The Best Trade Schools in Durham, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Durham.
Top Trade Schools in Durham
Gem City College
Gem City College
Gem City College is a historic and highly-rated trade school specializing in beauty and wellness programs, serving the Durham area with a legacy of excellence. It offers hands-on cosmetology and barbering training led by licensed professionals, with a focus on state board preparation and real-world experience. The school has outstanding job placement rates, with graduates often opening their own salons or joining established spas. Student reviews highlight personalized attention, modern facilities, and strong alumni networks for career advancement.
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Hannibal Career and Technical Center
Hannibal Public Schools
Hannibal Career and Technical Center is a highly-regarded vocational school with over five decades of experience serving northeast Missouri, including Durham residents. It offers hands-on training in high-demand trades with state-approved programs, certified instructors, and strong industry partnerships. The school boasts excellent job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions at local employers like General Mills and various construction firms. Student satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, modern equipment, and comprehensive career services.
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John Wood Community College
John Wood Community College District
John Wood Community College provides top-tier trade education accessible to Durham students, with a reputation for quality training and affordability. Programs are designed with input from industry leaders, ensuring relevant skills in fields like welding and HVAC, and the college offers certifications and associate degrees. It features high job placement rates, with partnerships with companies such as Dot Foods and Knapheide Manufacturing. Students benefit from experienced faculty, financial aid options, and a supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Durham, MO, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Durham, MO, include Hannibal Career and Technical Center (about 30 minutes away), John Wood Community College in Quincy, IL (about 45 minutes away), and Gem City College in Quincy. These schools offer programs in Welding, Automotive Technology, HVAC, Electrical Trades, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Barbering, providing accessible vocational training for residents of Lewis County.
Are there any state-specific certifications required for trade careers in Missouri that I should know about?
Yes, Missouri requires state-specific licenses for several trades. For example, electricians must be licensed through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, and cosmetology/barbering professionals need licenses from the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. HVAC technicians may also need EPA Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants. Your local trade school program will typically prepare you for and help you obtain these necessary certifications.
What local job opportunities exist in the Durham, MO area for graduates of trade programs?
Graduates in Durham and surrounding Lewis County can find opportunities in construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, and personal care services. Local employers include agricultural equipment manufacturers, construction firms serving the rural community, and salons. Many residents also commute to larger employers in Hannibal, MO, or Quincy, IL, where skilled trades are in demand for industrial maintenance, commercial construction, and healthcare facility operations.
Does the Hannibal Career and Technical Center offer any specialized programs relevant to the regional economy near Durham?
Yes, the Hannibal Career and Technical Center offers programs highly relevant to the regional economy, including Welding and Automotive Technology, which support the area's manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Their Carpentry and Electrical Trades programs also align with ongoing construction and infrastructure needs in Northeast Missouri. These programs are designed to meet local employer demands and often include hands-on training with equipment used in regional industries.
Can I complete a trade program part-time while working in Durham, MO, and are there flexible scheduling options?
Many trade schools near Durham, MO, offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working students. John Wood Community College, for instance, provides evening and weekend classes for some programs. Gem City College offers part-time cosmetology and barbering programs. Additionally, some programs at Hannibal Career and Technical Center may have hybrid or accelerated options. It's best to contact each school directly to discuss scheduling that fits your needs as a resident of a rural community.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Durham
Durham, 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.