The Best Trade Schools in Onalaska, Wisconsin
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Onalaska.
Top Trade Schools in Onalaska
The Academy of Beauty Professionals
The Academy of Beauty Professionals LLC
Located just minutes from Onalaska in La Crosse, The Academy of Beauty Professionals is a highly-rated trade school specializing in beauty and personal care services. The school features experienced instructors with industry expertise, modern facilities with professional-grade equipment, and comprehensive training programs. Students receive hands-on experience in salon settings and preparation for state licensing exams. The academy maintains strong job placement rates and partnerships with local salons and spas. Programs include financial aid options and flexible scheduling for working students.
Programs Offered:
Western Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College System
Western Technical College is a highly-rated public technical college serving the Onalaska and La Crosse area with comprehensive trade programs. The college offers state-of-the-art facilities with industry-standard equipment and maintains strong partnerships with local employers. Programs feature hands-on training, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and excellent job placement rates exceeding 90% for many trades. Students can earn industry certifications and associate degrees in high-demand fields. The college provides career services, apprenticeship programs, and flexible scheduling options.
Programs Offered:
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College System
While located in Eau Claire, CVTC serves Western Wisconsin including the Onalaska area with satellite programs and online options. The college maintains exceptional industry partnerships and boasts 99% employment rates for graduates in many trade programs. Features include modern training facilities, experienced instructors with real-world expertise, and comprehensive apprenticeship opportunities. Programs are designed to meet current industry demands with certifications and diplomas available. The college offers flexible scheduling and strong career placement services.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs at Western Technical College in La Crosse for students from Onalaska, WI?
Western Technical College, located just across the river in La Crosse, offers several high-demand programs for Onalaska residents including Electrical Power Distribution, Nursing, and HVAC. These programs have strong local industry connections with employers like Dairyland Power Cooperative, Gundersen Health System, and area contractors, leading to excellent job placement rates upon graduation.
Are there any trade school programs specifically focused on the Mississippi River industries available to Onalaska, WI residents?
Yes, Western Technical College offers programs directly relevant to river industries, including Marine Mechanic and Welding programs that prepare students for careers with barge companies, shipyards, and marine repair facilities along the Mississippi. The college's location provides access to river industry employers who frequently hire graduates for maintenance, repair, and fabrication positions.
What local financial aid or scholarship opportunities exist specifically for Onalaska, WI residents attending trade schools?
Onalaska residents can access the Western Technical College Foundation scholarships, the La Crosse Community Foundation awards, and several employer-sponsored scholarships from local companies like Trane Technologies and Kwik Trip. Additionally, Wisconsin's Workforce Advancement Training grants provide funding for specific high-demand trades, and the college's financial aid office helps students navigate these local opportunities.
How do the cosmetology programs at The Academy of Beauty Professionals in Onalaska compare to those at Western Technical College?
The Academy of Beauty Professionals in Onalaska offers focused cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics programs with flexible schedules ideal for working adults, while Western Technical College provides a more comprehensive cosmetology program with additional business management training. Both schools prepare students for Wisconsin licensing exams, but Western's program may offer more transferable credits if students pursue additional education later.
What apprenticeship opportunities are available through Onalaska-area trade unions for students completing vocational programs?
Several local unions in the La Crosse/Onalaska area offer apprenticeship programs including IBEW Local 14 (electrical), UA Local 434 (plumbers and pipefitters), and North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. These programs typically require applicants to have completed relevant coursework at schools like Western Technical College and provide paid on-the-job training while attending related instruction classes.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Onalaska:
About Trade Schools in Onalaska
Onalaska, Wisconsin 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.