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The Best Trade Schools in Waterford, Michigan

Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Waterford.

3
Training Programs
4.6
Average Rating

Top Trade Schools in Waterford

1

Michigan Institute of Aviation & Technology

MIA Tech

★★★★☆
4.8/5

Michigan Institute of Aviation & Technology is a highly-rated trade school located just 25 minutes from Waterford, offering comprehensive technical training programs. The school is FAA-certified for aviation maintenance and provides hands-on training in high-demand trades including HVAC, electrical systems, and welding. With modern facilities and industry-experienced instructors, MIA Tech maintains strong job placement rates through partnerships with major Michigan employers. Students benefit from small class sizes, career services support, and industry-recognized certifications that prepare them for immediate employment in skilled trades.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:87 student reviews
29200 Vassar Ave, Oak Park, MI 48237

Programs Offered:

Aviation MaintenanceHVACElectrical SystemsWeldingAutomotive Technology
2

Oakland Community College - Auburn Hills Campus

Oakland Community College District

★★★★☆
4.6/5

Oakland Community College's Auburn Hills Campus is located just 10 minutes from Waterford and offers one of the most comprehensive trade and technical programs in Oakland County. The college provides state-of-the-art facilities including advanced automotive labs, HVAC training centers, and manufacturing technology labs. OCC maintains articulation agreements with industry partners and boasts excellent job placement rates. Students can earn certificates and associate degrees in various trades, with flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend classes. The college's strong industry connections ensure graduates are well-prepared for local employment opportunities.

Experience:58 years
Reviews:156 student reviews
2900 Featherstone Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Programs Offered:

Automotive TechnologyHVACElectrical TechnologyManufacturingConstruction TradesCulinary Arts
3

UEI College - Troy Campus

UEI College

★★★★☆
4.4/5

UEI College's Troy campus serves the Waterford area with focused, hands-on trade programs designed for quick entry into the workforce. Located approximately 20 minutes from Waterford, the school specializes in HVAC and electrical technician training with comprehensive curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and practical lab experience. UEI emphasizes career readiness with job placement assistance, externship opportunities, and industry-current equipment. The accelerated programs allow students to complete training in as little as 10 months, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate working students. The campus maintains strong relationships with local employers throughout Oakland County.

Experience:18 years
Reviews:42 student reviews
1940 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083

Programs Offered:

HVAC TechnicianElectrical TechnicianDental AssistantMedical BillingBusiness Office Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in the Waterford, MI area?

Given Waterford's proximity to major automotive and manufacturing hubs, skilled trades like Automotive Technology, Electrical Systems, and Welding are consistently in high demand. Additionally, with Oakland County's strong healthcare sector, programs like Dental Assistant and Medical Billing offer stable local career paths. Many local employers actively recruit from area trade schools.

Which trade schools near Waterford, MI offer Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Aviation Maintenance programs?

The Michigan Institute of Aviation & Technology, located close to Waterford, offers FAA-certified programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology. This is a critical certification for anyone seeking employment at nearby Oakland County International Airport or other aviation facilities in Southeast Michigan. Their training prepares students for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification exams.

Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Waterford that partner with trade schools for hands-on training?

Yes, many trade programs at schools like Oakland Community College's Auburn Hills Campus have established partnerships with local unions and contractors in the construction and manufacturing trades. For example, their Electrical Technology and HVAC programs often have direct pathways into union apprenticeships with contractors serving Oakland County, providing paid on-the-job training alongside classroom instruction.

What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade school students in Waterford, Michigan?

Students in Waterford can access federal aid (FAFSA) at accredited schools like UEI College - Troy Campus and Oakland Community College. Additionally, local organizations, such as the Waterford Regional Chamber of Commerce and Oakland County Michigan Works!, sometimes offer scholarships or grants for residents pursuing in-demand trades. It's best to contact the financial aid office of your chosen school for the most current local opportunities.

How do the HVAC and Electrical Technician programs near Waterford prepare students for Michigan's specific licensing requirements?

Programs at UEI College and Oakland Community College are designed to cover the Michigan Residential Builders Code and prepare students for the state's required licensing exams, such as the Mechanical Contractor License for HVAC. The curriculum includes the necessary hours of instruction and practical skills training to meet the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) standards for journeyman and master tradesperson levels.

Finding Your Path as a Mechanic in Waterford, Michigan

For residents of Waterford, Michigan, considering a future in the skilled trades, the path to a stable and rewarding career often begins with a crucial decision: choosing the right mechanic trade school. The local landscape is rich with opportunity, thanks to Waterford's strategic position within Oakland County's robust industrial and automotive sectors. This isn't just about learning to fix cars; it's about gaining expertise in systems that power our world, from advanced automotive technology and aviation maintenance to essential HVAC and electrical systems. A quality mechanic trade school provides the hands-on, technical foundation that employers in our area actively seek, turning a passion for how things work into a viable profession.

Prospective students in Waterford have excellent options within a short commute. Institutions like the Michigan Institute of Aviation & Technology, Oakland Community College's Auburn Hills Campus, and UEI College in Troy offer specialized programs that are directly aligned with regional demand. Whether you're drawn to the precision of Aviation Maintenance, the critical role of HVAC technicians in our Michigan climate, or the ever-evolving field of Automotive Technology, these schools provide targeted curricula. The key is to match your interests with a program that offers not only certification but also strong connections to local apprenticeships and job placement services, creating a direct pipeline from the classroom to the workforce.

The local job market for skilled mechanics and technicians is particularly strong. Waterford and the surrounding Oakland County area are home to a dense network of automotive suppliers, advanced manufacturing facilities, and a constant need for residential and commercial service technicians. This means that graduating from a respected mechanic trade school can lead to immediate opportunities with dealerships, specialized repair shops, manufacturing plants, and aviation service centers. The demand for skilled hands ensures that these careers often come with competitive wages, job security, and the satisfaction of tangible, problem-solving work.

Embarking on this educational journey is an investment in a future built on practical skill. If you're someone who prefers working with tools and technology over a traditional desk job, exploring a mechanic trade school near Waterford could be your most strategic move. Take the time to visit local campuses, speak with instructors who are often industry veterans, and ask about financial aid and career support. The trades offer a respected and essential career path, and with the right training, you can become a vital part of keeping Michigan's industries—and its communities—running smoothly for years to come.

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About Trade Schools in Waterford

Waterford, Michigan 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.