The Best Trade Schools in Graceville, Minnesota
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Graceville.
Top Trade Schools in Graceville
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Alexandria Technical & Community College is a highly-regarded institution serving western Minnesota with exceptional trade programs. The college boasts a 99% job placement rate for graduates and maintains strong industry partnerships. Their welding program features state-of-the-art equipment and AWS certification preparation, while the automotive program offers ASE certification training. The electrical line worker program has direct pathways to utility companies, and all trades programs include hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment. Located about 45 minutes from Graceville, ATCC consistently ranks among Minnesota's top trade schools.
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North Dakota State College of Science - Wahpeton
North Dakota University System
NDSCS is a premier technical college serving the Graceville area with nationally-recognized trade programs. The college features extensive hands-on training facilities including a 50,000-square-foot construction technology lab and advanced automotive diagnostics centers. Their welding program offers multiple certification pathways including structural, pipe, and combination welding. The HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification preparation, and electrical technology covers residential, commercial, and industrial systems. With industry partnerships across the region and strong graduate employment outcomes, NDSCS provides excellent training opportunities about 35 minutes from Graceville.
Programs Offered:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
MSCTC Moorhead provides comprehensive trade education serving the Graceville region with multiple high-demand programs. The college features modern labs and equipment, with HVAC-R students training on commercial-grade systems and electrical technology students learning residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Their automotive program includes ASE certification preparation and manufacturer-specific training partnerships. The college maintains strong relationships with regional employers and offers flexible scheduling options for working students. Located approximately 45 minutes from Graceville, MSCTC has excellent graduate employment rates across all trade programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Graceville, MN, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Graceville are Alexandria Technical & Community College (about 1.5 hours east) and Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead (about 1.5 hours north). These schools offer programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Electrical Line Worker, HVAC, Carpentry, and Plumbing that are popular with students from western Minnesota.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities for trade careers in the Graceville area?
Yes, Graceville and surrounding communities in Big Stone and Traverse counties have apprenticeship opportunities through local contractors, construction companies, and utility providers. Many students from Graceville secure apprenticeships in electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC through connections made at nearby technical colleges and local trade associations.
What trade certifications are most in demand for employers hiring in the Graceville, MN region?
In the Graceville agricultural and construction economy, certifications in Welding (AWS), Electrical Technology (NCCER), and HVAC-R (EPA 608) are particularly valuable. Many local employers also seek Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders and certified heavy equipment operators due to the region's farming and infrastructure needs.
How do students from Graceville typically commute to nearby trade schools, and are there housing options?
Most Graceville students commute daily to Alexandria or Moorhead campuses, though some opt for student housing during the week. Carpooling is common among western Minnesota students, and some programs offer hybrid online/in-person schedules to reduce commute time. Financial aid often covers housing for qualifying students at these technical colleges.
What local industries in the Graceville area hire graduates from trade school programs?
Graceville's agricultural sector, manufacturing plants, construction firms, and utility companies actively hire trade school graduates. Nearby wind energy projects, grain operations, and regional healthcare facilities also seek skilled tradespeople for maintenance and installation work, creating steady demand for certified technicians.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Graceville
Graceville, 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.