The Best Trade Schools in Petersburg, Virginia
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Petersburg.
Top Trade Schools in Petersburg
Universal Technical Institute - Richmond
Universal Technical Institute
UTI's Richmond campus serves the Petersburg area with comprehensive technical training programs featuring manufacturer-specific training from brands like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The school maintains strong industry partnerships with over 35 manufacturer and dealer partners, providing students with direct pathways to employment. Their welding program includes hands-on training in MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques, with graduates earning multiple industry certifications. The campus features modern labs with current industry equipment and offers career services with a strong track record of graduate employment.
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Advanced Technology Institute
ATI
Advanced Technology Institute serves students from across Virginia, including the Petersburg region, with comprehensive trade programs focused on high-demand fields. Their HVAC/R program includes training on modern refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and commercial cooling systems, with graduates prepared for multiple industry certifications. The welding technology program offers extensive hands-on training in structural welding, pipe welding, and advanced processes. Electrical students receive training in residential and commercial wiring, motor controls, and electrical theory. ATI maintains strong job placement rates through industry partnerships and provides career services support throughout Virginia.
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Fortis College - Richmond
Fortis
Fortis College in Richmond provides hands-on trade education with programs specifically designed for the Central Virginia job market. Their HVAC program prepares students for EPA 608 certification and includes training on residential and commercial systems. The electrical program covers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems with preparation for state licensing exams. Welding students learn multiple processes including SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW while working toward AWS certifications. The school maintains strong local employer relationships and offers flexible scheduling options for working students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Petersburg, VA, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools serving Petersburg include Universal Technical Institute - Richmond (offering Automotive, Diesel, and Collision Repair), Fortis College - Richmond (with programs in HVAC, Electrical Systems, and Welding), and Advanced Technology Institute (featuring Automotive, HVAC/R, and Welding Technology). Many of these schools are within a 30-minute commute and offer hands-on training for in-demand trades.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Petersburg, VA, that partner with trade schools?
Yes, Petersburg and the surrounding Tri-Cities area have apprenticeship opportunities through local unions, contractors, and manufacturers that often partner with schools like Advanced Technology Institute. For example, apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are available through organizations such as the Virginia Plumbing and Mechanical Inspectors Association and local construction firms, providing paid on-the-job training alongside classroom instruction.
What certifications can I earn through trade schools near Petersburg, VA, that are valued by local employers?
Programs at schools like Universal Technical Institute and Advanced Technology Institute prepare students for industry-recognized certifications such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) for automotive techs, EPA 608 for HVAC/R technicians, and AWS (American Welding Society) certifications for welders. These credentials are highly sought after by employers in the Richmond-Petersburg region's manufacturing, transportation, and construction sectors.
How do trade school programs in the Petersburg area help with job placement after graduation?
Many trade schools near Petersburg, such as Fortis College and Advanced Technology Institute, offer career services that include job placement assistance, resume workshops, and connections to local employers. They often have partnerships with regional companies like Dominion Energy, local dealerships, and manufacturing plants in the Tri-Cities area to facilitate internships and direct hiring opportunities for graduates.
Are there any specialized trade programs in Petersburg, VA, focused on industries unique to the region?
Given Petersburg's proximity to major transportation corridors and manufacturing hubs, programs in Diesel Technology (at Universal Technical Institute) and Welding (at Advanced Technology Institute) are particularly relevant. These programs train students for roles in trucking, logistics, and metal fabrication—key industries in the Central Virginia region—with potential employment at local facilities like the Petersburg Port or nearby industrial parks.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Petersburg
Petersburg, 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.