The Best Trade Schools in Mercer, Missouri
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Mercer.
Top Trade Schools in Mercer
Kirksville Area Technical Center
Kirksville R-III School District
Kirksville Area Technical Center serves students and adult learners throughout northeast Missouri with high-quality trade programs designed for immediate workforce entry. The center features comprehensive welding technology programs with AWS certification opportunities, automotive service technology with NATEF accreditation, and building trades programs that include hands-on construction projects. With small class sizes ensuring personalized attention, industry-experienced instructors, and strong employer connections throughout the region, the technical center maintains exceptional graduate employment rates. Adult education programs offer flexible scheduling and financial aid options for career-changers and skill upgraders.
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North Central Missouri College - Trenton Campus
North Central Missouri College
North Central Missouri College's Trenton campus serves students throughout northern Missouri, including Mercer County, with comprehensive trade and technical programs. The college features state-of-the-art welding labs with both MIG and TIG welding equipment, automotive technology programs with ASE-certified instructors, and strong industry partnerships that lead to excellent job placement rates. Students benefit from hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and affordable tuition with financial aid options. The institution has maintained strong relationships with regional employers for decades, ensuring graduates have direct pathways to local employment opportunities.
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Moberly Area Community College - Moberly Campus
Moberly Area Community College
Moberly Area Community College provides extensive trade and technical education serving central and northern Missouri regions, including Mercer County residents. The college offers comprehensive HVAC programs with EPA certification preparation, electrical technology training meeting national standards, and industrial maintenance programs developed in partnership with local manufacturers. With modern facilities featuring industry-standard equipment and instructors who are seasoned professionals, MACC maintains strong job placement rates exceeding 85% for trade program graduates. The college also offers flexible scheduling options for working adults and comprehensive career services support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Mercer, MO, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Mercer include North Central Missouri College in Trenton (about 30 minutes away), Moberly Area Community College in Moberly (about 45 minutes away), and the Kirksville Area Technical Center (about an hour away). These schools offer programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Practical Nursing, HVAC, Electrical Technology, and Industrial Maintenance, providing Mercer residents with accessible career training options.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs or partnerships with employers for trade school graduates in the Mercer, MO area?
Yes, North Central Missouri College and Moberly Area Community College have partnerships with regional employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. Local companies in Mercer County and surrounding areas often hire graduates from these programs, particularly in welding, advanced manufacturing, and practical nursing. Students should contact the career services offices at these schools for current apprenticeship opportunities.
What financial aid options are available for Mercer, MO residents attending trade schools in the region?
Mercer residents can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA), Missouri A+ Scholarships if eligible, and institutional scholarships at North Central Missouri College and Moberly Area Community College. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Higher Education offers workforce development grants for high-demand fields like healthcare and skilled trades. It's recommended to contact the financial aid offices at these schools for personalized assistance.
Which trade programs in the Mercer, MO area have the highest local employment rates after graduation?
In the Mercer region, Practical Nursing, Welding Technology, and Industrial Maintenance programs typically have high local employment rates due to demand from healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and agricultural operations. Graduates from North Central Missouri College's nursing and welding programs often find positions at regional hospitals, metal fabrication shops, and equipment manufacturers within a 50-mile radius of Mercer.
Can Mercer, MO residents complete trade certifications while still in high school through local programs?
Yes, through the Kirksville Area Technical Center and dual-credit programs with North Central Missouri College, Mercer high school students can earn certifications in fields like Automotive Service Technology, Building Trades, and Computer Information Systems. These programs allow students to graduate high school with both a diploma and industry-recognized credentials, giving them a head start on their careers.
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About Trade Schools in Mercer
Mercer, 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.