The Best Trade Schools in Pleasanton, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Pleasanton.
Top Trade Schools in Pleasanton
Pittsburg State University - Kansas Technology Center
Pittsburg State University
The Kansas Technology Center at Pittsburg State University is a premier trade and technology institution serving Southeast Kansas. Their 390,000-square-foot facility houses advanced automotive diagnostics labs, construction technology workshops, and electrical systems training centers. The university's trade programs feature industry partnerships with companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Caterpillar, with 92% of graduates employed in their field within six months. Programs emphasize hands-on learning with equipment used in industry, and students can earn multiple industry certifications including ASE, OSHA, and manufacturing credentials.
Programs Offered:
Fort Scott Community College
Fort Scott Community College
Fort Scott Community College serves the Southeast Kansas region including Pleasanton with comprehensive trade programs. Their technical education division features state-of-the-art welding labs with AWS certifications, NATEF-certified automotive programs, and HVAC training with EPA 608 certification preparation. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers like Peerless Products and Union Pacific, boasting an 89% job placement rate for trade program graduates. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and financial aid options including Kansas Promise scholarships.
Programs Offered:
Franklin Technology Center
Franklin Technology Center
Located just across the state line in Joplin, Franklin Technology Center serves students from Southeast Kansas including Pleasanton residents. The center offers intensive trade programs with flexible scheduling options including evening classes. Their welding program features AWS certification testing on-site, while the HVAC/R program includes EPA 608 Universal certification. The automotive program maintains NATEF certification and partners with local dealerships for internships. With a 87% placement rate and strong relationships with regional employers like Leggett & Platt and EaglePicher Technologies, graduates receive comprehensive career placement assistance.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Pleasanton, KS, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Pleasanton, KS, include Fort Scott Community College (about 30 miles away) offering Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and HVAC programs, and Pittsburg State University's Kansas Technology Center (about 60 miles away) with programs in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, and Plastics Technology. Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, MO (about 70 miles away) also serves the region with Electrical Trades, Practical Nursing, and Automotive Service Technology programs.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Pleasanton, KS, for trades like electrical or plumbing?
While Pleasanton itself doesn't host major apprenticeship program headquarters, residents can access regional programs through partnerships with nearby technical colleges and local unions. Fort Scott Community College collaborates with area employers for electrical and construction apprenticeships, and the Southeast Kansas area has active partnerships with plumbing and electrical contractors who sponsor apprentices through these college programs.
What high-demand trade careers are available in the Pleasanton, KS area after completing vocational training?
The Pleasanton and surrounding Southeast Kansas region has strong demand for welders, HVAC technicians, and automotive service technicians due to local manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation industries. Construction trades including carpentry and electrical work also see steady demand, particularly with ongoing infrastructure projects and residential development in the region.
Can I complete trade certifications while still in high school if I live in Pleasanton, KS?
Yes, Pleasanton High School students can access career and technical education through partnerships with Fort Scott Community College's dual credit programs. Students can begin earning certifications in areas like welding fundamentals or automotive basics while completing high school requirements, providing a head start on their trade careers.
What financial aid options are available for Pleasanton, KS residents attending nearby trade schools?
Pleasanton residents qualify for federal financial aid (FAFSA) at all nearby trade schools, plus Kansas-specific opportunities like the Kansas Career Technical Education Workforce Grant for high-demand programs. Fort Scott Community College offers additional scholarships for trade students, and many local employers in manufacturing and construction provide tuition reimbursement for relevant programs.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Pleasanton:
About Trade Schools in Pleasanton
Pleasanton, 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.