The Best Trade Schools in Gilbert, Louisiana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Gilbert.
Top Trade Schools in Gilbert
United Training Academy - Alexandria Campus
United Training Academy
United Training Academy specializes in industrial trades training with a focus on preparing students for immediate employment in high-demand fields. The Alexandria campus serves Central Louisiana with intensive, hands-on programs in welding, pipefitting, and industrial maintenance. The academy offers multiple welding certifications including AWS and ASME codes, with training conducted by industry-experienced instructors. Their accelerated programs feature small class sizes and real-world project-based learning. Strong employer relationships ensure high job placement rates, particularly in the region's energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
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Alexandria Technical Community College
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
Alexandria Technical Community College is a premier trade school serving Central Louisiana with comprehensive technical education programs. The college offers industry-certified training in high-demand trades including welding, HVAC, electrical systems, and automotive technology. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, students receive hands-on training using current industry equipment. The college maintains strong relationships with local employers and boasts excellent job placement rates, particularly in welding and industrial technology programs that serve the region's manufacturing and energy sectors.
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Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter Campus
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
CLTCC's Lamar Salter Campus provides comprehensive trade education serving Western Central Louisiana, including Gilbert area residents. The campus features modern welding labs, automotive bays, and technical training facilities with industry-current equipment. Programs emphasize hands-on learning with small class sizes and personalized instruction. The college maintains strong industry partnerships that lead to high job placement rates, particularly in welding and industrial technology programs. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make technical education accessible to working adults and traditional students alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Gilbert, LA, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Gilbert are Alexandria Technical Community College and Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Lamar Salter Campus in nearby Alexandria. These schools offer programs highly relevant to local industry needs, including Welding Technology, HVAC, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, and Practical Nursing. The United Training Academy - Alexandria Campus also provides focused certification programs in areas like Welding and Pipefitting.
Which trade programs in the Gilbert area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs in Industrial Technology, Welding, and Practical Nursing typically report strong job placement rates due to demand from regional industries and healthcare facilities in Central Louisiana. Graduates from the Welding Technology and Industrial Maintenance programs at Alexandria Technical Community College are often recruited by local manufacturing, fabrication, and industrial plants. The Practical Nursing program also sees high demand from hospitals and clinics in the Alexandria area.
Are there any short-term certification programs available near Gilbert for someone looking to enter the workforce quickly?
Yes, schools like United Training Academy - Alexandria Campus offer accelerated certification programs in Welding, Pipefitting, and Electrical Technician training that can often be completed in months rather than years. Central Louisiana Technical Community College also provides shorter-term, focused training in HVAC Technician and Automotive Repair, designed to prepare students for immediate entry into high-demand trades in the region.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for trade school students in the Gilbert, LA area?
Students at Alexandria Technical Community College and Central Louisiana Technical Community College can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA), Louisiana state aid programs like the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Tech Award, and institution-specific scholarships. Many local trade programs also qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, which can cover tuition for eligible residents of Rapides Parish and surrounding areas seeking in-demand skills.
How do the trade programs near Gilbert, LA, connect students with local apprenticeships or employers?
Local trade schools maintain strong partnerships with Central Louisiana employers, offering co-op programs, job fairs, and direct recruitment events. For example, the Electrical Technology and Carpentry programs often coordinate with local construction firms and contractors, while Industrial Technology programs connect with regional plants for hands-on apprenticeships. Career services at these schools actively work to place graduates with employers in Alexandria, Pineville, and throughout the region.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Gilbert
Gilbert, 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.