The Best Trade Schools in Saint Marys, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Saint Marys.
Top Trade Schools in Saint Marys
Kaw Area Technical School
Auburn-Washburn USD 437
Kaw Area Technical School serves multiple counties including Pottawatomie County where Saint Marys is located. As a public technical institution, they offer comprehensive trade programs with industry-standard certifications and high job placement rates. Their welding program is particularly renowned with modern equipment and AWS certifications. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and strong employer partnerships throughout northeast Kansas. Financial aid options and evening classes make programs accessible to working adults.
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Washburn Institute of Technology
Washburn University
Washburn Tech serves the entire northeast Kansas region with specialized trade programs that consistently achieve high completion and job placement rates. Their construction trades division offers comprehensive training in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC with industry partnerships providing real-world experience. The automotive program features ASE-certified instruction and modern diagnostic equipment. As part of Washburn University, students benefit from extensive resources while maintaining the focused, hands-on approach of a technical college. Many programs can be completed in less than a year with multiple start dates.
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Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Area Technical College serves the broader northeast Kansas region including Saint Marys residents. They maintain exceptional job placement rates exceeding 95% for many trade programs. The college features state-of-the-art facilities including fully-equipped welding labs, automotive bays with current diagnostic equipment, and modern HVAC training systems. Programs lead to industry certifications and many offer apprenticeship pathways. MATC has strong relationships with regional employers and provides comprehensive career services support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Saint Marys, KS, and which programs are most accessible for residents?
The closest trade schools to Saint Marys are Kaw Area Technical School in Topeka (about 30 miles east) and Manhattan Area Technical College (about 50 miles west). Both offer popular programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and HVAC that are accessible through commuting or hybrid options for Saint Marys residents.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Saint Marys, KS, for trades like electrical or plumbing?
Yes, Saint Marys and the surrounding Pottawatomie County area have apprenticeship opportunities through local contractors, unions, and businesses that partner with nearby technical schools. Residents can connect with Kaw Area Technical School's apprenticeship coordinators or local trade associations to find placements in electrical, plumbing, and construction trades.
Which trade programs at nearby Kansas schools have the strongest job placement rates for graduates in the Saint Marys region?
Programs like Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, and HVAC at Kaw Area Technical School and Washburn Tech report high job placement rates due to demand from regional employers, including manufacturing plants, construction firms, and service companies in the Topeka and Manhattan corridors serving Saint Marys.
Can I complete a trade certification while working full-time in Saint Marys, KS, and what flexible options exist?
Yes, many nearby schools offer evening, weekend, or part-time programs. For example, Kaw Area Technical School provides flexible scheduling for certifications in Carpentry, Plumbing, and Automotive Technology, allowing Saint Marys residents to balance work and training. Some programs also offer hybrid online/theory components.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available specifically for Saint Marys, KS, residents attending trade schools?
Saint Marys residents can access federal aid (FAFSA), Kansas state grants, and school-specific scholarships at institutions like Kaw Area Technical School. Additionally, local organizations, such as the Saint Marys community foundation or area businesses, sometimes offer scholarships for trades like Construction Technology or HVAC-R to support workforce development.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Saint Marys
Saint Marys, 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.