardner municipal utilities department, and regional manufacturers. The proximity to the larger Kansas City metro area also expands job prospects significantly for trade professionals.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Gardner
Gardner, 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.