The Best Trade Schools in Highlandville, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Highlandville.
Top Trade Schools in Highlandville
Summit Salon Academy
Summit Salon Academy
Summit Salon Academy is a highly-rated cosmetology school serving the Highlandville area with exceptional training in beauty and personal care trades. The academy boasts a 95% placement rate for graduates and maintains partnerships with top salons throughout Missouri. Students receive comprehensive hands-on training using professional products and equipment, preparing them for state licensing exams and successful careers. The school's modern facilities and experienced instructors create an immersive learning environment focused on both technical skills and business management.
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Ozarks Technical Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College District
OTC is the premier public technical college serving the Highlandville area and surrounding Ozarks region. With comprehensive trade programs featuring state-of-the-art facilities, the college maintains exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% for many technical programs. OTC offers industry-recognized certifications and apprenticeships with local employers, plus affordable tuition and financial aid options. The college's strong industry partnerships ensure curriculum remains current with employer needs, and their Career Services department provides extensive job placement assistance.
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Vatterott College
Vatterott Educational Centers
Vatterott College's Springfield campus has been serving the Highlandville region with intensive, hands-on trade education for decades. The school focuses exclusively on skilled trades with programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment. Features include small class sizes, industry-experienced instructors, and comprehensive career services. Students gain practical experience using professional-grade equipment and can earn multiple industry certifications. The college maintains strong relationships with local employers throughout southwestern Missouri.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for local employment near Highlandville, MO?
In the Highlandville and greater Springfield area, programs in HVAC Technology, Electrical Systems, and Welding are particularly in-demand due to ongoing construction and industrial growth. Ozarks Technical Community College and Vatterott College offer strong pathways in these fields, with local employers like SRC Holdings and area contractors actively recruiting graduates. Completing these programs often leads to immediate job opportunities in the region.
Which trade schools near Highlandville, MO offer the best value and financial aid options?
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) is widely recognized for its affordability and extensive financial aid resources for Highlandville residents. As a public community college, OTC offers lower tuition rates, federal aid, and Missouri-specific grants like the A+ Scholarship. While private institutions like Vatterott College offer specialized programs, comparing total costs and available funding at OTC is a recommended first step for cost-conscious students.
Are there short-term certification programs available in Highlandville, MO for quick entry into the workforce?
Yes, several schools offer short-term certifications. For example, OTC provides accelerated certificates in areas like Electrical Technology and HVAC/R that can often be completed in one year or less. Summit Salon Academy offers focused programs in Cosmetology, Barbering, and Esthetics that lead to state licensure. These are ideal for Highlandville residents seeking to quickly gain skills and begin working in local salons, construction firms, or service companies.
What local apprenticeship opportunities are available for trade school students in the Highlandville area?
Highlandville students can access apprenticeships through partnerships with local unions and businesses, such as the Southwest Missouri Electrical JATC or plumbing/pipefitting unions in Springfield. Ozarks Technical Community College frequently collaborates with these organizations to place students in paid, learn-while-you-earn positions. These apprenticeships are crucial for trades like Electrical Technology, Plumbing, and Carpentry, providing hands-on experience and a pathway to journeyman status.
How do I choose between the cosmetology programs at Summit Salon Academy and other trade schools near Highlandville, MO?
When comparing cosmetology programs, consider Summit Salon Academy's focus exclusively on beauty trades versus broader trade schools. Summit offers intensive, hands-on training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology tailored for Missouri state board licensure. Visit both Summit and the cosmetology department at OTC to compare clinic floors, instructor credentials, and job placement rates with local salons in Springfield and Branson to find the best fit for your career goals.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Highlandville
Highlandville, 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.