The Best Trade Schools in KC, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in KC.
Top Trade Schools in KC
Summit Technology Academy
Lee's Summit R-7 School District
While located in Lee's Summit, this highly-regarded career academy serves the entire Kansas City metropolitan area with advanced technical training programs. The facility partners with local industries and colleges to provide dual credit opportunities and industry certifications. Programs feature project-based learning in modern labs with current technology and equipment. Strong emphasis on workforce readiness with high job placement rates and articulation agreements with multiple colleges for continued education pathways.
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Kansas City Pipe Trades Association
Pipe Trades Association of Kansas City
This union-affiliated training center offers comprehensive 5-year apprenticeship programs with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The facility features state-of-the-art training labs with current industry equipment and technology. Graduates earn multiple certifications including UA certifications and EPA 608 certification. The program maintains nearly 100% job placement with strong connections to local contractors and union employers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
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Universal Technical Institute - Kansas City Campus
Universal Technical Institute
UTI Kansas City provides comprehensive technical training with strong industry partnerships including Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The campus features modern workshops with industry-current equipment and offers manufacturer-specific advanced training programs. Graduates benefit from extensive employer connections and career services support, with many students receiving job offers before completion. Programs include hands-on training with ASE Education Foundation accreditation and multiple industry certifications available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top trade school programs in Kansas City, MO for entering the local automotive and manufacturing industries?
Kansas City offers strong programs in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing at institutions like the Universal Technical Institute - Kansas City Campus and Summit Technology Academy. These programs are designed to meet the demands of local employers in the region's growing automotive and manufacturing sectors, providing hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.
How can I become a certified plumber or pipefitter through a Kansas City, MO trade school?
The Kansas City Pipe Trades Association provides comprehensive apprenticeship programs in plumbing and pipefitting, combining classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. These programs lead to industry-recognized certifications and prepare students for licensure in Missouri, connecting them directly with local union contractors and stable career pathways in the KC area.
Are there trade school programs in KC, MO that offer both high school and college credit?
Yes, Summit Technology Academy in Lee's Summit offers career and technical education programs for high school students that can earn them both high school credit and college credit through partnerships with local community colleges. Programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Construction Technology allow students to start their trade education early and reduce the time and cost of post-secondary training.
What welding certifications are most valuable for employment in Kansas City's manufacturing and construction industries?
In Kansas City, AWS (American Welding Society) certifications are highly valued, particularly for structural welding positions in construction and manufacturing. Local trade schools like the Kansas City Pipe Trades Association and Universal Technical Institute offer welding programs that prepare students for these certifications, with training focused on processes commonly used in KC's industrial and infrastructure projects.
How do HVAC-R trade school programs in Kansas City, MO connect students with local employers?
HVAC-R programs in Kansas City, such as those offered through the Kansas City Pipe Trades Association and other technical schools, typically include apprenticeship components with local contractors and union partnerships. These connections often lead directly to employment opportunities with established HVAC companies serving the residential, commercial, and industrial markets throughout the KC metropolitan area.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in KC
KC, 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.