The Best Trade Schools in Columbia, Mississippi
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Columbia.
Top Trade Schools in Columbia
Jones County Junior College
Jones County Junior College
Jones County Junior College is one of Mississippi's premier community colleges with extensive trade and technical programs. Located just 20 minutes from Columbia, JCJC offers comprehensive career training with state-of-the-art facilities. The college boasts exceptional job placement rates, industry-recognized certifications, and experienced instructors with real-world expertise. Their welding program is particularly renowned, featuring multiple certification pathways and modern equipment. Students benefit from affordable tuition, financial aid options, and strong industry partnerships throughout the Pine Belt region.
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Pearl River Community College
Pearl River Community College
Pearl River Community College serves the Pine Belt region including Columbia with outstanding technical education programs. With over a century of educational excellence, PRCC offers comprehensive trade programs featuring hands-on training, industry-standard equipment, and multiple certification pathways. The college maintains strong relationships with local employers and boasts impressive job placement statistics. Their HVAC/R program is particularly strong, providing EPA certification preparation and modern refrigeration training. Students appreciate the supportive learning environment and career-focused curriculum.
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South Central Louisiana Technical College - Hammond Campus
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
Located approximately 45 minutes from Columbia in Hammond, Louisiana, SCLTC provides excellent technical training accessible to Mississippi residents. The college offers intensive, hands-on programs designed for rapid workforce entry with comprehensive certification preparation. Their welding technology program is highly regarded, featuring multiple processes and certification testing. The institution maintains strong industry connections and high job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions in both Louisiana and Mississippi. The practical, career-focused approach prepares students for immediate employment in high-demand trades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs offered near Columbia, MS, and which local schools provide them?
In the Columbia area, high-demand programs include Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Automotive Service Technology. Jones County Junior College in nearby Ellisville offers comprehensive programs in these fields, while Pearl River Community College's Poplarville campus also provides accessible options for Marion County residents seeking these trades.
Are there any short-term certification programs available in Columbia, MS, that can lead to quick employment?
Yes, several schools offer short-term certifications. Jones County Junior College provides accelerated certificates in Welding, Electrical Technology, and HVAC that can often be completed in one year or less. Additionally, the South Central Louisiana Technical College - Hammond Campus (within commuting distance) offers fast-track programs in construction trades and automotive technology for Mississippi residents in the border region.
What local industries in Columbia, MS, hire graduates from trade programs, and what are typical starting wages?
Columbia's industrial sector, including manufacturing plants, construction firms, and automotive service centers, actively hires trade graduates. Welding and electrical technicians often find work with local industrial contractors and manufacturers, with starting wages typically ranging from $18-$25 per hour depending on certification level and specific trade.
Does Jones County Junior College offer any specialized training programs unique to the South Mississippi region?
Jones County Junior College offers specialized programs tailored to regional needs, including Industrial Maintenance Technology that prepares students for area manufacturing facilities, and Construction Technology focusing on residential and commercial building practices common in South Mississippi. Their Welding program also includes pipeline welding techniques relevant to the region's energy sector.
What financial aid options are specifically available for trade school students in Columbia, MS?
Columbia-area students can access Mississippi's Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grants, state-specific trade school scholarships, and federal Pell Grants through institutions like Jones County Junior College. Many local employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for trades like electrical, HVAC, and welding in exchange for employment commitments after graduation.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Columbia
Columbia, Mississippi 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.