The Best Trade Schools in Plains, Montana
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Plains.
Top Trade Schools in Plains
Modern Beauty School
Modern Beauty Schools
Modern Beauty School in Missoula serves the Plains area with comprehensive beauty and wellness trade education. The school maintains high placement rates in salons and spas throughout Western Montana. Programs include hands-on clinical experience in their full-service salon and preparation for Montana State Board licensing exams. The curriculum covers cutting-edge techniques in hair design, coloring, skin care, and business management. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make this program accessible to students from rural communities. The school's strong industry connections ensure graduates have multiple employment opportunities upon completion.
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Missoula College - University of Montana
University of Montana
Missoula College serves as the primary trade and technical education hub for Western Montana, including the Plains area. The college offers comprehensive career and technical education programs with state-of-the-art facilities including a 12,000-square-foot welding lab and advanced automotive technology center. Programs lead to industry certifications and associate degrees with job placement rates exceeding 85%. The welding program is particularly renowned, featuring AWS certification preparation and extensive hands-on training. Financial aid options and apprenticeship partnerships with local unions make this a top choice for trade education in the region.
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Flathead Valley Community College
FVCC
FVCC provides comprehensive trade education serving Northwestern Montana communities including Plains. The college features modern technical facilities with industry-standard equipment and strong employer partnerships. Their welding program includes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and pipe welding certifications, while the automotive program offers ASE certification preparation. The college maintains strong job placement rates through its career services department and industry advisory boards. Evening and weekend classes accommodate working students, and the college offers flexible certificate and degree options tailored to local employment needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade school options for residents of Plains, MT, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Plains include Missoula College - University of Montana (about 90 miles east) and Flathead Valley Community College (about 70 miles north). These schools offer programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Culinary Arts. For cosmetology fields, Modern Beauty School in Missoula provides training in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology.
Are there any local apprenticeship opportunities in Plains, MT, for trades like electrical or carpentry?
Yes, local contractors, construction firms, and utility companies in the Plains and Sanders County area often sponsor apprenticeships. You can connect with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's Apprenticeship Program or local unions (like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) to find structured, paid apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction from nearby colleges.
What trade certifications are most in-demand for job opportunities in the Plains, MT, and surrounding region?
In the Plains area and broader Northwestern Montana, certifications in Welding (AWS), Electrical (Montana State Electrical License), HVAC (EPA 608), and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are highly sought after. These align with local industries like logging, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Cosmetology and barbering licenses from the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists are also essential for salon careers.
Can I complete any trade program coursework or certifications locally in Plains without commuting to Missoula or Kalispell?
While full trade programs typically require attendance at the main campuses, some hybrid or online theory courses may be available through community colleges. However, hands-on training usually requires travel. Check with the Sanders County Center of Flathead Valley Community College or local adult education centers for occasional workshops or short-term certification courses in areas like welding safety or basic construction skills.
How do job prospects for trade school graduates in fields like welding or automotive technology look in the Plains, MT, area?
Job prospects are strong, particularly in welding and automotive technology, due to local manufacturing, agricultural equipment repair, and transportation needs. Graduates often find work with regional employers such as logging operations, construction companies, and auto repair shops in Sanders County and nearby towns. Networking through local trade associations and utilizing college career services can help secure positions quickly after certification.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Plains
Plains, 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.