The Best Trade Schools in Camas, Washington
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Camas.
Top Trade Schools in Camas
Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute
Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters
The Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute provides comprehensive apprenticeship and journeyman training for the carpentry trades. As part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, this training center offers state-approved apprenticeship programs with earn-while-you-learn opportunities. Students receive extensive hands-on training in commercial and residential construction, finish carpentry, and specialized trades. The program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training, leading to industry certifications and journey-level status. Graduates benefit from strong union connections, excellent wages, and ongoing skill development opportunities throughout their careers.
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Clark College
Clark College District
Clark College is a highly respected community and technical college serving Southwest Washington with comprehensive trade programs. Their Career and Technical Education division offers industry-certified programs in welding, automotive, HVAC, and electrical trades with excellent job placement rates. The college features state-of-the-art facilities, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and strong partnerships with local employers. Students benefit from hands-on training, apprenticeship pathways, and financial aid options. The welding program is particularly renowned with AWS certification preparation and modern welding labs.
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International Air and Hospitality Academy
IAHA Corporation
International Air and Hospitality Academy is a specialized trade school offering FAA-certified aviation maintenance programs and professional training. Their Aviation Maintenance Technology program prepares students for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certifications with comprehensive hands-on training. The school features modern hangar facilities, experienced instructors with aviation industry backgrounds, and strong industry connections for job placement. Graduates are prepared for high-demand careers in aviation maintenance, with many securing positions at regional airports and major airlines. The program includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in the Camas, WA area, and which local schools offer training for them?
The Camas and greater Vancouver/Portland metro area has strong demand for skilled trades in construction, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Clark College offers programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Welding Technology, while the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute provides union apprenticeships for carpentry and millwright roles. The International Air and Hospitality Academy also trains for Aviation Maintenance Technology and Hospitality Management, supporting the region's airports and tourism industry.
Can I complete a trade program at Clark College in Vancouver if I live in Camas, and what support is available for commuters?
Yes, Clark College's main campus in Vancouver is easily accessible from Camas via I-205 or SR-14, with many students commuting. The college offers flexible scheduling, including evening and hybrid courses for trades like Automotive Technology and Electrical Trades. Students from Camas may also qualify for in-district tuition rates and can utilize Clark's career services for job placement in the local area after graduation.
Are there any union-affiliated apprenticeship programs available specifically for Camas residents interested in construction trades?
Absolutely. The Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute, located in Vancouver, offers registered apprenticeships for Camas residents in Carpentry, Millwright, Pile Driver, and Interior Systems/Cabinet Making. These programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, leading to journey-level certification. Apprentices often work on major projects in the Camas-Washougal industrial corridor and throughout Southwest Washington.
What local trade programs in the Camas area lead directly to industry-recognized certifications or licenses?
Several programs provide direct pathways to certifications. Clark College's HVAC/R and Electrical Trades programs prepare students for Washington State licensure exams. The International Air and Hospitality Academy's Aviation Maintenance Technology program leads to FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. Additionally, the Carpenter's Institute apprenticeships result in journey-level cards recognized across the unionized construction industry in the Pacific Northwest.
How do trade school opportunities in Camas connect to major local employers and industries?
Trade programs in the area have strong partnerships with major local employers. For example, Clark College collaborates with PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and local dental practices for healthcare placements. The Carpenter's Institute works directly with contractors on projects like the Camas paper mill upgrades and regional infrastructure. Aviation programs feed into Portland International Airport (PDX) and nearby aviation services, while hospitality training connects to the downtown Vancouver waterfront and Portland tourism sector.
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About Trade Schools in Camas
Camas, Washington 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.