The Best Trade Schools in Chehalis, Washington
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Chehalis.
Top Trade Schools in Chehalis
New Market Skills Center
Tumwater School District
New Market Skills Center provides exceptional career and technical education to high school students from multiple districts including those in the Chehalis area. With a 4.4-star rating and over three decades of operation, the center offers hands-on training in construction trades, automotive repair, cosmetology, and culinary arts. Their programs feature industry-certified instructors, modern equipment, and strong connections to local employers. The center's construction trades program includes carpentry, electrical, and plumbing fundamentals with direct pathways to apprenticeships.
Programs Offered:
Centralia College
Centralia College District
Centralia College, located just minutes from Chehalis, offers comprehensive trade programs with exceptional ratings and nearly a century of educational excellence. Their Career and Technical Education division provides hands-on training in welding, automotive technology, and construction trades with industry-recognized certifications. The college features modern training facilities, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and strong job placement partnerships throughout Lewis County and beyond. Their welding program includes AWS certifications and their automotive program offers ASE preparation.
Programs Offered:
Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College District
Bates Technical College is one of Washington's oldest and most respected technical colleges, serving students from throughout the region including Lewis County. With over 80 years of operation, the college offers comprehensive trade programs with industry-standard certifications and strong job placement rates. Their welding program is particularly renowned, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and AWS certifications. The college maintains partnerships with local employers throughout Western Washington, ensuring graduates have direct pathways to employment in high-demand trades.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs offered at Centralia College for students in the Chehalis area?
Centralia College, located just minutes from Chehalis, offers several high-demand programs including Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, and Nursing. These programs are designed with local industry input and often lead directly to employment with employers in Lewis County and the surrounding region.
Can I complete a trade certification while still in high school if I live in Chehalis, WA?
Yes, the New Market Skills Center in Tumwater offers career and technical education programs for high school students in the Chehalis area. Students can take courses in fields like Construction Trades, Automotive, and Healthcare, earning both high school credit and industry-recognized certifications or college credit.
What local financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for trade school students from Chehalis?
Students in Chehalis should first complete the FAFSA or WASFA to access federal and state aid. Additionally, the Centralia College Foundation offers numerous scholarships specifically for vocational students, and many local unions and industry associations, such as those in construction and healthcare, provide apprenticeship funding and scholarships for Chehalis residents.
How do the HVAC/R and Electrical programs at Bates Technical College benefit someone seeking work in the Chehalis area?
Bates Technical College in Tacoma offers respected HVAC/R and Electrical programs that provide the certifications required by Washington State. Graduates are well-prepared for local employment with Chehalis-area contractors, utilities, and maintenance firms, as the curriculum meets the specific licensing and code requirements for the region.
Are there any short-term, fast-track trade programs available near Chehalis for a quick career start?
Yes, both Centralia College and Bates Technical College offer short-term certificates and fast-track options. For example, Centralia College offers a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program and several healthcare assistant certificates that can be completed in one quarter or less, providing a direct path to local jobs in logistics and medical facilities around Chehalis.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Chehalis:
About Trade Schools in Chehalis
Chehalis, 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.