The Best Trade Schools in Midland, Texas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Midland.
Top Trade Schools in Midland
Universal Technical Institute - San Antonio Campus
Universal Technical Institute Inc.
While located in San Antonio, UTI actively recruits and serves students from throughout Texas including the Midland area, offering specialized housing assistance for out-of-town students. As one of the nation's leading trade school networks, UTI provides manufacturer-specific training programs with industry partnerships including Ford, BMW, and Cummins. The San Antonio campus features over 220,000 square feet of training facilities with the latest diagnostic equipment and technology. UTI graduates benefit from extensive employer connections and nationwide job placement assistance, with many graduates securing positions with major employers in the Permian Basin energy sector.
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Midland College
Midland College District
Midland College is the primary higher education institution serving the Midland-Odessa region with comprehensive trade and technical programs. The college features state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated Advanced Technology Center with modern welding labs, automotive bays, and HVAC training equipment. Programs are designed with direct input from local energy and construction industries, ensuring graduates have skills demanded by Permian Basin employers. The college maintains strong job placement rates through partnerships with major regional employers and offers both certificate and associate degree pathways in high-demand trades.
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Odessa College
Odessa College District
Located just 20 minutes from Midland, Odessa College serves the entire Permian Basin region with exceptional technical education programs. The college's Technical Studies Division features industry-standard facilities including the new CEED Building with advanced welding simulators, fully-equipped HVAC labs, and automotive diagnostic centers. Programs emphasize hands-on training with instructors who are industry veterans. Odessa College boasts impressive job placement rates exceeding 90% for many trade programs and maintains articulation agreements with major energy companies and contractors throughout West Texas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs in Midland, TX, given the local oil and gas industry?
In Midland, programs like Process Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Welding Technology, and Electrical Technology are highly sought after due to the Permian Basin's energy sector. Midland College and Odessa College offer strong Process Operations and Industrial Maintenance programs that directly feed into local refineries, chemical plants, and oilfield services companies. Completing these programs often leads to immediate employment with competitive starting wages in the region.
Can I complete a trade certification at Midland College while working full-time?
Yes, Midland College offers flexible scheduling for many trade programs, including evening, weekend, and hybrid courses in fields like HVAC Technology, Automotive Technology, and Welding. Their Workforce Continuing Education division provides short-term, non-credit certifications designed for working adults seeking skill upgrades. This allows local residents to gain credentials without leaving their current jobs, which is particularly valuable in Midland's busy industrial economy.
What local financial aid or scholarship opportunities exist specifically for trade students in Midland?
Midland College offers the Midland College Foundation Scholarships, which include awards for technical and career education students. Additionally, many local energy companies and trade associations, such as those in the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, provide scholarships or tuition reimbursement for programs like Process Technology or Industrial Maintenance. The Texas Workforce Commission also offers Skills Development Fund grants that sometimes benefit Midland-area trade students through employer partnerships.
Are there apprenticeship programs in Midland that combine work experience with trade school education?
Yes, several Midland-area employers partner with local colleges for registered apprenticeships in fields like Electrical Technology, HVAC/R, and Industrial Maintenance. Organizations such as the Permian Basin Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors help facilitate these programs. These apprenticeships typically involve paid on-the-job training at local companies while students complete related coursework at Midland College or through approved online providers.
How do trade school programs in Midland help students obtain industry certifications required by local employers?
Programs at Midland College and through regional providers are designed to prepare students for specific certifications valued by Permian Basin employers. For example, their Welding Technology program prepares students for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications, while HVAC programs cover EPA 608 certification. Many programs incorporate certification exam fees into tuition and provide hands-on training with equipment identical to what students will encounter at local industrial sites and service companies.
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About Trade Schools in Midland
Midland, Texas 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.