The Best Trade Schools in Marshall, Minnesota
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Marshall.
Top Trade Schools in Marshall
Dunwoody College of Technology
Dunwoody College of Technology
As Minnesota's premier technical college, Dunwoody serves students from across the state including the Marshall area with exceptional trade programs. The college boasts a 94% placement rate within six months of graduation and maintains extensive industry connections. Their welding program offers AWS certifications, while construction trades programs include hands-on project-based learning. Dunwoody's reputation for producing highly skilled graduates makes it worth the commute for Marshall residents seeking top-tier technical education with strong earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Programs Offered:
Ridgewater College - Willmar Campus
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Ridgewater College's Willmar campus serves the Marshall area with comprehensive trade programs featuring modern facilities and industry-standard equipment. Their welding program is particularly renowned with multiple certification pathways, while the automotive technology program includes ASE certification preparation. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers throughout southwestern Minnesota, resulting in excellent job placement rates. Students benefit from hands-on training in real-world environments with experienced instructors who bring extensive field experience to the classroom.
Programs Offered:
South Central College - North Mankato Campus
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
South Central College's North Mankato campus provides accessible trade education for Marshall area residents with programs designed to meet regional workforce needs. The college features modern technical labs and equipment, with HVAC-R programs including EPA 608 certification and electrical programs covering residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Their automotive program provides ASE certification preparation with manufacturer-specific training opportunities. South Central maintains strong relationships with employers throughout southern Minnesota, ensuring graduates have multiple employment pathways with competitive starting wages.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Marshall, MN, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Marshall include Ridgewater College's Willmar Campus (about 30 miles away), offering programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and HVAC. South Central College's North Mankato Campus (roughly 50 miles away) provides training in Electrical Technology, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Manufacturing Technology. While Dunwoody College of Technology is in Minneapolis, some students from Marshall commute for specialized programs like Electrical Construction or Construction Sciences.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Marshall, MN, for trade school graduates?
Yes, Marshall and surrounding Lyon County have apprenticeship opportunities through local unions, contractors, and manufacturers. Graduates from programs like welding, electrical, or HVAC at nearby colleges often find apprenticeships with companies in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction sectors prominent in southwest Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and local workforce centers can help connect graduates with registered apprenticeships.
What trade certifications are most in-demand for employers in the Marshall, MN area?
In the Marshall region, certifications in Welding (AWS), HVAC-R (EPA 608), Electrical (Minnesota Journeyman License), and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are highly sought after. The strong agricultural and manufacturing base creates demand for skilled tradespeople with certifications in metal fabrication, industrial maintenance, and automotive diesel technology. Many local employers partner with Ridgewater and South Central College to align training with these certification needs.
Can I complete any trade program coursework in Marshall, MN, without commuting to Willmar or Mankato?
While full trade programs typically require commuting to nearby campuses, some foundational courses or continuing education classes may be available locally through Marshall Adult Basic Education or customized training through the Minnesota West Community & Technical College system. For complete certificate or degree programs in trades like welding or automotive technology, commuting to Ridgewater College in Willmar or South Central College in North Mankato is generally necessary.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available specifically for Marshall, MN residents attending trade schools?
Marshall residents can access federal financial aid (FAFSA) at all nearby trade schools, plus Minnesota State Grant programs. Local scholarships like those from the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Initiative Foundation, and Lyon County manufacturers often support trade education. Ridgewater College and South Central College both have foundation scholarships specifically for trade program students, with some targeting residents of southwest Minnesota counties.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Marshall:
About Trade Schools in Marshall
Marshall, 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.