The Best Trade Schools in Hillsboro, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Hillsboro.
Top Trade Schools in Hillsboro
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College is one of the most respected trade schools in the Midwest, serving the Hillsboro area with exceptional career training programs. With over 118 years of operation, Ranken boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 95% and industry-leading certifications. Their welding program is particularly renowned, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and AWS certifications. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with major employers throughout Missouri, ensuring graduates receive relevant, employer-driven training. Multiple students report high satisfaction with instructor expertise and hands-on learning approach.
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Lewis and Clark Career Center
Lewis and Clark Career Center
Lewis and Clark Career Center serves the greater St. Louis metropolitan area including Hillsboro with comprehensive adult education programs. Established in 1975, this institution offers industry-certified training in high-demand trades with excellent job placement outcomes. Their welding program features AWS certification preparation, while HVAC programs include EPA 608 certification. The career center maintains modern training facilities with current industry equipment and experienced instructors who bring real-world expertise. Students consistently praise the practical, hands-on training approach and strong career support services.
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South Tech High School Adult Education
South Technical High School
South Tech's Adult Education division provides quality trade education to the Hillsboro region with comprehensive programs in skilled trades. Operating since 1968, this institution offers both certificate programs and industry preparation in automotive, construction, and culinary fields. The automotive program features ASE certification preparation, while culinary arts students train in commercial-grade kitchens. South Tech maintains strong connections with local employers throughout Jefferson County and the St. Louis metro area, facilitating excellent job placement opportunities for graduates. The school receives consistent praise for affordable tuition and supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs available at schools near Hillsboro, MO, and what are the typical starting salaries for graduates?
In the Hillsboro area, programs in Electrical Automation Technology, Welding, and HVAC-R are particularly in-demand due to local manufacturing and construction needs. Graduates from schools like Ranken Technical College often see starting salaries ranging from $40,000 to $55,000 annually, with electrical and automation technicians frequently at the higher end of that scale.
Can I complete a trade certification while still in high school in Jefferson County, and which local schools offer this?
Yes, through the Lewis and Clark Career Center in nearby St. Charles County and South Tech High School's Adult Education programs, high school students in the Hillsboro area can enroll in career and technical education (CTE) programs. These allow students to earn industry-recognized certifications in fields like Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, and Culinary Arts before graduation.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade school students in the Hillsboro, Missouri region?
Local students can access Missouri's A+ Scholarship Program if they meet eligibility requirements, which can cover tuition at public community colleges and technical schools. Additionally, schools like Ranken Technical College offer institutional scholarships, and many local trade unions and businesses, such as those in manufacturing around Jefferson County, provide apprenticeship sponsorships and tuition assistance.
Are there any short-term, accelerated trade certification programs offered in the Hillsboro area for career changers?
Yes, institutions like the Lewis and Clark Career Center and South Tech Adult Education offer accelerated courses in high-skill areas such as Welding Technology and HVAC. These programs can often be completed in under a year, providing focused, hands-on training designed to quickly prepare students for entry-level positions and industry certification exams.
How do local trade schools in the Hillsboro region assist with job placement after graduation, and what are the key local employers?
Schools like Ranken Technical College have dedicated career services teams with strong ties to regional employers. Key local employers for trade graduates in the Hillsboro and greater Jefferson County area include manufacturing plants, commercial construction firms, utility companies, and automotive service centers, which actively recruit from these programs due to their hands-on, industry-aligned training.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Hillsboro
Hillsboro, 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.