The Best Trade Schools in Saint Francis, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Saint Francis.
Top Trade Schools in Saint Francis
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Northwest Kansas Technical College is a premier technical institution serving northwest Kansas, including Saint Francis. With over 55 years of excellence, NWKTC offers comprehensive trade programs with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90%. The college features state-of-the-industry facilities, including advanced welding labs with Lincoln Electric equipment, fully-equipped automotive bays, and modern HVAC training systems. Students earn multiple industry certifications and benefit from small class sizes with industry-experienced instructors. The college maintains strong employer partnerships throughout the region for guaranteed job opportunities upon completion.
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Colby Community College Technical Education
Colby Community College
Colby Community College's Technical Education division provides high-quality trade programs serving the entire northwest Kansas region, including Saint Francis. The institution offers comprehensive hands-on training in high-demand trades with modern facilities that include a 10,000-square-foot technical education building. Programs feature industry-standard equipment from Miller Electric, Snap-on Tools, and other leading manufacturers. Students benefit from the college's strong industry connections and apprenticeship pathways. The technical education programs maintain excellent job placement rates and offer flexible scheduling options for working adults seeking career advancement.
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Dodge City Community College Technical Programs
Dodge City Community College
Dodge City Community College offers extensive technical programs that serve students across western Kansas, including the Saint Francis area. With nearly a century of educational excellence, DC3 provides comprehensive trade training with industry-recognized certifications. The technical programs feature modern labs equipped with the latest technology, including CNC welding systems, fully-stocked automotive diagnostic centers, and commercial-grade HVAC training units. The college maintains strong partnerships with regional employers and offers internship opportunities that frequently lead to immediate employment. Programs are designed with input from industry advisory boards to ensure graduates possess the exact skills employers demand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Saint Francis, Kansas, and what are their most popular programs?
The closest options are Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland (about 30 miles west), Colby Community College's Technical Education division in Colby (about 50 miles west), and Dodge City Community College's Technical Programs (further south). Popular programs in the region include Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, HVAC-R, Electrical Systems, and Construction Technology, with strong local demand in these skilled trades.
Are there any specific trade programs or certifications in high demand by employers in the Saint Francis, KS, and surrounding Northwest Kansas area?
Yes, employers in Northwest Kansas have high demand for certified welders, HVAC-R technicians, and heavy equipment/diesel mechanics due to the strong agricultural and energy sectors. Programs like Welding Technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College and Automotive/Diesel Technology at Colby Community College are specifically designed to meet these local industry needs and often lead to immediate job placement.
Can I complete a trade program while living in Saint Francis, or are there hybrid/online options available from local colleges?
While most hands-on trade programs require in-person lab work, some related theory courses may be available online through Colby Community College or Northwest Kansas Tech. For full certification, you'll need to commute to campus labs, but the relatively short drive to Goodland or Colby makes this feasible for Saint Francis residents. Some colleges also offer accelerated or evening formats.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade school students from the Saint Francis, Kansas area?
Local students can access federal aid (FAFSA), Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grants, and institution-specific scholarships at Northwest Kansas Tech and Colby Community College. Additionally, many local agricultural cooperatives, energy companies, and construction firms in Northwest Kansas offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs for students entering high-demand trades like welding or electrical technology.
How do trade school programs in Northwest Kansas, like those near Saint Francis, connect graduates with local job opportunities?
Schools like Northwest Kansas Technical College have strong partnerships with regional employers including manufacturing plants, agricultural operations, construction firms, and energy companies throughout Cheyenne County and Northwest Kansas. They host career fairs, provide job placement services, and often incorporate internships or apprenticeships with local businesses, ensuring graduates have direct pathways to employment in the region.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Saint Francis
Saint Francis, 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.