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The Best Trade Schools in Clarkston, Washington

Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Clarkston.

3
Training Programs
4.5
Average Rating

Top Trade Schools in Clarkston

1

Perry Technical Institute

Perry Technical Institute

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Perry Technical Institute is one of Washington's most respected trade schools with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90%. The institution offers comprehensive hands-on training in high-demand trades with state-of-the-art facilities. Students benefit from industry-experienced instructors, strong employer partnerships, and certification preparation. While located in Yakima, Perry Tech serves students from throughout Eastern Washington with housing options and financial aid assistance. The school maintains exceptional graduate employment outcomes and industry recognition.

Experience:85 years
Reviews:87 student reviews
2011 W Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903

Programs Offered:

Electrical TechnologyHVAC/RWelding TechnologyAutomotive TechnologyInstrumentation & Control Technology
2

Lewis-Clark State College Workforce Training

Lewis-Clark State College

★★★★☆
4.5/5

Located directly across the river from Clarkston in Lewiston, Idaho, LCSC Workforce Training provides exceptional trade programs serving the entire Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. The college offers certificate and degree programs with strong industry connections and apprenticeship opportunities. Their welding program is particularly renowned with modern facilities and AWS certification preparation. Students benefit from the college's established reputation, affordable tuition, and comprehensive student support services. The proximity to Clarkston makes this an ideal choice for local residents seeking quality trade education.

Experience:129 years
Reviews:156 student reviews
500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501

Programs Offered:

Welding TechnologyAutomotive TechnologyDiesel TechnologyCarpentryElectrical Apprenticeship
3

Spokane Community College

Community Colleges of Spokane

★★★★☆
4.3/5

Spokane Community College offers one of the most comprehensive trade and technical programs in Eastern Washington, serving students from throughout the region including Clarkston. SCC provides exceptional hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and certification opportunities. The college maintains strong relationships with regional employers and boasts impressive job placement rates. Programs range from short-term certificates to two-year degrees, with financial aid options and flexible scheduling. While located in Spokane, SCC serves as a regional hub for trade education with many students commuting from surrounding areas.

Experience:57 years
Reviews:189 student reviews
1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA 99217

Programs Offered:

Automotive TechnologyWeldingHVACElectricalCarpentryPlumbingCosmetologyCulinary Arts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most in-demand trade programs offered by schools serving Clarkston, WA, and what are the typical local career outcomes?

Programs like Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, and HVAC/R from institutions like Perry Technical Institute and Spokane Community College are highly sought after in the region. Graduates often find employment with local industrial employers, construction firms, and service companies in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and throughout the Inland Northwest, with many securing positions as technicians, journeymen, and field service specialists.

How does the Electrical Apprenticeship program through Lewis-Clark State College Workforce Training work for Clarkston residents?

Lewis-Clark State College Workforce Training offers a state-registered Electrical Apprenticeship program that combines paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, often available in the evenings or online for flexibility. This program is designed in partnership with local IBEW unions and electrical contractors, allowing Clarkston residents to earn while they learn and progress toward a Journeyman Electrician license recognized in Washington and Idaho.

Are there any trade programs in the Clarkston area that offer direct pathways to jobs at local major employers like PotlatchDeltic or Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)?

Yes, programs in Instrumentation & Control Technology, Electrical Technology, and Industrial Maintenance are key pathways. Perry Technical Institute and Spokane Community College have strong industry connections, and their graduates are frequently recruited by regional industrial and manufacturing employers, including those in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, for roles in maintenance, controls, and production operations.

What options are available for Clarkston high school students interested in starting a trade career through dual credit or running start programs?

Clarkston High School students can access dual credit opportunities through the local Skills Center and partnerships with Spokane Community College and Lewis-Clark State College. These programs allow students to earn college credits in trades like Carpentry, Automotive Technology, or Cosmetology while still in high school, providing a significant head start on both certification and degree pathways at little to no cost.

For someone in Clarkston interested in the skilled trades but unsure of the cost, what financial aid and scholarship opportunities are specifically available for local trade school programs?

Students attending Perry Technical Institute, Spokane Community College, or LCSC Workforce Training can access federal financial aid (FAFSA), Washington State Opportunity Grants, and numerous local scholarships. The Clarkston-area community foundations and industry-specific scholarships from local unions and employers, such as the Inland Northwest AGC, provide substantial support to reduce tuition costs for in-demand trades.

Finding the Right Plumbing School Near Me in Clarkston, WA

If you're searching for a 'plumbing school near me' in Clarkston, Washington, you're looking at a smart career move with strong local potential. While Clarkston itself is a smaller community, its position along the Snake River and its proximity to larger regional hubs like Lewiston, ID, and Spokane, WA, creates a steady demand for skilled plumbers. From new residential construction and commercial projects to essential maintenance and repair work for homes and businesses, the need for qualified professionals is constant. This stability makes plumbing an excellent trade to consider, offering a path to a secure, hands-on career without the burden of excessive student debt.

The immediate Clarkston area may not host a dedicated plumbing program, but several highly respected institutions within a reasonable commute offer the training you need. Spokane Community College, about a two-hour drive north, is a standout option with a comprehensive Plumbing program. Their curriculum is designed to provide both the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for success, often aligning with apprenticeship requirements. Closer to home, Lewis-Clark State College's Workforce Training division in nearby Lewiston is another vital resource. While they may not offer a standalone plumbing degree, they frequently provide related short-term certifications, continuing education courses, and crucial connections to local apprenticeships, which are the cornerstone of plumbing training.

Pursuing an education at these schools positions you perfectly for the local job market. The broader Lewis-Clark Valley, encompassing Clarkston and Lewiston, has a diverse economic base including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. All these sectors require functional plumbing systems, meaning your skills would be applicable in hospitals, schools, food processing plants, and new housing developments. Furthermore, the aging infrastructure in many existing homes and buildings guarantees a continuous stream of repair and upgrade work. As experienced plumbers in the region retire, new opportunities are opening up for trained individuals ready to step in.

Starting your search for a 'plumbing school near me' is the first step toward a rewarding future. The best path often begins with a registered apprenticeship, where you earn a wage while learning on the job under a licensed journeyman, supplemented by classroom instruction. I encourage you to reach out to the career services departments at Spokane Community College and Lewis-Clark State College Workforce Training. They can provide detailed program information, discuss financial aid options, and connect you with local plumbing contractors and unions who sponsor apprentices. Investing in a trade skill like plumbing in the Clarkston area isn't just about finding a job; it's about building a lasting, respected career at the heart of your community's essential services.

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About Trade Schools in Clarkston

Clarkston, 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.