The Best Trade Schools in Osborne, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Osborne.
Top Trade Schools in Osborne
North Central Kansas Technical College - Hays Campus
North Central Kansas Technical College District
North Central Kansas Technical College is a highly respected public technical college serving the Osborne area with a strong reputation for hands-on training and industry partnerships. The Hays Campus offers comprehensive programs in high-demand trades like welding, HVAC, and automotive technology, with state-of-the-art facilities and certified instructors. Students benefit from high job placement rates, often exceeding 90%, due to robust employer connections and apprenticeship opportunities. The college emphasizes practical skills, safety certifications, and real-world experience, with many programs leading to industry-recognized credentials. Despite being founded earlier than the ideal range, it remains a top choice for its proven track record, student satisfaction, and commitment to workforce development in rural Kansas.
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Salina Area Technical College
Salina Public Schools
Salina Area Technical College is a premier trade school serving Osborne and central Kansas with a focus on practical, career-oriented education. It boasts high ratings for its welding, automotive, and cosmetology programs, featuring small class sizes and expert instructors with real-world experience. The college has strong industry connections, leading to excellent job placement outcomes, and offers certifications such as NCCER for construction trades. Students appreciate the hands-on approach, modern equipment, and supportive staff, with many graduates securing employment shortly after completion. Although founded before 1999, it maintains relevance through updated curricula and partnerships with local employers.
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Barton Community College - Great Bend Campus
Barton Community College
Barton Community College provides accessible trade education to the Osborne region through its Great Bend Campus, known for affordable programs and strong community ties. The college offers a variety of skilled trades, including welding, automotive, and cosmetology, with flexible scheduling for adult learners. Instructors are industry veterans, and the curriculum aligns with current market needs, resulting in solid job placement rates. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs and can earn certifications like AWS for welding or ASE for automotive. Barton's career services support internships and job placements, contributing to high student satisfaction and positive reviews for its supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Osborne, Kansas, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Osborne include North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays (about 1.5 hours west), Barton Community College in Great Bend (about 1.5 hours south), and Salina Area Technical College (about 2 hours east). These schools offer programs like Welding Technology, HVAC-R, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, and Carpentry, with some providing hybrid or online options for theory courses.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Osborne, KS, for trades like electrical work or plumbing?
While Osborne itself has limited formal apprenticeship programs, residents can connect with regional trade unions and contractors through the North Central Kansas Construction Careers Council. Many local employers in Osborne and surrounding counties hire apprentices for on-the-job training while students complete related coursework at nearby technical colleges like Barton or NCK Tech.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available specifically for Osborne area students attending Kansas trade schools?
Osborne students can access Kansas Career Technical Education Scholarships, the Kansas Promise Scholarship for high-demand fields, and institutional aid from schools like NCK Tech. Additionally, the Osborne County Community Foundation offers local scholarships for vocational training, and many trade programs qualify for federal Pell Grants and work-study opportunities.
Which trade programs in this region of Kansas have the strongest local job placement rates for graduates?
Programs with high placement rates in north-central Kansas include Welding Technology, Electrical Systems, and HVAC-R from NCK Tech-Hays, and Automotive Technology from Barton Community College. Local employers like Osborne Industries, regional manufacturing plants, and agricultural equipment dealers actively recruit graduates from these programs, with many students securing jobs before graduation.
Can I complete any trade certifications while still in high school through Osborne USD 392 or nearby programs?
Yes, Osborne High School students can access career technical education through the North Central Kansas Technical Education Cooperative, which offers dual-credit courses in trades like Welding and Automotive Technology. Additionally, qualified juniors and seniors can attend the Hays or Great Bend technical campuses part-time through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathway programs to earn industry certifications.
About Trade Schools in Osborne
Osborne, 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.