The Best Trade Schools in Hills, Minnesota
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Hills.
Top Trade Schools in Hills
Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College is renowned for its high-quality training and 99% job placement rate, serving students from Hills with industry-driven programs. It offers certifications like ASE for automotive, AWS for welding, and EPA for HVAC, with instructors who are industry veterans. Students highlight the immersive, hands-on learning environment and strong career services, leading to rapid employment in high-demand trades.
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Southeast Technical College
Southeast Technical College
Southeast Technical College is a highly-rated institution serving the Hills area with strong industry connections and hands-on training. It boasts a 98% job placement rate for graduates, with programs aligned to certifications like AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 for HVAC, and NEC standards for electrical. Students praise the experienced instructors and modern facilities, with many securing employment before graduation through employer partnerships.
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Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Minnesota West offers comprehensive trade programs with a focus on practical skills and apprenticeship opportunities. It maintains a 92% job placement rate and provides certifications such as NCCER for construction trades and state licensing for cosmetology. The college is noted for its affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and supportive instructors, with many students benefiting from local employer networks in the Hills region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Hills, MN, and what transportation options are available for students?
The closest trade schools to Hills include Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, SD (about 25 miles away), Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington (about 30 miles away), and Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD (about 50 miles away). Many students commute, and some schools offer online hybrid options for theory portions, but hands-on training typically requires on-campus attendance.
Which trade programs in the Hills, MN area have the strongest local industry partnerships and job placement rates?
Programs like Electrical Construction, Welding Technology, and HVAC-R at Southeast Technical College and Minnesota West have strong ties to regional employers in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. These schools often report high job placement rates due to partnerships with local companies like Rosenbauer, AGCO, and regional electrical and plumbing contractors who actively recruit graduates.
Are there any short-term certification programs available near Hills, MN for someone looking to enter the trades quickly?
Yes, Southeast Technical College offers short-term certificates in areas like Electrical Line Worker (which can be completed in one semester) and specific welding certifications. Minnesota West also provides accelerated options in Automotive Repair and HVAC fundamentals, often designed to align with immediate local workforce needs in Rock County and surrounding areas.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade students from the Hills, MN area?
Local students can access Minnesota State Grants, Pell Grants, and scholarships from institutions like the Minnesota West Foundation, which offers awards for technical programs. Additionally, many area employers, such as local contractors and manufacturers, provide tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for students enrolled in high-demand trades like plumbing or electrical programs.
How do trade school programs near Hills, MN incorporate the region's agricultural and manufacturing industries into their curriculum?
Programs like Welding Technology and Automotive Technology at Minnesota West and Southeast Tech often include training on agricultural equipment repair and manufacturing systems. For example, welding students might work on farm machinery projects, while HVAC-R programs address climate control for both residential and agricultural storage facilities, ensuring skills are directly applicable to local economic sectors.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Hills
Hills, 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.