The Best Trade Schools in Clarkston, Washington
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Clarkston.
Top Trade Schools in Clarkston
Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute
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.
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Lewis-Clark State College Workforce Training
Lewis-Clark State College
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.
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Spokane Community College
Community Colleges of Spokane
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.
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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.
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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.