The Best Trade Schools in Gering, Nebraska
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Gering.
Top Trade Schools in Gering
Platte Valley Cosmetology School
Platte Valley Companies
Platte Valley Cosmetology School provides comprehensive beauty trade education serving Gering and the surrounding communities. The school features experienced instructors with industry backgrounds and maintains excellent state board exam pass rates. Students train in modern facilities with professional-grade equipment and products. The program emphasizes hands-on training in their full-service student salon, preparing graduates for immediate employment in cosmetology, skincare, and barbering. The school maintains strong relationships with local salons and spas for job placement opportunities and offers flexible scheduling options for students.
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Laramie County Community College - Cheyenne Campus
Laramie County Community College
Located just 90 miles from Gering, Laramie County Community College serves students from the Nebraska Panhandle with comprehensive trade programs. The college features extensive facilities including advanced welding labs, automotive technology centers, and commercial kitchen facilities for culinary arts training. LCCC maintains strong industry connections and high job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions in both Wyoming and Nebraska. The institution offers certificate and degree programs with flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend classes. Their programs are designed with input from industry advisory boards to ensure relevant, current training that meets employer needs.
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Western Nebraska Community College - Scottsbluff Campus
Western Nebraska Community College
Western Nebraska Community College's Scottsbluff Campus serves the entire Panhandle region including Gering with comprehensive trade programs. The college maintains strong industry partnerships and high job placement rates, particularly in welding and automotive fields. Their state-of-the-art facilities include modern welding labs with both MIG and TIG equipment, fully-equipped automotive bays, and HVAC training systems. WNCC offers certificate and associate degree programs with flexible scheduling options for working students. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains articulation agreements with four-year institutions for further education opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade school options for Gering, NE residents, and are there any located directly in Gering?
While Gering itself does not host a major trade school campus, residents primarily attend nearby institutions. The closest and most comprehensive option is Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) in Scottsbluff, just minutes away. Other local options include Platte Valley Cosmetology School in Scottsbluff and, for some programs, Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, WY, which is within commuting distance.
Which high-demand trade programs at Western Nebraska Community College (Scottsbluff) lead to good local jobs in the Gering-Scottsbluff area?
WNCC's Scottsbluff Campus offers several programs with strong local demand. Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and HVAC are particularly valuable due to the area's agricultural, manufacturing, and construction sectors. The Nursing program also leads to immediate opportunities at regional medical centers like Regional West Medical Center.
For someone in Gering interested in the beauty industry, what local cosmetology training and licensing options are available?
Platte Valley Cosmetology School in nearby Scottsbluff is the primary local provider for beauty trade education. They offer programs in Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology that prepare students for the Nebraska State Board of Cosmetology licensing exams. Completing these programs allows graduates to work in local salons, spas, or start their own businesses in the Panhandle region.
Are there any apprenticeship or earn-while-you-learn opportunities for trades in the Gering area?
Yes, many trade programs at WNCC and local employers collaborate on hands-on learning. For trades like Electrical Technology, Carpentry, and HVAC, local unions and contractors in the Scottsbluff/Gering area often partner with the college for apprenticeships. Additionally, the college's career services can connect students with local businesses for paid internships and on-the-job training.
What financial aid or scholarship options are specifically available for Gering residents attending trade school at Western Nebraska Community College?
Gering residents attending WNCC can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA), Nebraska state grants, and WNCC Foundation scholarships. The college also offers specific career and technical education scholarships. It's recommended to contact the WNCC Financial Aid Office in Scottsbluff, as they can provide information on local scholarships from Gering/Scottsbluff community organizations and businesses.
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About Trade Schools in Gering
Gering, Nebraska 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.