The Best Trade Schools in Blacksburg, Virginia
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Blacksburg.
Top Trade Schools in Blacksburg
New Horizons Career and Technical Center
Roanoke County Public Schools
New Horizons Career and Technical Center is a highly-regarded regional trade school serving the greater Roanoke Valley area, including Blacksburg. The school offers comprehensive career and technical education programs with state-of-the-art facilities. Their welding program features advanced equipment and AWS certification preparation, while the HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification. With strong industry partnerships and job placement rates exceeding 90%, graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment. The center maintains small class sizes with industry-experienced instructors and provides hands-on training in modern labs that simulate real-world work environments.
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Virginia Heights Trade School
Virginia Heights Education Group
Virginia Heights Trade School has established itself as a premier institution for skilled trades education in Southwest Virginia. The school offers accelerated programs in high-demand fields with flexible scheduling options for working adults. Their electrical program prepares students for Virginia journeyman licensing, while the plumbing curriculum includes code certification and pipefitting techniques. The school boasts a 92% job placement rate and maintains strong relationships with local unions and contractors throughout the Blacksburg service area. Students benefit from personalized career counseling and apprenticeship placement assistance.
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American National University - Roanoke Valley Campus
National College
American National University's Roanoke Valley Campus provides comprehensive career training programs serving the Blacksburg region. Their HVAC program includes EPA certification preparation and hands-on training with modern refrigeration systems. The electrical technician program covers residential and commercial wiring with NEC code compliance. ANU maintains strong industry connections throughout Southwest Virginia, facilitating externships and job placements. The school offers flexible scheduling, career services support, and financial aid options. With a focus on practical skills and employer needs, graduates are prepared for immediate entry into their chosen trades with relevant certifications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade school options available in or near Blacksburg, VA for hands-on technical training?
In the Blacksburg area, New Horizons Career and Technical Center offers foundational programs like Welding, HVAC, and Automotive Technology. Nearby, Virginia Heights Trade School provides training in Electrical Systems and Carpentry, while American National University's Roanoke Valley Campus (about 40 minutes away) offers programs in Healthcare Support, Business Operations, and Construction Management for those willing to commute.
Which trade programs in the Blacksburg region have strong connections to local employers for job placement?
Programs like Welding Technology at New Horizons and Electrical Training at Virginia Heights Trade School have established partnerships with local construction firms, manufacturing plants, and utility companies in the New River Valley. These connections often lead to apprenticeships and direct hiring opportunities upon certification completion, leveraging the region's growing industrial and residential development.
Are there accelerated or short-term certification programs for trades available in Blacksburg, VA?
Yes, both New Horizons Career and Technical Center and Virginia Heights Trade School offer accelerated pathways in high-demand fields like HVAC Technology, Plumbing, and Electrical Technician programs. These typically range from 6-12 months and focus on preparing students for Virginia state licensing exams and industry certifications like EPA 608 for HVAC technicians.
How does the presence of Virginia Tech impact trade school opportunities and career pathways in Blacksburg?
Virginia Tech's extensive construction projects and facilities management operations create consistent demand for skilled tradespeople locally. Trade school graduates in Electrical Systems, HVAC, and Carpentry often find employment with university contractors or maintenance departments. Additionally, some construction management programs at nearby institutions collaborate with Virginia Tech's engineering and architecture departments for specialized training opportunities.
What financial aid or apprenticeship sponsorship options are available for trade students in the Blacksburg area?
Local trade schools participate in federal financial aid programs, and many have partnerships with regional employers who sponsor apprenticeships. Organizations like the New River Valley Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Committee work with Virginia Heights Trade School, while construction companies in the area frequently sponsor students in Carpentry and Plumbing programs at New Horizons, often covering tuition in exchange for work commitments.
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About Trade Schools in Blacksburg
Blacksburg, 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.