Trade SchoolsThe schools included in our list prepare you for rewarding careers in a variety of fields, including Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Electrical Technology, Welding, Construction, and more.
If you live in Kalamazoo and you want to start a rewarding career in a skilled trade or other in-demand hands-on professions this page is for you.
Here you will find information about the best trade schools in the region and the programs they offer.
Most programs focus on teaching real-world skills and are designed to be completed in less than a year.
The programs prepare students for certification exams and entry-level employment in their field of study.
The classes focus on teaching the skills relevant to the future career through a combination of classroom and hands-on education.
Associate degree programs are also available for those who want to dedicate two years to their studies and prepare for employment or further studies toward a four-year degree.
Our selection includes a wide range of career paths, from bookkeeping or criminal justice to electrical or plumbing.
Costs vary depending on the school and the program duration but many schools also offer financing options to help you cover expenses.
1Kalamazoo Valley Community College
About the School
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers students the opportunity to prepare for rewarding careers in a variety of skilled trades.
Students learn about the technologies necessary to develop, install, and maintain physical systems such as buildings, structures, machines, and equipment.
The programs are designed to help ensure students’ success and build their future.
The Industrial Trades path offers programs related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, and maintain buildings, structures, machines, and equipment.
Courses Offered
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers the following programs:
- Automotive Technology
- Chemical Technology
- Computer Information Systems
- Electrical Technology
- HVAC Technology
- Engineering/Design/Manufacturing Technology
- CAD and Machine Tool
- Welding Technology
- Wind Turbine Technician Academy
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 6767 West O Ave
- Phone: (269) 488.4400
- Website: https://www.kvcc.edu
2Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts
About the School
Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of massage techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage.
Students also learn about anatomy, physiology, and business practices, and become prepared for a successful career in massage therapy.
Courses Offered
The 625-hour Massage Therapy program offers classes presented in the context of hard science and holistic health.
The program is hands-on.
Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts holds accreditation from the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
According to the center’s website, 94% of KCHA graduates are working as Massage Therapists upon graduation.
Classes start quarterly and vary based on the schedule needs of incoming students.
The program costs $12,812.
Contact Information
- Address: 5320 Holiday Terrace, Suite 5 Kalamazoo, MI 49009
- Phone: 269-270-6599
- Website: https://kcha.com
3Ed2Go
About the School
Ed2Go offers a variety of trade courses in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The platform aims to help students who want to level up their careers or try to learn trades for the first time.
Programs are also available for students who want to prepare for certification online.
The courses are also perfect for those who want to advance their trade skills.
Courses Offered
Some of the most popular trades courses in Kalamazoo include:
- Manufacturing Applications
- Manufacturing Fundamentals
- HVACR Controls/Building Automation Systems
The courses are flexible and available online.
The HVAC/R Certified Technician program available in partnership with Western Michigan University costs $2,895.
Contact Information
- Address: 3202 Ellsworth Hall, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (Western Michigan University)
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com/location/us/Michigan/Kalamazoo/Trades
4Empire Beauty Schools
About the School
Empire Beauty Schools in Portage, Michigan offers cosmetology education and provides students with all the support they need to start and complete their training and prepare for the Michigan state licensing exam.
The classes are conducted by trained and licensed beauty educators.
The school has a student salon/clinic where students work with real clients while learning to build their own book of business.
Empire Beauty Schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
The Cosmetology program includes 1,500 hours of training.
Students receive know-how and hands-on training on fundamental concepts relevant to this profession advanced techniques and the ability to master haircutting, hair styling, and hair coloring.
Contact Information
- Address: 6091 Constitution Blvd, Portage, MI 49024
- Phone: 269-220-7823
- Website: https://www.empire.edu
5Builders License Training Institute
About the School
Builders License Training Institute offers students the opportunity to complete construction courses anytime from anywhere.
The school helps thousands of builders and contractors get licensed and complete continuing education.
OSHA-Authorized 10 and 30-hour courses for construction workers are also available.
The following courses are also available for companies:
- Safety Training
- Training for Multiple Employees
- Contractor Courses in Spanish
The 10-hour OSHA courses cost $79 while the 30-hour OSHA courses cost $159.
Outreach Training Programs online courses are offered by the University of South Florida.
Contact Information
- Phone: 800-727-7104
- Website: https://www.licensetobuild.com
6Detroit Training School of Technology
About the School
Detroit Training School of Technology provides construction training with an emphasis on “green technology“.
The specialized training program available at the school includes both interactive classroom instruction and direct hands-on exercise.
DTIT is certified by the State of Michigan Department of Energy Labor and Economic Growth.
Courses Offered
Some of the most in-demand building trades certification programs available at the school include:
- Building Maintenance With Custodial Services
- Building Construction With Green Technology
- Carpentry and Building Construction
- Modern Plumbing
- Electrical Wiring Residential
- Heating and Cooling
Students may select one of the courses or take several courses at the same time.
Contact Information
- Address: 14701 Harper Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48224
- Phone: (313) 527-9740
- Website: http://www.dtitschool.com
7Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce
About the School
Payne-Pulliam School of Trade and Commerce’s mission is to serve disadvantaged persons and individuals who seek individualized instruction in Business Office Technology training, Literacy Skills, GED Completion, and Job Placement.
According to the school’s website, PSTC has served more than 50,000 youth, young adults, and adults.
The school was founded in 1973.
Contact Information
- Address: 2345 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
- Phone: (313) 963-4710
- Website: https://paynepulliam.org
8North Western Technological Institute
About the School
North Western Technological Institute is an HVAC school located in Michigan.
The school offers hands-on training programs.
The 10 and a half month Heating and Cooling Program is designed to prepare students for work in an HVAC-related field.
Courses Offered
The following courses are offered at the North Western Technological Institute:
- Electrical
- Heating
- Air Conditioning
- Refrigeration
- Troubleshooting
- Installation
- Boilers
- Property Maintenance
- Heat Pumps
Courses include 80 hours of instruction and can be completed in five weeks.
Each course awards four credits.
Electrical Theory & Application is an introductory course that focuses primarily on the principles of electrical theory and application.
The topics covered by the program include basic electricity, electrical circuits, schematics, electrical meters, components, motors, and control devices.
Contact Information
- Address: 24800 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075
- Phone: (248) 358-4006
- Website: https://northwesterntech.edu
9Randolph Career and Technical Center
About the School
Randolph Career and Technical Center prepares students for career paths like HVAC, Electrical, Carpentry, and Construction Trades programs.
Randolph offers hands-on experiences that help students discover passions and talents.
The school offers:
- Specialized Construction Trades
- Focused Supportive Learning Community
- Hands-on Learning Environment
- Career Technical Student Organization
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Energy Trades
- Electrical
- Painting and Drywall Finishing
- HVACR
- Plumbing & Pipefitting
- Welding
- Marketing and Entrepreneurship
- Agriscience
The curriculum varies depending on the program.
The Construction Masonry program prepares students to be highly skilled craftsmen who use equipment to mix mortar, bond materials together to form patterns, and layout and construct foundations, masonry walls, patios, and other types of stonework.
Masonry students learn skills such as:
- Safety, Health, and Environmental
- Industry Overview
- Construction Materials
- Building Construction Design
- Site Preparation and Infrastructure
- Green Technology Construction Techniques
- And more
Welding for Construction Trades students learn about:
- Safety and Health For Welders
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Manuel Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting
- Drawing and Welding Symbols
- Plasma Arc Cutting
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 17101 Hubbell StreetDetroit, MI 48235-3942
- Phone: (313) 494-7100
- Website: https://www.detroitk12.org
10Harmel Academy of the Trades
About the School
Harmel Academy of the Trades is a post-secondary academy that trains students in a skilled trade and forms them in the Catholic faith.
The school prepares students to be technical experts in their chosen trade.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the academy:
- Machine & Systems Technology
- Foundations of Skilled Stewardship Program
- Humanities
The Machine and Systems Technology program is a two-year program that prepares students to work on full systems within manufacturing and machining environments.
Students build a solid foundation in:
- Fluid Power, Electrohydraulic, and Pneumatics
- Blueprint Reading and Schematics
- Robotics
- Welding and Fabrication
- Machine Tool Operations
- Safety
- Computer Literacy
- Computer-Aided Design and Machining
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3333 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Phone: 616-485-2345
- Website: https://www.harmelacademy.org
Final Thoughts
Trade schools offer a viable educational alternative for high school students and adults who want to learn a new skill through fast-paced hands-on education that can be completed in less than two years.
Now that you have read our selection, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
Trade Schools by City in Michigan
