The Best Trade Schools in East Olympia, Washington
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in East Olympia.
Top Trade Schools in East Olympia
New Market Vocational Skills Center
Tumwater School District
New Market Vocational Skills Center is a highly-regarded career and technical education institution serving the greater Olympia area, including East Olympia. Established in 1979, this state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive trade programs with industry-standard equipment and certified instructors. The welding program features multiple welding bays with advanced technology, while the construction trades program includes hands-on building projects. With strong industry partnerships and job placement assistance, graduates consistently achieve high employment rates in local and regional industries. The center maintains articulation agreements with local community colleges for continued education pathways.
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Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute is a highly respected trade school with regional recognition that serves students from across Washington, including the East Olympia area. With over 80 years of operation, Perry Tech offers intensive, hands-on programs in high-demand trades. The Electrical Technology program prepares students for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work, while the HVAC/R program covers heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The institution boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90% and maintains strong relationships with employers throughout Washington. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced instructors, and comprehensive career services.
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BJ's Beauty & Barber College
BJ's Beauty & Barber College
BJ's Beauty & Barber College has been serving the Olympia-Lacey area, including East Olympia, since 1979 with comprehensive beauty and barber training programs. The school offers state-approved programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology with a focus on hands-on training and professional development. Students train in modern facilities with industry-current equipment and techniques. The institution maintains strong connections with local salons and spas, providing excellent job placement opportunities for graduates. With experienced instructors and a reputation for producing skilled professionals, BJ's has consistently high pass rates on state licensing exams and positive graduate outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for local employment in the East Olympia, WA area?
In the East Olympia region, programs in Construction Trades, Electrical Technology, and HVAC/R are particularly in-demand due to ongoing residential and commercial development in Thurston County and the greater South Puget Sound area. Graduates from local schools like New Market Vocational Skills Center and Perry Technical Institute often find immediate opportunities with local contractors, utility companies, and maintenance firms.
Can I complete a trade program at New Market Vocational Skills Center while still in high school if I live in East Olympia?
Yes, New Market Vocational Skills Center offers several Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs specifically designed for high school students in the Olympia School District, which includes East Olympia. Students can enroll in programs like Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, or Construction Trades during their junior and senior years, earning both high school credit and industry-recognized certifications.
What local apprenticeship opportunities are available for trade school graduates in East Olympia, Washington?
East Olympia residents have access to apprenticeship programs through local unions and industry associations, including the Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for electricians and the Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 26 for HVAC/R. Many graduates from Perry Technical Institute's Instrumentation & Control or Electrical programs transition directly into these paid apprenticeship programs with local employers.
Are there any state-specific certifications required for cosmetology professionals trained at BJ's Beauty & Barber College in Washington?
Yes, Washington State requires cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics professionals to obtain a license from the Washington State Department of Licensing. BJ's Beauty & Barber College in the Olympia area prepares students specifically for these state exams, with programs meeting Washington's required training hours (1,600 for cosmetology, 1,000 for barbering) and covering state-specific sanitation and safety regulations.
How do trade school costs at Perry Technical Institute compare to community college options for East Olympia residents?
Perry Technical Institute in nearby Yakima (with many East Olympia students) typically has higher tuition than local community colleges like South Puget Sound Community College, but offers more intensive, hands-on training with industry-standard equipment. However, East Olympia residents should explore financial aid options at both institutions, as Washington State offers the Washington College Grant and Workforce Education funding that can significantly reduce costs at eligible trade programs throughout the state.
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About Trade Schools in East Olympia
East Olympia, 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.