The Best Trade Schools in Carthage, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Carthage.
Top Trade Schools in Carthage
Franklin Technology Center
Joplin Schools
Franklin Technology Center has been a premier career and technical education institution serving the Four-State area for nearly five decades. Located just 15 minutes from Carthage in Joplin, FTC offers comprehensive training programs with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The school maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers, ensuring curriculum relevance and excellent job placement opportunities. Programs feature hands-on learning with industry-certified instructors, and many students earn multiple certifications while completing their training. FTC's welding program is particularly renowned, with graduates consistently securing high-paying positions in regional manufacturing and construction industries.
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Missouri Southern State University - Technical Programs
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University offers robust technical programs through its School of Technology that serve the Carthage area with comprehensive career training. The university provides both certificate and associate degree options in high-demand trades, with modern facilities including fully-equipped automotive bays, manufacturing labs, and construction technology centers. MSSU's programs emphasize hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and curriculum developed in consultation with regional employers. The institution maintains strong job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions at local manufacturing plants, automotive dealerships, and construction firms throughout Southwest Missouri.
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Vatterott College - Joplin Campus
Vatterott Educational Centers
Vatterott College's Joplin campus has been serving the Carthage area with specialized trade education for over two decades. The institution offers focused programs in construction and mechanical trades with accelerated completion timelines. Training emphasizes practical, hands-on skills development in modern labs equipped with industry-standard tools and technology. Vatterott provides comprehensive career services including job placement assistance, resume building, and interview preparation. While the campus closed new enrollments in 2018, it maintained strong graduate outcomes during its operational years, with many alumni working in skilled trades throughout Jasper County and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade school options available to residents of Carthage, Missouri?
Carthage residents have several nearby options including Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, which offers short-term career training, and Missouri Southern State University in Joplin with its technical programs. The Vatterott College Joplin Campus also provides trade education, though it's important to verify current accreditation and program availability as trade school landscapes can change.
Which trade programs in the Carthage area have the strongest connections to local employers?
Welding Technology and Automotive Technology programs have particularly strong local industry connections due to Carthage's manufacturing sector and proximity to Joplin's industrial employers. Franklin Technology Center actively partners with regional companies like Leggett & Platt and local automotive dealerships, while Missouri Southern's Construction Management program connects with area construction firms.
What certifications can I earn through trade schools near Carthage, Missouri?
Local programs offer industry-recognized certifications including AWS welding certifications through Franklin Technology Center, EPA Section 608 HVAC certification, and ASE automotive certifications. Missouri Southern State University's technical programs can lead to certifications in areas like electrical technology and industrial engineering, with some programs preparing students for Missouri state licensing exams.
Are there evening or part-time trade programs available for working adults in the Carthage area?
Yes, Franklin Technology Center offers evening classes in several programs including welding and automotive technology. Missouri Southern State University provides flexible scheduling options for their technical programs, and some local community colleges offer hybrid online/in-person formats. It's best to contact each institution directly for current schedule offerings as they vary by semester.
How do trade school graduates from the Carthage area typically find employment locally?
Most graduates find employment through school career services, local apprenticeship programs, and direct hiring by regional employers like Schreiber Foods, Carthage Marble, and various manufacturing plants. The strong industrial base in Jasper County creates consistent demand for skilled tradespeople, with many students securing positions before graduation through school-organized job fairs and employer partnerships.
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About Trade Schools in Carthage
Carthage, 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.