The Best Trade Schools in Rice, Texas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Rice.
Top Trade Schools in Rice
Texas State Technical College - Waco Campus
Texas State Technical College System
Texas State Technical College is Texas' only state-supported technical college system, with the Waco campus located approximately 40 miles from Rice. TSTC has exceptional job placement rates with 90% of graduates employed in their field. The college offers intensive hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and maintains strong partnerships with major employers across Texas. Programs are designed with direct industry input and lead to multiple industry certifications. The welding program is particularly renowned, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and producing highly skilled graduates sought by major industrial employers.
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Universal Technical Institute - Dallas/Fort Worth Campus
Universal Technical Institute
UTI's DFW campus serves the entire North Texas region including Rice, located about 60 miles away. The institution has exceptional industry relationships with manufacturers like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, offering manufacturer-specific advanced training programs. UTI boasts strong job placement rates with dedicated career services support. The welding program features comprehensive training in multiple processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, preparing students for AWS certifications. Financial aid options and multiple start dates make programs accessible throughout the year.
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Navarro College - Corsicana Campus
Navarro College District
Navarro College in Corsicana is the closest comprehensive trade school to Rice, located just 15 miles away. The college offers affordable technical programs with small class sizes and personalized instruction. The welding technology program provides comprehensive training in all major processes and prepares students for American Welding Society certifications. HVAC and electrical programs feature modern equipment and curriculum aligned with industry standards. Navarro has strong local industry connections throughout Ellis County and North Texas, with many graduates finding employment immediately after completion. The college also offers flexible scheduling options for working students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Rice, TX, and what programs do they offer that are relevant to local industry needs?
The closest trade schools to Rice, TX, include Navarro College in Corsicana (about 20 miles away) and Texas State Technical College in Waco (about 45 miles away). Navarro College offers programs like Welding Technology, HVAC, and Electrical Technology, while TSTC Waco provides advanced training in Precision Manufacturing, Diesel Technology, and CNC Machining—all aligned with manufacturing and industrial employers in the Ellis County region.
Are there any short-term certification programs available near Rice, TX, for fields like HVAC or welding?
Yes, both Navarro College and Texas State Technical College offer short-term certificate programs in high-demand trades. For example, Navarro College provides a Level I Certificate in Welding that can be completed in under a year, and TSTC Waco offers accelerated HVAC Technology certifications. These programs are designed to quickly prepare students for entry-level positions with local contractors and manufacturers.
What local career opportunities exist in Rice, TX, for graduates of trade programs like Electrical Lineworker or Diesel Technology?
Graduates in Electrical Lineworker programs can find opportunities with utility companies like Oncor and CoServ Energy that serve the North Texas region, including Ellis County. Diesel Technology graduates are in demand at local trucking firms, agricultural equipment dealers, and regional distribution centers due to Rice's proximity to major highways like I-45 and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex logistics network.
How do trade school programs at Navarro College or TSTC Waco support students from Rice, TX, with financial aid or job placement?
Both Navarro College and TSTC Waco offer financial aid options including federal grants, Texas state grants like the TEXAS Grant, and program-specific scholarships. They also have strong industry partnerships with local employers such as Magnablend in Waxahachie and Mid-Way Airport in Ellis County, providing job placement assistance, internships, and apprenticeship pathways for graduates.
Can I complete a trade program like Automotive Technology or Cosmetology while living in Rice, TX, without relocating?
Yes, many trade programs are accessible through commuting or hybrid options. Navarro College's Corsicana campus offers Automotive Technology and Cosmetology programs within a 30-minute drive from Rice. Some programs also offer evening or weekend classes, and TSTC Waco provides housing options for students who prefer not to commute daily while pursuing intensive programs like Collision Repair or Precision Manufacturing.
About Trade Schools in Rice
Rice, 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.