The Best Trade Schools in Hays, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Hays.
Top Trade Schools in Hays
Salina Area Technical College
Salina Public Schools USD 305
Salina Tech serves students throughout central and western Kansas, including Hays residents, with exceptional technical training programs. The college boasts a 98% job placement rate and maintains strong industry partnerships with major employers across Kansas. Programs feature small class sizes, industry-experienced instructors, and comprehensive hands-on training with modern equipment. The HVAC-R program includes EPA 608 certification, while welding students can earn multiple AWS certifications. Automotive technology students train in state-of-the-art facilities with NATEF certification. Many Hays students commute to Salina for the exceptional training quality and proven employment outcomes.
Programs Offered:
North Central Kansas Technical College
Kansas Technical Colleges System
North Central Kansas Technical College is the premier trade school serving western Kansas with comprehensive career and technical education programs. Located directly in Hays, NCKTC offers state-of-the-art facilities with industry-standard equipment across multiple trade disciplines. The college maintains exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% through strong industry partnerships with regional employers. Programs feature hands-on training from experienced instructors, industry certifications, and flexible scheduling options including short-term certificates and associate degrees. The welding program is particularly renowned with AWS certification preparation, while the automotive technology program features NATEF certification.
Programs Offered:
Wichita Technical Institute
WTI Education
Wichita Technical Institute serves students from across Kansas, including western Kansas residents from Hays, with intensive career-focused training programs. WTI features accelerated programs that prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand trades. The institute maintains strong industry connections and high job placement rates through dedicated career services. HVAC students receive comprehensive training including EPA certification preparation, while welding programs offer multiple process certifications. Though located in Wichita, WTI provides housing assistance and serves many western Kansas students seeking comprehensive technical education with flexible scheduling options and financial aid availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Hays, Kansas, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Hays include North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) with campuses in Beloit and Hays, offering programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and HVAC. Salina Area Technical College, about 90 minutes away, provides training in Electrical Technology, Carpentry, and Plumbing. These schools are the primary options for hands-on vocational training in the region.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Hays, KS, that partner with trade schools?
Yes, many local employers in Hays and western Kansas partner with NCK Tech for apprenticeship opportunities in fields like welding, HVAC, and automotive technology. The Hays campus often collaborates with regional construction companies, manufacturers, and service providers to offer on-the-job training while students complete their certifications, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
What high-demand trade careers in Hays, KS, can I train for locally?
Hays and surrounding areas have high demand for skilled tradespeople in Welding, HVAC-R, and Automotive Technology due to the region's agriculture, energy, and construction industries. NCK Tech's Hays campus specifically offers programs aligned with these local needs, preparing graduates for jobs with companies like Trachte, Inc., local dealerships, and HVAC contractors serving rural communities.
How do the costs and financial aid options at NCK Tech in Hays compare to other Kansas trade schools?
NCK Tech typically offers lower tuition rates than larger technical institutes in Wichita or Salina, with in-district rates for Ellis County residents. Financial aid, including Kansas Career Technical Education grants, federal aid, and local scholarships like the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce awards, are available. The shorter program durations (often 9-18 months) also reduce overall costs compared to longer programs elsewhere.
What certifications can I earn through trade programs in Hays that are recognized by Kansas employers?
Programs at NCK Tech in Hays lead to industry-recognized certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) for welding, EPA 608 for HVAC-R, and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) for automotive technology. These credentials are highly valued by Kansas employers and often required for jobs with local utilities, construction firms, and agricultural equipment dealers in the Hays area.
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About Trade Schools in Hays
Hays, 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.