The Best Trade Schools in Girard, Pennsylvania
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Girard.
Top Trade Schools in Girard
Erie Institute of Technology
Erie Institute of Technology
Erie Institute of Technology is a highly-rated technical school located just 15 minutes from Girard, offering comprehensive trade programs with strong industry connections. The school features modern facilities with hands-on training in electrical systems, HVAC, welding, and automotive technologies. EIT maintains excellent job placement rates with partnerships across northwestern Pennsylvania's industrial and manufacturing sectors. Students receive preparation for multiple industry certifications and benefit from small class sizes with experienced instructors. The school is accredited by ACCSC and has built a strong reputation for producing skilled trades professionals throughout the Erie region.
Programs Offered:
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Great Lakes Institute of Technology has been serving northwestern Pennsylvania for over two decades, providing quality trade education to students from Girard and surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive HVAC, electrical, and welding programs with modern equipment and industry-current curriculum. GLIT maintains strong relationships with local employers and unions, resulting in excellent job placement outcomes. The institution is accredited by ACCSC and features experienced instructors who provide personalized attention. Students benefit from career services support and preparation for industry certifications, making GLIT a trusted choice for trade education in the Erie region.
Programs Offered:
Triangle Tech - Erie
Triangle Tech Group
Triangle Tech's Erie campus serves the Girard area with specialized trade programs focused on construction and building technologies. The school offers comprehensive training in electrical systems, HVAC, and building maintenance with extensive hands-on learning in fully-equipped labs. With strong ties to local unions and contractors throughout Erie County, Triangle Tech maintains impressive job placement rates for graduates. The curriculum prepares students for multiple industry certifications and licensing exams. The school is ACCSC-accredited and known for its experienced faculty who bring real-world expertise directly into the classroom.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Girard, PA, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Girard include Erie Institute of Technology, Triangle Tech - Erie, and Great Lakes Institute of Technology, all located in nearby Erie. These schools offer programs highly relevant to the local industrial and manufacturing economy, such as Electrical Systems Technology, HVAC Technology, Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and Industrial Maintenance. Many Girard residents commute to Erie for these hands-on training programs.
What local manufacturing or industrial employers in the Girard area hire graduates from Erie-area trade schools?
Graduates from Erie-area trade schools are sought after by major local employers like Eriez Manufacturing, Plastek Group, and various operations in the Erie industrial corridor. The skilled trades in welding, industrial maintenance, and electrical systems are particularly in demand to support Girard's and Erie County's manufacturing base. Building connections through school career services is key to securing these positions.
Are there any apprenticeship programs or partnerships for trades like plumbing or electrical work specifically available to Girard, PA residents?
Yes, residents of Girard can access union apprenticeship programs through organizations like the Northwestern Pennsylvania Electrical JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) and local plumbing unions based in Erie. These programs typically combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction at affiliated schools. Interested individuals should contact these unions directly or inquire through the career services at Triangle Tech or Erie Institute of Technology.
Which trade certifications are most valuable for securing a job in the Girard and Erie County region?
In the Girard area, certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), EPA Section 608 for HVAC, and American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are highly valuable. For industrial roles, certifications in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or industrial maintenance are also strong assets. Local trade schools often have these certification exams integrated into their curriculum, preparing students for immediate employment.
Can I complete a trade program at a school in Erie while living in Girard, and what are the commute and scheduling options like?
Absolutely. Many students from Girard commute to Erie schools, which is a straightforward drive of about 20-30 minutes via I-90 or Route 20. Schools like Great Lakes Institute of Technology and Erie Institute of Technology offer flexible scheduling, including day and evening programs, to accommodate working adults. Some programs may also offer hybrid options, though most trade training requires in-person, hands-on lab work.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Girard:
About Trade Schools in Girard
Girard, Pennsylvania 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.