Trade Schools in Baxter, Minnesota

St. Cloud Technical & Community College offers premier trade programs that serve students from the Baxter region, particularly known for its outstanding HVAC-R and Electrical Line Worker programs. The college features advanced training facilities including a dedicated HVAC-R lab with commercial equipment and an outdoor electrical line worker training field. SCTCC maintains exceptional industry relationships with companies like Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Trane, resulting in job placement rates consistently above 90% for trade graduates. The college offers multiple industry certifications and apprenticeships, with many programs featuring paid work experiences and direct pathways to union apprenticeships in the construction and energy sectors.

Central Lakes College is a highly-regarded comprehensive community and technical college located just 5 miles from Baxter. The college offers exceptional trade programs with state-of-the-art facilities including a 20,000 square foot welding lab and advanced automotive technology center. CLC maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers like Anderson Brothers, Pequot Tool, and area construction firms, resulting in excellent job placement rates exceeding 85% for trade graduates. The college provides industry certifications in welding (AWS), automotive (ASE), and construction trades, with many programs offering paid internship opportunities through the college's Work-Based Learning Center.

Pine Technical & Community College serves the Baxter area with specialized trade programs focused on hands-on, employer-driven training. The college's Construction Electricity program is particularly strong, preparing students for residential and commercial electrical work with certification preparation. PTCC features modern labs with industry-standard equipment and maintains articulation agreements with area high schools for seamless transition. The college boasts strong job placement outcomes, with many graduates securing positions at regional employers like Wanzek Construction, Miken Specialties, and local electrical contractors. Small class sizes and individualized attention contribute to high student satisfaction ratings.