The Best Trade Schools in La Plata, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in La Plata.
Top Trade Schools in La Plata
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College is a highly respected institution serving students from across Missouri, including those commuting from La Plata. The college offers intensive, hands-on training in high-demand trades with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 95%. Programs feature industry-leading equipment from manufacturers like Siemens, Trane, and Milwaukee Tool. Students earn multiple certifications including NCCER credentials, EPA 608 Universal Certification, and electrical safety certifications. The college's "earn while you learn" apprenticeship programs and strong industry connections with companies like Alberici, Sachs Electric, and Murphy Company ensure graduates transition directly into well-paying careers averaging $45,000-$60,000 starting salaries.
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Moberly Area Community College - Career and Technical Education
Moberly Area Community College
MACC offers comprehensive career and technical education programs serving northern Missouri, including La Plata residents. The college features state-of-the-art welding labs with Lincoln Electric equipment, certified automotive training bays, and industry-standard HVAC systems. Programs lead to multiple industry certifications including AWS welding certifications, ASE automotive certifications, and EPA 608 certification for HVAC technicians. The college maintains strong partnerships with regional employers like Orscheln Industries, 3M, and Dana Corporation for job placement. Graduates report 92% employment rates within six months of completion, with many securing positions at $18-25/hour starting wages.
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Kirksville Area Technical Center
Kirksville R-III School District
Kirksville Area Technical Center provides practical, hands-on trade education serving northeast Missouri communities including La Plata. The facility features modern welding bays with Miller Electric equipment, fully-equipped automotive service centers, and construction technology labs. Programs emphasize real-world skills with project-based learning and prepare students for industry certifications including AWS D1.1 structural welding certification, ASE student certification, and OSHA safety certifications. The center maintains strong relationships with local employers like Kraft Heinz, Truman State University facilities, and regional construction firms, with many students securing employment before graduation at competitive wages of $16-22/hour in the local market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What trade school programs are available for residents of La Plata, MO, without needing to relocate?
La Plata residents can access programs at nearby institutions like Moberly Area Community College's Career and Technical Education center and Kirksville Area Technical Center. These offer local training in high-demand fields such as Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, HVAC-R, and Construction Trades, often with flexible scheduling for commuters.
Are there specific trade programs in the La Plata, MO, area that lead directly to local job opportunities?
Yes, programs in Industrial Technology, Electrical Systems, and HVAC are particularly aligned with needs in northeast Missouri's manufacturing, agriculture, and residential sectors. Graduates from these programs often find employment with local contractors, manufacturing plants, and service companies in communities like Kirksville and Moberly.
What certifications can I earn through trade schools near La Plata, MO, that are recognized by Missouri employers?
Programs at institutions like Ranken Technical College and Moberly Area Community College prepare students for industry-recognized certifications such as EPA 608 for HVAC-R, AWS welding certifications, and ASE certifications for automotive technicians. These credentials are highly valued by Missouri employers and often required for skilled trade positions.
How do the trade programs at Kirksville Area Technical Center specifically benefit students from La Plata, MO?
The Kirksville Area Technical Center offers programs like Electrical Automation Technology and Plumbing that are designed to meet regional workforce needs. As a relatively short commute from La Plata, it provides hands-on training with equipment used by local industries, and many programs include apprenticeship components with area employers.
What financial aid or support services are available for La Plata, MO, residents attending trade schools in the region?
Missouri residents can access state-specific aid like the A+ Scholarship and Missouri's Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, which are applicable at schools like Moberly Area Community College. Additionally, many trade programs qualify for federal Pell Grants, and local institutions often have career services that help connect La Plata students with apprenticeship opportunities and job placement.
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About Trade Schools in La Plata
La Plata, 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.