The Best Trade Schools in Kent, Oregon
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Kent.
Top Trade Schools in Kent
Northwest College of Construction
Northwest College of Construction
Northwest College of Construction is one of the Pacific Northwest's premier trade schools, serving the entire Portland metro area including Kent. They offer comprehensive apprenticeship programs and advanced training in multiple skilled trades with strong industry partnerships. The school boasts exceptional job placement rates through their extensive employer network, with graduates consistently finding employment with top construction firms throughout Oregon. Their programs lead to industry-recognized certifications and state licensing, with experienced instructors who are seasoned professionals in their respective fields.
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Portland Community College - Career Technical Education
Portland Community College
Portland Community College's Career Technical Education division offers extensive trade programs that serve the entire Portland metropolitan region, including Kent residents. PCC provides both certificate and associate degree programs with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. The college maintains strong relationships with local employers and unions, resulting in high job placement rates for graduates. Programs feature hands-on training, industry-standard certifications, and flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.
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Apex Technical School
Apex Technical School
Apex Technical School has been providing quality trade education to the Portland metro area for over two decades, serving students from Kent and surrounding communities. The school focuses on practical, hands-on training with industry-current equipment and techniques. Their programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce with comprehensive skill development and job placement assistance. Apex maintains small class sizes for personalized instruction and offers flexible scheduling options, with many programs completed in less than a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for students in Kent, Oregon, and which local schools offer them?
In Kent and the surrounding Portland metro area, high-demand trades include Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding. Local options include the Northwest College of Construction for electrical and plumbing, Portland Community College's Career Technical Education for HVAC and welding, and Apex Technical School for hands-on training in these fields. These programs align with regional construction and maintenance industry needs.
Are there any trade school programs in Kent, Oregon, that offer paid apprenticeships or job placement assistance?
Yes, many trade programs in the Kent/Portland area emphasize apprenticeships and job placement. The Northwest College of Construction has strong ties to local unions and contractors, facilitating paid apprenticeships in electrical and plumbing trades. Portland Community College also offers cooperative education and internship placements, helping students secure positions with regional employers upon certification.
What certifications can I earn through trade schools near Kent, Oregon, and are they recognized statewide?
Programs near Kent offer industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA safety cards, EPA 608 for HVAC/R, and state-specific journeyman licenses for electrical and plumbing trades. These credentials are recognized throughout Oregon and often reciprocated in neighboring states, ensuring graduates meet Oregon's licensing requirements and can work across the Pacific Northwest.
How do trade school costs and financial aid options compare among schools like Northwest College of Construction and Portland Community College for Kent residents?
Costs vary: Portland Community College typically offers lower tuition for in-district residents, including those in Kent, with robust federal aid and Oregon-specific grants. Northwest College of Construction, while potentially higher in tuition, provides specialized training and may offer institutional scholarships or partnership discounts with employers. Both schools accept FAFSA and veterans' benefits.
What local industries in Kent, Oregon, hire graduates from trade schools, and what are typical entry-level wages?
Graduates in Kent are hired by local construction firms, manufacturing plants, automotive service centers, and HVAC contractors serving the Portland metro area. Entry-level wages vary by trade: electricians and plumbers start around $20-$25/hour, welders $18-$22/hour, and HVAC technicians $19-$24/hour, with increases as apprentices gain experience and obtain journeyman licenses in Oregon's strong union and non-union markets.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Kent
Kent, 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.