The Best Trade Schools in San Angelo, Texas
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in San Angelo.
Top Trade Schools in San Angelo
Texas State Technical College - Abilene
Texas State Technical College System
TSTC Abilene serves the San Angelo region with highly-regarded technical programs, particularly known for their welding and electrical lineworker programs that boast near-100% job placement rates. The college operates on a "money-back guarantee" model where students pay tuition only after securing employment. Their welding program includes advanced certifications and robotic welding training, while the HVAC program provides comprehensive EPA certification preparation. TSTC maintains strong industry relationships with companies like Oncor, Caterpillar, and regional energy providers, ensuring curriculum relevance and employment opportunities for San Angelo area students.
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Howard College San Angelo
Howard College District
Howard College's San Angelo campus provides comprehensive trade education with strong industry connections throughout West Texas. Their welding program is particularly respected, featuring AWS certification preparation and modern equipment. The HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification, while automotive technology covers ASE certification areas. With strong job placement rates exceeding 85% in technical fields, the college maintains partnerships with local employers like Ethicon, Hirschfeld, and regional construction firms. The campus features updated labs and experienced instructors with industry backgrounds.
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Apex Technical School - West Texas Campus
Apex Career Services
Apex Technical School serves West Texas including San Angelo with focused construction trades programs. Their electrical technology program includes residential, commercial, and industrial training with NEC code mastery. The HVAC/R program provides comprehensive training in installation, maintenance, and repair with EPA 608 Universal certification. Plumbing students learn residential and commercial systems with state licensing preparation. The school maintains strong job placement assistance with partnerships in construction firms across West Texas, and many graduates find employment with regional contractors serving the San Angelo area. Programs feature hands-on training with modern equipment and experienced instructors from industry backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs offered at Howard College in San Angelo, TX, and what local industries hire graduates?
Howard College's San Angelo campus offers high-demand programs like Welding Technology, HVAC Technology, and Automotive Technology. Graduates are frequently hired by local industries such as oil and gas services, manufacturing plants, and regional construction firms, which are prominent in the Concho Valley area.
Can I complete a trade certification entirely in San Angelo, TX, or do I need to travel to Abilene or other cities?
Many certifications, such as Welding, HVAC, and Automotive Technology, can be completed locally at Howard College in San Angelo. However, some specialized programs like Electrical Lineworker or Precision Machining may require travel to nearby campuses like Texas State Technical College in Abilene, about 90 miles away.
What local apprenticeship or job placement assistance is available for trade school students in San Angelo, TX?
Howard College's San Angelo campus provides job placement services and partners with local employers like Shannon Medical Center for HVAC/R roles, manufacturing companies for welders, and dealerships for automotive techs. The college also connects students with apprenticeship opportunities through local trade unions and contractors in the region.
Are there short-term, accelerated trade programs available in San Angelo, TX, for quick entry into the workforce?
Yes, Howard College and Apex Technical School's West Texas Campus in San Angelo offer accelerated options in fields like HVAC/R, Electrical Technology, and Welding, often completed in under a year. These programs focus on hands-on training and industry certifications to help students quickly secure jobs in San Angelo's growing trades sector.
How do trade school programs in San Angelo, TX, align with certifications required by Texas state licensing boards?
Programs at Howard College and Apex Technical School in San Angelo are designed to meet Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements for trades like HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. Graduates are prepared to sit for state licensing exams, with curricula often incorporating the necessary hours of training and code education specific to Texas regulations.
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About Trade Schools in San Angelo
San Angelo, 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.