The Best Trade Schools in Ashland, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Ashland.
Top Trade Schools in Ashland
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College is a highly respected institution with over a century of experience in trade education. Serving the entire Missouri region including Ashland, Ranken offers comprehensive programs with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 95%. The college provides industry-standard certifications, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced instructors who are professionals in their fields. Students benefit from hands-on training, employer partnerships, and career services that have established Ranken as one of the top trade schools in the Midwest.
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Nichols Career Center
Jefferson City School District
Nichols Career Center provides exceptional technical education serving central Missouri including Ashland residents. The center offers adult education programs in multiple skilled trades with comprehensive training facilities and industry-experienced instructors. Students receive hands-on training using current industry equipment and methodologies, preparing them for immediate workforce entry. The program maintains strong relationships with local employers and unions, ensuring graduates have excellent job placement opportunities and pathways to apprenticeships and certifications.
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Moberly Area Community College - Columbia Campus
Moberly Area Community College
MACC's Columbia campus serves the Ashland community with comprehensive trade programs and technical education. The college offers affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and strong industry connections throughout mid-Missouri. Programs feature modern equipment, certified instructors, and pathways to industry-recognized certifications. With excellent job placement services and partnerships with local employers, MACC provides practical, hands-on training that prepares students for immediate employment in high-demand skilled trades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Ashland, MO, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Ashland include Ranken Technical College in Columbia (about 20 minutes away), Moberly Area Community College's Columbia Campus, and Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City. These schools offer programs like Automotive Technology, Electrical & Electronics Technology, HVAC-R, Carpentry, Plumbing, Welding Technology, and Construction Technology, providing convenient access for Ashland residents.
Which trade programs in the Ashland area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Systems, and HVAC at Ranken Technical College and Moberly Area Community College have excellent local job placement rates due to high demand from mid-Missouri industries. Many graduates find employment with Columbia-area contractors, manufacturing plants, and utility companies serving the Ashland region.
Are there any apprenticeship opportunities available through Ashland-area trade schools?
Yes, several programs offer apprenticeship pathways. Ranken Technical College partners with local electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors in Boone County for earn-while-you-learn opportunities. The Nichols Career Center also connects students with union apprenticeships in Jefferson City, just 30 minutes from Ashland.
What certifications can I earn through trade programs near Ashland, MO?
Programs near Ashland prepare students for industry certifications including EPA 608 for HVAC-R technicians, AWS welding certifications, NCCER credentials for construction trades, and ASE certifications for automotive technicians. Many programs incorporate certification testing into their curriculum at facilities in Columbia and Jefferson City.
How do trade school costs and financial aid options compare between schools serving Ashland residents?
Moberly Area Community College typically offers the most affordable tuition for Ashland residents, while Ranken Technical College has slightly higher costs but strong industry partnerships. All schools accept federal financial aid, and many offer Missouri-specific grants and scholarships for trade students, with additional opportunities through local trade associations in central Missouri.
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About Trade Schools in Ashland
Ashland, Missouri 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.