The Best Trade Schools in Kent, Ohio
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Kent.
Top Trade Schools in Kent
Portage Lakes Career Center
Portage Lakes Career Center
Portage Lakes Career Center is a highly-regarded vocational institution serving Portage County and the greater Kent area. With over four decades of operation, PLCC offers comprehensive training programs in high-demand trades including welding, automotive technology, and construction trades. The school features state-of-the-industry facilities with modern equipment, certified instructors with real-world experience, and strong industry partnerships that lead to excellent job placement rates. Students earn industry-recognized certifications and benefit from hands-on training that prepares them for immediate employment. The institution maintains strong relationships with local employers throughout Northeast Ohio.
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Polaris Career Center
Polaris Career Center
Polaris Career Center is a premier vocational institution serving Northeast Ohio, including the Kent area through their adult education programs. With nearly 50 years of excellence in career training, Polaris offers extensive programs in skilled trades with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% in many programs. The center features modern training facilities, industry-certified instructors, and comprehensive certification preparation. Students benefit from hands-on learning environments, employer partnerships, and career services that connect graduates with local and regional employers. The school is widely recognized for its high-quality training standards and graduate success.
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Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center has been providing exceptional career technical education for five decades, serving students from multiple counties including Portage County and the Kent area. CVCC offers comprehensive trade programs with a focus on hands-on, practical training using industry-standard equipment. The center maintains strong relationships with local employers and trade unions, resulting in high job placement rates for graduates. Programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment with industry-recognized certifications and real-world skills. The experienced faculty includes professionals with extensive field experience, ensuring students receive current, relevant training aligned with industry needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools serving students in Kent, Ohio, and what types of programs do they offer?
The primary trade schools serving the Kent area are Portage Lakes Career Center, Polaris Career Center, and Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. These centers offer a wide range of programs including Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, HVAC-R, Electrical Trades, Culinary Arts, and Cosmetology, providing both high school and adult education pathways.
How can a resident of Kent, Ohio, enroll in a trade program at Polaris Career Center or Portage Lakes Career Center?
Residents can typically enroll by contacting the admissions office of the specific career center directly. Polaris and Portage Lakes offer both high school programs for district students and adult education programs, which may have separate application processes, open houses, and requirements like placement tests or prerequisites.
What local industry partnerships or apprenticeship opportunities exist for trade school graduates in the Kent, Ohio area?
Trade schools in the area, like Polaris and Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, often have partnerships with local unions, manufacturers, and construction firms in Northeast Ohio. These partnerships can lead to direct apprenticeship opportunities in fields like electrical work, plumbing, and welding with companies operating in Portage and Summit counties.
Are there short-term certification programs available in Kent, Ohio, for fields like HVAC or Electrical Trades?
Yes, area career centers offer adult education programs that include shorter-term certification tracks. For example, you can find HVAC-R and Electrical Systems certification programs designed to prepare students for industry-recognized credentials and state licensing exams, often completed in less than a year.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for trade school students in Kent, Ohio?
Students can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) at eligible institutions, and many Ohio-specific grants and scholarships are available. Additionally, local career centers often have information on workforce development grants, trade union scholarships, and employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs for in-demand fields in the region.
About Trade Schools in Kent
Kent, Ohio 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.