The Best Trade Schools in Yakima, Washington
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Yakima.
Top Trade Schools in Yakima
Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute is one of Washington's most respected trade schools with over 80 years of proven success. The institution offers intensive, hands-on training programs with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 90%. Students benefit from industry-experienced instructors, modern equipment, and strong employer partnerships throughout Central Washington. Programs are designed to meet local industry demands with comprehensive training that leads to multiple industry certifications and immediate employment opportunities in high-demand technical fields.
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Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center
Educational Service District 105
YV-Tech provides career and technical education to high school students and adult learners throughout the Yakima Valley. The center features state-of-the-industry facilities including professional welding bays, automotive shops, and commercial kitchens. Programs are developed in partnership with local employers to ensure graduates possess the exact skills needed by regional industries. The school maintains strong connections with apprenticeship programs and employers throughout Central Washington, with many students securing employment before graduation.
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Spokane Community College - Yakima Programs
Community Colleges of Spokane
Spokane Community College offers comprehensive trade programs that serve students throughout Eastern Washington, including Yakima residents through distance learning options and regional partnerships. SCC is renowned for its extensive apprenticeship programs and industry partnerships. The college maintains one of the largest technical education facilities in the Northwest with advanced training equipment and certification programs recognized by national industry associations. Many Yakima-area employers actively recruit SCC graduates due to the program's strong reputation for producing work-ready skilled trades professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs in Yakima, WA, and which local schools offer them?
In Yakima, high-demand trade programs include HVAC/R, Electrical Technology, Welding, and Healthcare fields like Dental Assisting. Perry Technical Institute is renowned for its Electrical and Mechanical Systems programs, while Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center offers strong Construction Trades and Automotive Technology training. Spokane Community College's Yakima programs also provide options in Information Technology and Health Sciences.
How do I choose between Perry Technical Institute and Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center for hands-on trade training?
Perry Technical Institute focuses on intensive, full-time programs like Instrumentation & Control Technology and HVAC/R, often with industry partnerships for advanced technical roles. Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center is ideal for high school students and adults seeking shorter-term certifications in Carpentry, Cosmetology, or Automotive Technology, with flexible scheduling options. Consider your career goals, program length, and whether you need concurrent high school or adult education.
What local apprenticeship or job placement opportunities exist for trade school graduates in Yakima?
Yakima trade schools have strong ties to local industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Perry Technical Institute boasts high job placement rates, with graduates often hired by regional employers in energy, construction, and technology firms. The Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center connects students with apprenticeships through local unions and businesses in welding, electrical, and automotive trades.
Are there specialized trade programs in Yakima that leverage the region's agricultural and manufacturing economy?
Yes, Yakima's trade schools offer programs tailored to the local economy. Perry Technical Institute's Mechanical Systems and Instrumentation & Control Technology programs prepare graduates for roles in food processing, irrigation systems, and manufacturing plants prevalent in the Yakima Valley. Welding and HVAC programs also emphasize skills needed for agricultural equipment maintenance and climate-controlled storage facilities.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available specifically for trade school students in Yakima, WA?
Yakima trade schools offer various financial aid options, including federal aid, state grants like the Washington College Grant, and institution-specific scholarships. Perry Technical Institute provides scholarships through industry partners and foundations, while Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center offers reduced tuition for in-district residents and payment plans. Additionally, many programs qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for eligible adults.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Yakima
Yakima, 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.