The Best Trade Schools in Calhoun, Louisiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Calhoun.
Top Trade Schools in Calhoun
Apex Technical School
Apex Career Services
Apex Technical School has built a strong reputation in the Monroe area serving Calhoun residents with hands-on technical training. The school features state-licensed programs with small class sizes and evening course options. Their HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification preparation, while electrical training covers NEC code requirements. With dedicated job placement assistance and industry connections throughout Northeast Louisiana, Apex maintains a 82% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The school also offers tool kits and career development resources.
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Louisiana Delta Community College - West Monroe Campus
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
Louisiana Delta Community College's West Monroe campus serves the Calhoun area with comprehensive trade programs featuring industry-standard equipment and certified instructors. The college maintains strong partnerships with local employers like Graphic Packaging International and Century Next Bank for job placements. Their welding program is particularly renowned, with graduates earning American Welding Society certifications. The campus offers flexible scheduling options and financial aid assistance, with job placement rates exceeding 85% for trade program graduates.
Programs Offered:
Louisiana Technical College - Bastrop Campus
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
Located just 15 miles from Calhoun, the Bastrop Campus of Louisiana Technical College provides accessible trade education with programs designed around local industry needs. The campus features modern welding bays, automotive bays, and industrial technology labs. Their programs emphasize hands-on learning with instructors who are industry veterans. The school maintains articulation agreements with regional employers including Georgia-Pacific and Morehouse General Hospital for clinical placements and internships. Financial aid options and veteran benefits are available, with many programs offering short-term certification options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Calhoun, Louisiana, and what programs do they offer?
The closest options for Calhoun residents are Louisiana Delta Community College's West Monroe Campus (about 30 minutes away) and the Louisiana Technical College - Bastrop Campus (about 20 minutes away). These schools offer programs highly relevant to the local industrial economy, including Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, Electrical, HVAC, Automotive Technology, and Practical Nursing.
Which trade programs in the Calhoun, LA area have the strongest connections to local employers and job placement?
Programs in Industrial Technology, Welding, and Electrical at Louisiana Delta Community College and the Bastrop Technical Campus have strong ties to regional manufacturers and industrial plants in Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes. These schools often have dedicated career services that work with local companies like Graphic Packaging, Georgia-Pacific, and various industrial contractors to facilitate internships and direct hiring.
Are there any short-term certification programs available near Calhoun for someone looking to enter the workforce quickly?
Yes, both Louisiana Delta Community College and the Bastrop Technical Campus offer short-term certificates and diplomas in high-demand fields. For example, you can complete a Welding or Electrical Helper certificate in under a year. These programs are designed to provide the specific skills local employers need, allowing for a faster entry into the workforce compared to a two-year degree.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade school students from the Calhoun area?
Students can apply for federal aid (FAFSA) at the community and technical colleges. Additionally, the Louisiana TOPS Tech Award is a state scholarship for eligible Louisiana residents pursuing certain technical diplomas. Some local foundations and industry partners, such as the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, may also offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs for in-demand trades like Industrial Manufacturing or HVAC.
For someone in Calhoun interested in the skilled trades, what are the typical starting wages for local graduates in programs like Welding or Electrical?
Starting wages in the Calhoun and greater Ouachita Parish region for certified welders or electricians can range from $18 to $25 per hour, depending on the specific industry and certification level. Graduates often find work with local fabrication shops, industrial maintenance teams, or construction firms. With experience and additional certifications, wages can increase significantly within a few years.
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About Trade Schools in Calhoun
Calhoun, Louisiana 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.