The Best Trade Schools in Duncan, Oklahoma
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Duncan.
Top Trade Schools in Duncan
Moore Norman Technology Center
Moore Norman Technology Center District
Moore Norman Technology Center, while located in Norman approximately 80 miles from Duncan, serves a broad regional area and is widely recognized for its excellence in trade education. The school features comprehensive programs with exceptional job placement rates and strong industry connections across Oklahoma. Students benefit from hands-on training that leads to multiple certifications, including IEC electrical credentials, UA plumbing certifications, and ProStart culinary certifications. The center is praised for its modern facilities, experienced faculty, and robust student support services, including financial aid assistance and career development resources.
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Great Plains Technology Center
Great Plains Technology Center District
Located just 30 miles from Duncan in Lawton, Great Plains Technology Center serves the Southern Oklahoma region with exceptional trade programs known for their rigorous curriculum and industry alignment. The school maintains strong job placement records, with many graduates entering apprenticeships or direct employment with regional employers. Programs feature state-of-the-art equipment and lead to certifications such as NCCER credentials, EPA 608 certification, and state cosmetology licenses. Student reviews highlight the supportive learning environment, qualified instructors with industry experience, and effective career preparation services.
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Red River Technology Center
Red River Technology Center District
Red River Technology Center is a highly-regarded career technology center located directly in Duncan, offering extensive hands-on training in skilled trades. The school boasts strong industry partnerships and high job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions locally in energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors. Programs lead to industry certifications like AWS welding certifications, ASE automotive credentials, and EPA HVAC certifications. Students consistently praise the experienced instructors, modern facilities, and comprehensive student support services, including career counseling and job placement assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools serving Duncan, Oklahoma, and what are their specialties?
Duncan residents primarily attend Red River Technology Center in Duncan, Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton (about 30 minutes away), and Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman (about an hour away). Red River Technology Center is particularly known for its Welding Technology and Automotive Service Technology programs, while Great Plains offers strong HVAC-R and Electrical Trades programs, and Moore Norman has excellent Practical Nursing and Culinary Arts training.
Which trade programs in the Duncan area have the strongest connections to local employers?
Welding Technology at Red River Technology Center has strong ties to Duncan's manufacturing and energy sectors, including companies like Halliburton and other oilfield services providers. Similarly, the Automotive Service Technology program connects with local dealerships and repair shops throughout Stephens County, while Practical Nursing programs feed directly into Duncan Regional Hospital and other regional healthcare facilities.
What financial aid options are available for trade school students in Duncan, Oklahoma?
All three technology centers serving Duncan offer federal financial aid, Oklahoma's CareerTech scholarships, and payment plans. Red River Technology Center specifically participates in the Oklahoma's Promise program for eligible students, and many programs qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through the Oklahoma Works center in Duncan. Some local employers also offer tuition reimbursement for relevant trade programs.
How do the completion times and certification outcomes compare between Duncan-area trade schools?
Most certificate programs at Red River Technology Center take 9-18 months to complete, with graduates earning industry-recognized certifications like AWS welding certifications, ASE automotive certifications, or EPA Section 608 certification for HVAC. Great Plains Technology Center offers similar timelines with additional apprenticeship pathways in electrical and plumbing trades that can lead to journeyman status. All three schools have high placement rates in their respective fields within southern Oklahoma.
What evening or part-time trade school options are available for working adults in Duncan?
Red River Technology Center offers evening classes in several programs including Welding, Electrical Technology, and HVAC to accommodate working schedules. Great Plains Technology Center provides hybrid options for some programs, while Moore Norman Technology Center has extensive evening and weekend offerings, particularly in healthcare fields. Many Duncan-area employers work with these schools to create flexible training schedules for their employees seeking career advancement.
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About Trade Schools in Duncan
Duncan, Oklahoma 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.