The Best Trade Schools in Philipsburg, Montana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Philipsburg.
Top Trade Schools in Philipsburg
Highlands College of Montana Tech
Montana Technological University
Highlands College serves as the primary trade and technical education hub for southwestern Montana, including Philipsburg residents. As part of Montana Tech University System, it offers comprehensive certificate and associate degree programs with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90%. The college features state-of-the-art welding labs with AWS certifications, NATEF-certified automotive programs, and electrical training meeting Montana licensing requirements. Industry partnerships with local mines, construction firms, and manufacturing companies ensure relevant curriculum and employment opportunities. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make it accessible for Philipsburg area students.
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Butte School of Beauty
Butte School of Beauty LLC
Serving the Philipsburg community for over a decade, Butte School of Beauty provides Montana State Board-approved cosmetology and barbering programs. The school maintains strong industry connections with salons throughout Granite County and offers comprehensive training in hair cutting, coloring, skincare, and nail services. With small class sizes and experienced instructors holding master cosmetologist certifications, students receive personalized attention. The program includes business management training and preparation for Montana state licensing exams, with graduates achieving high pass rates and employment in local salons.
Programs Offered:
Helena College University of Montana
University of Montana System
Helena College serves as a regional technical education center for central Montana, including Philipsburg residents seeking comprehensive trade education. The college offers certificate and associate degree programs with strong industry partnerships and apprenticeship opportunities. Their welding program features AWS certification preparation, while the HVAC-R program includes EPA 608 certification. The automotive technology program is NATEF-certified, and construction trades programs provide hands-on experience with modern equipment. With financial aid availability and flexible scheduling options, Helena College provides accessible pathways to skilled trades careers for Granite County students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Philipsburg, MT, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Philipsburg are Highlands College of Montana Tech in Butte (about 30 miles away) and Helena College University of Montana in Helena (about 70 miles away). Highlands College offers programs like Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology, and Heavy Equipment Operations, while Helena College provides training in HVAC-R, Plumbing, and Carpentry. Butte School of Beauty also offers Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology programs for those interested in beauty trades.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Philipsburg, MT, for trade school graduates?
Yes, Philipsburg and surrounding Granite County have apprenticeship opportunities through local unions and employers in construction, mining support services, and hospitality trades. Many graduates from nearby programs at Highlands College find apprenticeships with regional contractors, mining operations, and construction firms in southwest Montana. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry also lists apprenticeship opportunities for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians in the region.
What trade certifications are most valuable for employment in the Philipsburg, MT area?
In the Philipsburg area, certifications in Welding (particularly AWS certifications), Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for heavy equipment operation, and HVAC-R EPA certifications are highly valuable. Electrical and plumbing licenses from Montana's Department of Labor and Industry are also essential for those trades. For beauty professionals, Montana State Board of Cosmetology licenses are required for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians working in local salons.
How do trade school programs at Highlands College of Montana Tech accommodate students commuting from Philipsburg?
Highlands College in Butte offers flexible scheduling with day and some evening classes to accommodate commuters from Philipsburg. Many programs follow block scheduling with intensive hands-on training sessions. The college also provides information about carpooling options with other students from Granite County and has partnerships with local employers for work-based learning that can reduce commute times.
What local industries in the Philipsburg area hire trade school graduates, and what are typical starting wages?
Major local employers include mining operations (like the Granite Mountain Mine), construction companies, hospitality businesses serving the recreational tourism industry, and maintenance services. Starting wages in the area typically range from $18-$28 per hour for skilled trades, with welders and heavy equipment operators often at the higher end. Electricians and HVAC technicians with certifications can earn $22-$30 per hour, while licensed cosmetologists in local salons typically start at $15-$20 per hour plus tips.
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About Trade Schools in Philipsburg
Philipsburg, Montana 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.