The Best Trade Schools in Astoria, Oregon
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Astoria.
Top Trade Schools in Astoria
Northwest Lineman College - Northwest Campus
Northwest Lineman College
Located just 15 minutes from Astoria in Warrenton, Northwest Lineman College is nationally recognized for utility industry training. Their Electrical Line Worker Program provides comprehensive training for careers with utility companies, contractors, and co-ops throughout the Pacific Northwest. Graduates earn multiple certifications including OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and CDL permit, with a 95% placement rate into positions averaging $25-35/hour starting wages. The college maintains strong recruitment relationships with local employers including Pacific Power, Consumers Power, and regional electrical cooperatives serving the North Coast area.
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Pacific Coast Technical Institute
PCTI Management
Located in Portland but serving students throughout Northwest Oregon, PCTI specializes exclusively in welding education with exceptional placement rates in marine, construction, and industrial sectors. The school offers comprehensive AWS certification programs including 6G pipe welding qualifications highly valued by Astoria-area shipyards and fabrication shops. With a 92% job placement rate, graduates secure positions at companies like Vigor Industrial, Oregon Iron Works, and local marine repair facilities. The intensive, hands-on curriculum is taught by certified welding inspectors with decades of field experience.
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Clatsop Community College
Clatsop Community College District
As Astoria's primary community college, CCC offers comprehensive trade programs with strong industry connections throughout the North Coast region. Their welding program features modern equipment and AWS certification preparation, while automotive technology provides ASE-aligned training. The college maintains strong relationships with local employers like Vigor Industrial, Oregon Shipyard, and regional healthcare facilities, with job placement assistance for graduates. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and flexible scheduling options including evening courses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools offering hands-on technical training in Astoria, Oregon?
The primary institutions providing trade and technical education in Astoria are Clatsop Community College, Pacific Coast Technical Institute, and the Northwest Lineman College - Northwest Campus. These schools offer a range of programs from welding and automotive technology to specialized electrical line worker training, catering to the local maritime, construction, and utility industries.
Which trade programs at Clatsop Community College are most directly tied to local maritime and industrial employers in Astoria?
Clatsop Community College's Welding Technology program, including certifications in structural and pipe welding, is highly relevant to Astoria's shipbuilding, repair, and industrial sectors. Additionally, their Automotive Technology program supports the region's transportation and logistics needs, with strong connections to local employers for internships and job placements.
What unique, high-demand certifications can I earn through trade schools in Astoria for careers in the Pacific Northwest utility sector?
The Northwest Lineman College - Northwest Campus in Astoria offers specialized certifications for Electrical Line Worker, Substation Technician, and Telecommunications roles. These programs are designed to meet the high demand for skilled utility workers in the Pacific Northwest, with training that includes hands-on pole climbing and safety protocols specific to the region's terrain and climate.
Are there trade programs in Astoria that specifically prepare students for underwater welding careers in the local maritime industry?
Yes, Pacific Coast Technical Institute in Astoria offers an Underwater Welding Preparation program. This training provides the foundational welding skills and certifications needed before pursuing commercial dive school, directly supporting careers in Astoria's port, shipyard, and offshore industries along the Columbia River and Pacific coast.
How do Astoria's trade schools assist graduates with job placement in the local Clatsop County economy?
Trade schools in Astoria, such as Clatsop Community College and Northwest Lineman College, maintain strong partnerships with local employers including the Port of Astoria, regional hospitals, utility companies, and manufacturing firms. They offer career services, internship programs, and job fairs specifically connecting graduates to opportunities in Clatsop County's key industries like maritime trades, healthcare, and construction.
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About Trade Schools in Astoria
Astoria, Oregon 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.