The Best Trade Schools in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Waukesha.
Top Trade Schools in Waukesha
Waukesha County Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College System
WCTC is a premier technical college serving Waukesha County with comprehensive trade programs and strong industry partnerships. The college offers state-of-the-art facilities including advanced welding labs, automotive technology centers, and commercial kitchens. With job placement rates exceeding 90% for many programs, WCTC provides industry-recognized certifications and apprenticeships. The college maintains strong relationships with local employers like Generac, Quad/Graphics, and area contractors, ensuring graduates are prepared for immediate employment in high-demand skilled trades.
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Milwaukee Area Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College System
MATC serves the greater Milwaukee area including Waukesha with extensive trade programs and multiple campus locations. The college features advanced training facilities including a dedicated welding institute, automotive technology centers, and commercial HVAC labs. MATC boasts strong industry partnerships with companies like Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, and local trade unions. The college offers comprehensive apprenticeship programs and maintains job placement rates above 85% for skilled trades graduates, with many programs providing industry certifications and direct pathways to union apprenticeships.
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Gateway Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College System
Gateway Technical College serves southeastern Wisconsin including Waukesha County with multiple campus locations and comprehensive trade programs. The college features advanced technical training facilities including the SC Johnson iMET Center with state-of-the-art welding and manufacturing labs. Gateway maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers and trade unions, offering specialized programs in high-demand fields like industrial maintenance, construction trades, and automotive technology. With job placement rates consistently above 80%, the college provides industry certifications and apprenticeship opportunities through its extensive employer network across the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top trade school programs available at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) for someone looking to enter a high-demand local field?
WCTC offers several high-demand programs aligned with the Waukesha and southeastern Wisconsin job market. Top programs include Electrical Power Distribution, which has strong ties to local utilities like We Energies, as well as CNC Machining and Advanced Manufacturing to support the region's industrial base. Their Automotive Technician and HVAC programs also have excellent local employer partnerships for apprenticeships and job placement.
How can I become a licensed electrician or plumber in Waukesha, WI, and which local schools offer the required apprenticeship training?
To become a licensed journeyworker in Wisconsin, you must complete a state-approved apprenticeship, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. In Waukesha, Waukesha County Technical College partners with local unions and contractors to provide related technical instruction for electrical and plumbing apprenticeships. Gateway Technical College also offers plumbing apprenticeship programs that serve the Waukesha area through its regional campuses.
Are there any trade programs in the Waukesha area that offer accelerated or short-term training for a quick career start?
Yes, several local institutions offer short-term options. WCTC has FastTrack programs in areas like Welding and CNC Operation, which can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. Additionally, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), accessible from Waukesha, offers short-term certificates in fields like Commercial Driving (CDL) and Basic Healthcare, designed for rapid entry into the workforce.
What local manufacturing and construction companies in Waukesha County actively hire graduates from area trade schools?
Waukesha's strong manufacturing sector includes companies like Generac, Husco International, and Waukesha Bearings, which frequently hire graduates from WCTC's welding, machining, and industrial maintenance programs. For construction, local firms such as VJS Construction Services and Hunzinger Construction Company partner with trade schools for skilled labor in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing roles developed through apprenticeship programs.
Can I complete a trade program at a Waukesha-area school if I'm working full-time, and what support services are available?
Absolutely. Waukesha County Technical College, Gateway Technical College, and MATC offer many evening, weekend, hybrid, and online courses for trades like IT, healthcare support, and business technology. These schools also provide career counseling, financial aid advising, and tutoring centers specifically for adult learners and working students to help balance education with employment.
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About Trade Schools in Waukesha
Waukesha, 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.