The Best Trade Schools in Brandon, Minnesota
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Brandon.
Top Trade Schools in Brandon
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Alexandria Technical & Community College is a highly-regarded institution serving the Brandon area with comprehensive trade programs. The college boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 95% for many programs and maintains strong industry partnerships. Students receive hands-on training in modern facilities with industry-current equipment. The welding program is particularly renowned, offering AWS certifications, while the automotive program provides ASE certification preparation. With small class sizes and experienced instructors from industry backgrounds, ATCC consistently ranks among Minnesota's top trade schools for graduate success and employer satisfaction.
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Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
MSCTC Moorhead serves the Brandon region with robust trade programs featuring state-of-the-art training facilities. The college maintains strong industry connections with local employers, resulting in high job placement rates. Programs emphasize hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and preparation for multiple certifications including EPA 608 for HVAC, ASE for automotive, and various electrical certifications. The institution is known for its comprehensive support services, including career counseling and internship placements, with many students securing employment before graduation through industry partnerships.
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Northland Community and Technical College - East Grand Forks
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Northland Community and Technical College provides exceptional trade education accessible to Brandon residents, with particularly strong programs in diesel technology and electrical line work. The college features modern training facilities including fully-equipped automotive and diesel bays, welding labs with multiple processes, and outdoor electrical training grounds. Programs are designed with industry input to ensure graduates meet current workforce demands, resulting in placement rates consistently above 90%. The institution offers flexible scheduling options and comprehensive financial aid support, making quality trade education accessible to diverse student populations across the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Brandon, MN, and what are their most popular programs?
The closest trade schools to Brandon are Alexandria Technical & Community College (about 30 miles west) and Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead (about 50 miles northwest). Popular programs for Brandon-area residents include Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Electrical Technology, and HVAC-R, with Alexandria Tech being particularly known for its strong Construction Management and Diesel Technology programs.
What local industries in the Brandon, MN area hire graduates from nearby trade school programs?
Brandon's proximity to Alexandria and the I-94 corridor creates demand in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Graduates from welding, carpentry, and electrical programs find work with local construction firms and manufacturers, while automotive and diesel technicians are needed by agricultural equipment dealers, trucking companies, and repair shops throughout Douglas County and surrounding areas.
Are there any apprenticeship opportunities or partnerships with local employers for trade school students near Brandon, MN?
Yes, both Alexandria Technical & Community College and Minnesota State Community and Technical College have strong employer partnerships. Local electrical contractors, HVAC companies, construction firms, and manufacturing plants in the Alexandria and Brandon areas often participate in work-based learning and apprenticeship programs, particularly for Electrical Line Worker, Plumbing, and Welding students.
What certifications can I earn through trade programs accessible from Brandon, MN, and how do they benefit local employment?
Programs at nearby colleges offer industry-recognized certifications like AWS welding certifications, EPA Section 608 HVAC certification, ASE automotive certifications, and NCCER credentials for construction trades. These certifications are highly valued by local employers in Brandon and surrounding communities, often leading to higher starting wages and better job placement in Minnesota's regulated trades.
How do commuting options and scheduling work for Brandon residents attending trade schools in Alexandria or Moorhead?
Most programs offer flexible scheduling with day, evening, and some hybrid options to accommodate commuters from Brandon. The drive to Alexandria Tech is straightforward via MN-27, and many students carpool. Some programs offer accelerated formats or condensed week schedules to reduce commute frequency, while financial aid often includes transportation allowances for qualifying students.
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About Trade Schools in Brandon
Brandon, 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.