The Best Trade Schools in Washington, Kansas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Washington.
Top Trade Schools in Washington
Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan Area Technical College is a highly-rated technical institution serving north-central Kansas, including Washington residents. The college offers comprehensive trade programs with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90%. Students receive hands-on training from industry-experienced instructors in modern facilities. MATC provides industry-recognized certifications and strong employer partnerships throughout the region. The welding program is particularly renowned, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and AWS certification preparation. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make quality trade education accessible to Washington area students.
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Washburn Institute of Technology
Washburn University
Washburn Tech serves as a premier technical training center for eastern Kansas, drawing students from Washington and surrounding communities. The institute boasts exceptional training facilities and maintains strong industry partnerships that result in high job placement rates. Programs feature comprehensive hands-on learning with industry-current equipment and curriculum. Washburn Tech offers multiple certification pathways and apprenticeship opportunities. The HVAC-R program is particularly strong, providing EPA 608 certification and advanced technical training. Financial assistance and career services support students from enrollment through employment.
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Salina Area Technical College
Salina Area Technical College
Salina Area Technical College provides high-quality technical education serving north-central Kansas, including Washington area students. The college maintains small class sizes and personalized instruction with industry-experienced faculty. SATC features modern training facilities with industry-standard equipment and comprehensive curriculum aligned with employer needs. The electrical technology program is particularly robust, preparing students for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work with NEC certification preparation. Strong industry connections and career placement services help graduates secure employment throughout the region with competitive starting wages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Washington, Kansas, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Washington, KS, are Manhattan Area Technical College (about 30 miles east) and Salina Area Technical College (about 60 miles southwest). These schools offer programs highly relevant to the region, including Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Automotive Technology, and Construction Technology, which align with local agricultural, manufacturing, and construction industry needs.
Are there any specific trade programs in the Washington, KS, area that lead to high-demand local jobs?
Yes, programs in Welding, HVAC, and Electrical Technology are particularly high-demand in the Washington area due to the strong agricultural, manufacturing, and residential construction sectors in north-central Kansas. Graduates from these programs often find employment with local equipment manufacturers, agricultural cooperatives, and construction firms serving the region's rural communities.
What kind of financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for trade school students from Washington, Kansas?
Students from Washington can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) at accredited schools like Manhattan Tech and Salina Tech. Additionally, many Kansas-specific opportunities exist, such as the Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant and scholarships from local organizations like the Washington County Community Foundation, which often support students pursuing technical careers that benefit the local economy.
Do trade schools near Washington, KS, offer flexible scheduling for working adults or recent high school graduates?
Yes, both Manhattan Area Technical College and Salina Area Technical College offer flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, and some hybrid courses. Many programs are designed with accelerated timelines (often 1-2 years) and have multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate both traditional students and adults seeking career changes in the Washington area.
What local industry partnerships exist between trade schools and employers in the Washington, Kansas region?
Schools like Manhattan Tech have strong partnerships with regional employers such as Midwest Iron Works, Agco, and local electrical/mechanical contractors who often hire graduates. These partnerships frequently include apprenticeship opportunities, equipment donations, and advisory boards that ensure programs like Welding, HVAC-R, and Automotive Technology directly meet the skill needs of Washington County and surrounding areas.
Finding Your Path to a Plumbing Career in Washington, Kansas
For residents of Washington, Kansas, and the surrounding North Central region, a rewarding career in the skilled trades is closer than you might think. The demand for qualified plumbers is strong and steady, offering a path to a stable, well-paying profession without the burden of a traditional four-year degree. If you're considering this hands-on career, the first step is finding the right plumbing school to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge. Fortunately, Washington's central location provides access to several excellent technical colleges within a reasonable commute, making quality education accessible.
While Washington itself is a smaller community, it sits within a network of technical education hubs. Schools like Manhattan Area Technical College, Washburn Institute of Technology in Topeka, and Salina Area Technical College offer comprehensive programs in Plumbing and related fields like HVAC and Construction Technology. These programs are designed to be efficient and career-focused, combining classroom theory with extensive hands-on lab work. You'll learn everything from reading blueprints and understanding state codes to installing complex piping systems and troubleshooting modern fixtures. This practical training is exactly what local employers are looking for when they hire new apprentices and journeymen.
The local and regional job market for plumbers is promising. Washington County and neighboring areas have a constant need for skilled tradespeople to maintain and upgrade residential, agricultural, and commercial infrastructure. From new home construction and farmstead water systems to service and repair work in communities like Belleville and Concordia, a certified plumber is always in demand. Furthermore, the aging workforce in many trades means there are significant opportunities for advancement for those who enter the field now. Starting as an apprentice after completing your plumbing school program, you can work towards becoming a licensed journeyman and, eventually, a master plumber or business owner.
Choosing to attend a plumbing school is an investment in a future where your skills are valued and essential. The programs at nearby technical colleges are structured to help you succeed, often with career placement assistance and strong connections to local unions and contractors. For someone in Washington, KS, this career path offers the unique advantage of building a life and career close to home, contributing directly to your community's growth and functionality. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and seeing the tangible results of your labor, exploring a plumbing program could be the perfect decision. Take the time to reach out to the admissions departments at the schools mentioned, ask about their specific plumbing curricula, and discover how you can start building a solid foundation for your future today.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Washington
Washington, 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.