The Best Trade Schools in Jenkins, Minnesota
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Jenkins.
Top Trade Schools in Jenkins
Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center
Summit Academy OIC
Summit Academy OIC provides intensive, hands-on trade training with exceptional job placement outcomes. The electrical construction program prepares students for Minnesota journeyman licensing with a 94% placement rate. Their 20-week plumbing program includes pipe fitting, fixture installation, and code compliance training. All programs feature paid internships with union contractors and direct pathways to apprenticeship programs. The school maintains strong relationships with Minnesota building trades unions and construction employers throughout the state, including opportunities for Jenkins-area residents.
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Central Lakes College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Central Lakes College is a highly-regarded technical and community college serving the Jenkins area with comprehensive trade programs. The college features state-of-the-art welding labs with industry-standard equipment, a fully-equipped automotive technology center, and specialized electrical line worker training facilities. Their programs consistently achieve high job placement rates (over 90% for welding and automotive graduates) and offer multiple industry certifications including AWS welding certifications, ASE automotive certifications, and OSHA safety credentials. The college maintains strong partnerships with regional employers for internships and job placement.
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St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
St. Cloud Technical & Community College offers comprehensive trade programs with excellent industry connections serving central Minnesota, including the Jenkins area. Their Automotive Service Technology program is ASE Education Foundation accredited and features a modern diagnostic lab with current vehicle technology. The HVAC-R program includes EPA 608 certification preparation and hands-on training with commercial and residential systems. The college boasts strong graduate employment rates (88% across trade programs) and maintains articulation agreements with industry partners for seamless career advancement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools offering in-person programs for residents of Jenkins, MN?
The closest in-person trade programs for Jenkins residents are at Central Lakes College in Brainerd (about 30 minutes away) and St. Cloud Technical & Community College (about 45 minutes away). Both offer comprehensive programs in fields like Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and HVAC-R. Summit Academy OIC in Minneapolis provides specialized training but requires a longer commute.
Which trade programs in the Jenkins area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs with strong local placement include Electrical Line Worker training through Central Lakes College, which partners with Minnesota power utilities, and Welding & Fabrication programs that feed into central Minnesota manufacturing. The HVAC-R and Plumbing programs at St. Cloud Technical & Community College also show high placement rates due to demand in the Brainerd Lakes region's construction and hospitality industries.
Are there any apprenticeship opportunities specifically available for Jenkins residents in skilled trades?
Yes, Jenkins residents can access apprenticeships through local unions and contractors in central Minnesota. The Electrical Construction program at Central Lakes College has direct pathways to IBEW Local 292 apprenticeships, while plumbing and pipefitting opportunities exist through UA Local 539. Many local HVAC and automotive shops in the Brainerd area also offer earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship positions.
What financial aid options are available specifically for Jenkins students attending trade schools in Minnesota?
Jenkins students can access Minnesota State Grant programs, Pell Grants, and trade-specific scholarships through Central Lakes College Foundation. The Minnesota PIPELINE Project provides tuition assistance for high-demand trades, and many local employers in the Brainerd area offer tuition reimbursement for programs like Automotive Technician and Welding. Workforce Development programs through CareerForce Brainerd can also provide funding.
How do the trade programs at Central Lakes College specifically prepare students for careers in the Jenkins/Brainerd Lakes region?
Central Lakes College's programs are designed around central Minnesota's specific industries, with Welding Technology focusing on manufacturing needs, Automotive Service Technology tailored to regional dealerships, and HVAC-R addressing both residential and commercial needs in the tourism-heavy Brainerd Lakes area. Their Electrical Line Worker program has direct partnerships with local utilities serving Jenkins and surrounding communities, ensuring graduates meet regional employer standards.
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About Trade Schools in Jenkins
Jenkins, 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.