The Best Trade Schools in Ashland, Virginia
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Ashland.
Top Trade Schools in Ashland
Tulsa Welding School - Jacksonville Campus (serving Virginia students)
StrataTech Education Group
While based in Florida, Tulsa Welding School actively recruits and serves students from Virginia, including the Ashland area, with comprehensive welding and HVAC programs. The school provides housing assistance for out-of-state students and has strong national industry connections. Their welding programs cover all major processes and prepare students for American Welding Society certifications. The HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification. Despite the location, many Virginia students choose TWS for its intensive, hands-on approach and strong graduate employment network across multiple states.
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Universal Technical Institute - Richmond Campus
Universal Technical Institute
UTI's Richmond campus serves the greater Ashland area with comprehensive technical training programs. The school maintains strong industry partnerships with manufacturers like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, providing manufacturer-specific advanced training. Students benefit from hands-on learning in modern facilities with current industry equipment. The campus boasts high job placement rates with graduates working at dealerships, repair shops, and industrial facilities throughout central Virginia. Programs include industry certifications and prepare students for ASE certification exams.
Programs Offered:
Fortis College - Richmond Campus
Fortis
Fortis College in Richmond provides trade education specifically designed for workforce readiness. The HVAC program includes EPA certification preparation, while the electrical systems training covers residential and commercial applications. The welding program teaches multiple processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Fortis emphasizes hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and maintains career services support to assist graduates with job placement throughout the Richmond metro area, including Ashland residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Ashland, VA, for automotive and diesel programs?
The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) - Richmond Campus, located about 20 miles south of Ashland, is a primary option offering comprehensive programs in Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology. These programs are designed with industry input and include hands-on training with modern equipment, preparing students for entry-level roles at dealerships, fleets, and independent shops throughout Central Virginia.
Are there local trade school options in the Ashland area for healthcare careers like nursing or dental assisting?
Yes, Fortis College - Richmond Campus, situated in nearby Henrico County, offers programs such as Nursing (Practical Nursing) and Dental Assisting for Ashland residents. These programs provide the clinical and classroom training required to pursue state certifications and meet the demand for healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and dental offices across the Richmond metropolitan area.
Which trade schools near Ashland, VA, offer specialized welding training and industry certifications?
For specialized welding, the Tulsa Welding School - Jacksonville Campus serves Virginia students and offers programs like Professional Welding and Pipefitting, though it requires relocation. Closer to home, UTI's Richmond campus includes welding within its collision repair and manufacturing programs, and local technical centers may offer shorter-term certifications to enter the metal fabrication and construction industries prevalent in the region.
What skilled trade programs relevant to Ashland's local industries are available at nearby schools?
Programs directly supporting local industries include HVAC Technology, Electrical Systems, and CNC Machining at schools like UTI - Richmond and Fortis College. These trades are in high demand for residential, commercial, and manufacturing sectors in the Greater Richmond area, including Ashland, with training covering installation, maintenance, and system diagnostics to prepare for immediate employment.
How can I find information about financial aid or apprenticeships for trade schools serving Ashland, Virginia?
Prospective students should contact the financial aid offices at UTI - Richmond or Fortis College - Richmond directly, as they offer federal aid, scholarships, and payment plans. For apprenticeships, connecting with local unions (like electrical or pipefitting) or regional employers in Richmond's industrial parks can provide earn-while-you-learn opportunities, often coordinated through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
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About Trade Schools in Ashland
Ashland, Virginia 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.