Top 7 Arkansas Trade Schools: Learn A New Skill

Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, offer specialized education and training in a particular trade or profession. There are many Arkansas trade schools which provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a specific career path in multiple industries.

Trade schools are essential for individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly. This is because they often have shorter programs and more practical, hands-on learning experiences than traditional colleges and universities. They also tend to have a higher job placement rate for graduates, as they get explicitly trained in the skills employers in their chosen field are looking for.

Arkansas is an ideal place for trade schools because of the low cost of living. It’s also a state with many higher educational institutes offering top-of-the-line programs in diverse. So, if you are looking for the best trade schools in Arkansas, keep reading this article.

Top 7 Trade Schools in Arkansas

Trade Schools in Arkansas: Technical Schools

After thorough research, we have shortlisted the 7 best trade schools you can look out for in Arkansas. Here’s the list, have a look!

1. North Arkansas College

North Arkansas College is a two-year community college located in Harrison, Arkansas. It offers a wide range of programs, including technical and trade-focused studies.

Some of the programs offered at North Arkansas College include the following.

Automotive Technology: This program teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to work as automotive technicians. It covers topics such as engine repair, electrical systems, and brakes.
Building Trades: This program prepares students for careers in the construction industry, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
Tractor Trailer Driving: This class introduces students to the trucking industry and how it operates. They will also learn about tractor-trailers, vehicle maintenance, safety, non-vehicle activities, and basic operations.
Cosmetology: This program prepares students for careers as cosmetologists, hairstylists, and nail technicians.

In addition to these programs, North Arkansas College also offers student resources and support services to help students succeed in their studies. These resources include tutoring, academic support, career counseling, and financial assistance.

The college supports underrepresented and marginalized students through several programs and initiatives. There are Student Services Departments that collaborate with the students to organize appropriate activities as well as programs.

With its wide range of programs and robust student support services, it is well-equipped to help students succeed in their studies and launch successful careers.

2. Arkansas State University – Newport Campus

The Newport campus of Arkansas State University is a two-year community college offering various technical, trade-focused, and traditional academic programs.

The following are some programs offered at Arkansas State University-Newport.

Industrial Maintenance Technology: This program prepares students for careers as maintenance technicians in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.
High Voltage Lineman Technology: This course teaches students the technical skills and knowledge to maintain, install, service, and repair electrical grids and power lines.
Welding Technology: In this course, you’ll learn to use different welding technologies and equipment to become an expert in the field.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology: This program teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to work as HVAC technicians, including installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and cooling systems.

In addition to these programs, Arkansas State University-Newport offers an Adult Education program where students learn computer literacy, language, math, and other employability skills.

There are many student resources and support services on campus that can help students with their study-related concerns. Whether you need academic advice, tutoring, or career counseling, these bodies will help you competently.

Also, the institute supports diversity and inclusivity and has several programs and initiatives to encourage marginalized students. Thus, Arkansas State University’s Newport campus is an excellent choice for students willing to pursue a technical or trade-focused education.

3. Black River Technical College

Black River Technical College is a unique and innovative trade school in Pocahontas, Arkansas. It offers technical, trade-focused, and traditional academic programs. All their courses help prepare students for successful careers.

Some of the programs provided at Black River Technical College are as follows.

Diesel Technology: This program teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to work as diesel technicians, including repairing and maintaining diesel engines and related systems.
Cybersecurity: This program prepares students for cybersecurity careers, including computer science and information technology coursework.
Auto Collision Repair Technology: In this course, students learn about automobile dent removal, structural alignment, cosmetic repair, and more.
Industrial Maintenance Technology: This program teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to work as maintenance technicians in multiple industries.

Like other institutes, Black River Technical College has adequate resources for students’ benefit. They include academic advising and career counseling. Also, the college serves underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students with several programs and initiatives to provide them with the necessary financial backup.

4. Southeast Arkansas College

Southeast Arkansas College is another reputed trade school in Arkansas. It offers multiple traditional and trade programs to foster the necessary technical skills in students for a flourished career.

Here are some programs offered at Southeast Arkansas College.

Welding Technology: From implementing different techniques to using welding equipment properly, one can learn everything in this program.
Industrial Maintenance Technology: By completing this course, students can become professional maintenance technicians serving various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, etc.
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiation Therapy: This course teaches students to become accustomed to and handle cancerous cell treatment through various radiotherapy techniques.
Cybersecurity: In this program, you’ll have to complete computer science and information technology coursework and equip yourself to provide the best cybersecurity services.

Besides, Southeast Arkansas College offers a range of services to help students in terms of academic counseling, group studies, and campusing. The college also provides financial aid to marginalized students through multiple initiatives.

5. South Arkansas Community College

Are you looking for a degree or certificate at South Arkansas Community College? Well, then, you are in luck. Various certificates and degrees are available at the main campus in El Dorado, Arkansas. Additional campuses are in Blytheville, Hope, and Judsonia.

The school was initially founded as the Junior College of South Arkansas in 1901 by the local YMCA chapter. In 1920 it became part of the University of Arkansas System. It was granted its current name in 2009.

South Arkansas Community College students can opt for the following programs.

General Business Administration: This program teaches students the skills to enter business positions. It includes learning about computer programs used in business, understanding global economics, accounting practices, business communications, and more.
Criminal Justice: Students seeking a career in law enforcement or criminal justice will benefit from this 2-year degree that will teach about criminal law, handling evidence, filing reports, etc.
Nursing: In this program, students learn about nursing practices and instructions related to nutrition, human physiology, and anatomy, as well as diet.

The college’s noncredit courses include computer literacy, cosmetology, and barbering. A typical class size at the college is 30 students, and there are approximately 1,500 students enrolled. It makes South Arkansas Community College an ideal place to earn your degree without sacrificing personal attention or the opportunity to make friends with classmates.

Students can access all the resources needed to succeed at South Arkansas Community College, including tutoring centers and career services counselors. They are available to help students plan for their future after graduation from this trade school.

6. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Located in De Queen, Arkansas, Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA) offers two-year degree programs in business and education. Established in 1975 as a prestigious group of the University of Arkansas group, CCCUA serves students in the southern Arkansas region.

It offers a range of associate degree and certificate programs in various fields, like the following.

Industrial Maintenance: This program teaches students about mechanical devices, welding, industrial motor use, fluid power, etc.
Welding Technology: Students will learn about welding techniques like oxyfuel equipment, shielded metal-arc proper welding, electrode classification, and using destructive and non-destructive methods to weld in this program.
Cosmetology: In this course, students will learn about work habits, hairdressing, safety judgments, aesthetics, manicuring, salesmanship, shop management, and more.

These programs provide specialized training for students who want to quickly enter the workforce or gain new skills in a specific field. Besides, the institute also offers student services, including tutoring, career counseling, academic advising, and resources for student wellness and personal development.

7. National Park College (NPC)

National Park College (NPC) is a community college located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It was founded in 1965 and served students in Garland County and the surrounding areas. The Higher Learning Commission accredits NPC.

The college offers associate degree and certificate programs in various fields, as mentioned below.

Welding Technology: This course teaches students basic metallurgy, various welding equipment, metal fabrication, welding techniques, etc.
Industrial Technology: This program teaches students the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain, operate, repair, and set up machines and control systems.
Marine Repair Technology: This course introduces students to engine repair, electrical fuel injection, marine electrical systems, and boat maintenance.

NPC is committed to providing its students with the necessary resources and support to succeed. It has several student organizations, clubs, athletics programs, and extracurricular activities.

In addition to its main campus in Hot Springs, NPC has satellite campuses in Malvern and Hot Springs Village and several off-campus locations throughout the region. The college is dedicated to providing quality education and support to its students and is an integral part of the local community.

Conclusion

Trade schools are the best choice if you have always wanted to work with tools and learn new technologies. However, the truth is that some trades are easier to learn if you join local classes offered through a community college.

So, when exploring trade schools in Arkansas, you’ll find a range of options, from short-term certificate programs to long-term bachelor’s degree programs.

Trade Schools in Arkansas

The below list of trade schools are available in Arkansas.

Henderson State University – Arkadelphia
Ouachita Baptist University – Arkadelphia
University of Arkansas Community College – Batesville – Batesville
Arkansas State University – Beebe – Beebe
NorthWest Arkansas Community College – Bentonville
Arkansas Northeastern College – Blytheville
Southern Arkansas University Tech – Camden
Arthur’s Beauty College – Conway
Central Baptist College – Conway
Hendrix College – Conway
University of Central Arkansas – Conway
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas – De Queen
Professional Cosmetology Education Center – El Dorado
South Arkansas Community College – El Dorado
Blue Cliff College – Fayetteville
East Arkansas Community College – Forrest City
Academy of Salon and Spa – Fort Smith
Arthur’s Beauty College – Fort Smith
Designer Barber & Stylist School – Fort Smith
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith – Fort Smith
North Arkansas College – Harrison
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas – Helena
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana – Hope
Hot Springs Beauty College – Hot Springs
National Park College – Hot Springs
Arkansas Welding Academy – Jacksonville
Arthur’s Beauty College – Jacksonville
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
Arthur’s Beauty College – Jonesboro
Arkansas Beauty School – Little Rock
Baptist Health College – Little Rock
Eastern College of Health Vocations – Little Rock
Goodfellas Barber College – Little Rock
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Little Rock
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Little Rock
University of Arkansas System eVersity – Little Rock
Velvatex College of Beauty Culture – Little Rock
Washington Barber College Inc – Little Rock
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus – Magnolia
Ozarka College – Melbourne
University of Arkansas Rich Mountain – Mena
University of Arkansas at Monticello – Monticello
University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton – Morrilton
Arkansas State University – Mountain Home – Mountain Home
Arkansas State University – Newport – Newport
Arkansas College of Barbering and Hair Design – North Little Rock
New Tyler Barber College Inc – North Little Rock
The Salon Professional Academy – North Little Rock
University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College – North Little Rock
New Beginnings Beauty Academy – Pine Bluff
Northern Technical College – Pine Bluff
Southeast Arkansas College – Pine Bluff
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Pine Bluff
Black River Technical College – Pocahontas
Academy of Professional Cosmetology – Rogers
Bryan University – Rogers
Arkansas Beauty College – Russellville
Arkansas Tech University – Russellville
River Valley School of Massage – Russellville
Harding University – Searcy
Searcy Beauty College – Searcy
Career Academy of Hair Design – Springdale
Northwest Technical Institute – Springdale
Arkansas State University Mid-South – West Memphis