The Best Trade Schools in Belgrade, Minnesota
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Belgrade.
Top Trade Schools in Belgrade
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Alexandria Technical & Community College is a premier trade school serving the Belgrade region with a reputation for excellence in skilled trades education. It features high job placement rates, often exceeding 90%, and programs aligned with industry certifications such as EPA for HVAC and NCCER for construction trades. Instructors are industry veterans, and the college emphasizes real-world training through labs and partnerships. Student reviews highlight the supportive learning environment and career-focused curriculum, making it a standout option despite its founding year being outside the target range.
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Summit Academy OIC
Summit Academy OIC
Summit Academy OIC is a Minneapolis-based trade school that serves students from Belgrade and across Minnesota, focusing on empowering underserved communities through skilled trades education. It offers high-quality training with strong job placement outcomes, particularly in construction and culinary fields, and provides industry-recognized certifications. The school is praised for its experienced instructors, hands-on approach, and comprehensive support services, including job placement assistance. Founded in 1997, it aligns closely with the target years and has built a solid reputation for student satisfaction and community impact.
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St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
St. Cloud Technical & Community College is a highly-regarded institution serving central Minnesota, including Belgrade, with comprehensive trade programs. The college boasts strong job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions in regional industries. Programs are taught by experienced instructors and often lead to industry certifications like ASE for automotive and AWS for welding. Student satisfaction is high due to hands-on training, modern facilities, and support services like career counseling. Although founded earlier than the ideal range, its longevity and consistent high ratings make it a top choice for trade education in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Belgrade, MN, and what are their most popular programs?
The closest trade schools to Belgrade are Alexandria Technical & Community College (about 30 minutes west) and St. Cloud Technical & Community College (about 45 minutes southeast). Popular programs for Belgrade-area residents include Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Electrical Line Worker, and HVAC at Alexandria, and Electrical Technology, Carpentry, and Plumbing at St. Cloud.
What local industries in the Belgrade, MN area hire graduates from nearby trade schools?
Graduates from Belgrade-area trade schools find employment in central Minnesota's growing construction, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. Local employers include manufacturing plants in nearby Brooten and Paynesville, construction firms throughout Stearns County, and utility companies that need Electrical Line Workers for rural infrastructure projects.
Are there any specialized trade programs in the Belgrade, MN area that focus on agricultural or rural needs?
Yes, Alexandria Technical & Community College offers programs particularly relevant to Belgrade's agricultural community, including Agricultural Diesel Technology and Electrical Line Worker programs that prepare students for maintaining rural infrastructure. These programs address the specific needs of farming communities and rural utility companies in central Minnesota.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available specifically for Belgrade, MN residents attending trade schools?
Belgrade residents can access Minnesota State Grants, Pell Grants, and scholarships through both Alexandria and St. Cloud Technical & Community Colleges. Additionally, local organizations like the Belgrade Lions Club and Stearns County Farm Bureau sometimes offer scholarships for trade school students pursuing careers in skilled trades relevant to the community.
How do the apprenticeship opportunities work for trade school students in the Belgrade, MN area?
Many trade programs at Alexandria and St. Cloud Technical & Community Colleges have partnerships with local unions and employers that facilitate apprenticeships. For example, electrical and plumbing students often secure apprenticeships with contractors in Stearns and Pope counties, allowing them to earn while they learn and gain practical experience close to home.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Belgrade
Belgrade, Minnesota 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.