Trade Schools in Michigan
Academic institutions known as trade schools in Michigan aim to teach individuals various professional skills, helping them fit into a prospective occupation. Even though half of Michigan’s graduates hold bachelor’s degrees, many wish to pursue associate and certificate degree programs. Healthcare, a fast-expanding industry in the state, is the most popular sector for students attending community colleges or other vocational trade programs.

There is a wide range of trade and vocational schools to pick from around the state. But when so many possibilities are available, choosing a suitable institution to enroll in is difficult. So, here we have brought forth some of the best trade schools in Michigan for your convenience. Have a look!
1. Alpena Community College
With its 2 nearby campuses, small class numbers, and emphasis on close contact between students and faculty, Alpena Community College provides students with a supportive academic journey into higher education. The available vocational programs are career-focused and help students prepare for their desired professions while assisting them in growing as individuals.
Many fields of study are available, including technical degrees in healthcare, business, economics, and criminal justice. Some programs also allow students to transfer to 4-year degree programs if they want to.
Besides, a library, student services center, volunteer centers, wireless internet access across campus, and other amenities are profusely available to all students.
2. Oakland Community College
Oakland Community College is one of Michigan’s greatest trade schools, with a wide selection of programs in several fields.
This community college was established in 1964 as a public institution in Michigan’s Oakland County. Currently, 5 campuses make up Oakland Community College, which the Higher Learning Commission authorized.
In addition, the college offers 41 certificate programs and 57 associate degrees in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
A degree or certification from this trade school can give you enhanced confidence to begin your first or next professional career.
3. Northwestern Technological Institute
Southfield’s Northwestern Technological Institute serves as a reliable HVAC training facility. The institution opened its doors in 1979 and has produced hundreds of accomplished alums. 9 classrooms at the institute are outfitted with a range of technology, from the most recent models to older gadgets still in use.
Besides, instructors with practical industry expertise follow a hands-on approach to teach the foundations of the mechanical and HVAC/R trades. Students in the program can get 4 national HVAC certifications. These include the EPA 608 Universal Certification, the R-410a Certification, the Trac Pipe Certification, and the EPA 609 Auto Air Certification.
Graduates might become qualified HVAC technicians in less than a year as the course takes roughly 10½ months. In addition, the school provides morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to suit students’ schedules.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs authorized Northwestern Technological Institute to operate under its license. Also, this institute received the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges certification.
4. Baker College
Established in 1911, Baker College is a Michigan-based, well-recognized private, non-profit American college. The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is home to 8 of its campuses. The school now offers several degree programs in various subject areas, including culinary arts, teaching, dental hygiene, engineering, computer technology, and human resources.
Since it is a private non-profit institution, it is not concerned with making a profit for investors but with providing the finest learning experience to its students. You can utilize Baker Online, Baker College’s virtual campus if you have a hectic schedule.
However, classes offered through Baker Online are not self-paced. As a result, they have pre-set start and finish dates for the course and due dates for assignments. It helps students stay on schedule for earning their degrees.
Students can easily engage with classmates and competent online lecturers in virtual classrooms. Also, they can do their assignments day or night, owing to the school’s abundant library resources and 24/7 courses.
The trade school is the first Michigan Technical Education Center in the nation, specializing in technical training and career advancement for working people. Besides, students at Baker College have access to over 230 scholarship opportunities offered by private organizations and the Baker College Foundation.
5. Great Lakes Boat Building School
3 programs are available at the Great Lakes Boat Building School, which enrolls roughly 20 students. It consists of a thorough boat-building career curriculum, a program on maritime service technology, and a course on small engines. The Accrediting Council for Career Schools and Colleges has granted the school accreditation.
However, the admission requirements for this trade school include a GED or high school diploma and an interview. To earn the degree and graduate, they must complete the necessary credits and instructional hours while showcasing their understanding of the subject matter.
6. Michigan Builders License & Continuing Competency
Pre-licensing and ongoing competency training are available to aspiring and seasoned builders through Michigan Builders License & Continuing Competency. It offers adult students the best certification instruction currently available for the Michigan Builders License.
The school has created self-study software. So, anywhere with internet connectivity, be it at home, work, or any other location, students can learn at their speed.
Michigan Builders License is an industry leader in the United States for professional certification training. Their course costs vary by class, ranging from $109.97 to $647.97.
7. Kalamazoo Valley Community College
One of Michigan’s most reasonably priced trade and vocational colleges is Kalamazoo Valley Community College. It reported an average net price (tuition fee) of about $4,100 for the 2017–2018 academic year.
When returning to school after a break, students might discover like-minded peers at this institution since each semester, about 8,000 students enroll in credit programs here. It makes up 21% of the student body, aged between 25 and 39.
Besides, the personnel, resources, and services of Kalamazoo Valley Community College assist in fulfilling community, commercial, and professional development requirements. Through facility leases, education, community workshops, and training, the Strategic Business and Community Development branch of Kalamazoo Valley Community College provides development options in the city that are intended to increase the regional footprint.
The institute aims to provide people with a unique personalized experience through cutting-edge education and state-of-the-art facilities. It even offers corporate training programs.
8. Health Care Solutions and Career Group
At its facilities in Allen Park and Detroit, Health Care Solutions and Career Group train aspiring healthcare technicians and nursing assistants. Depending on the curriculum, the length of the classes ranges from 4 hours to 15 weeks.
Filling out an application in person at the school office will register prospective pupils. However, you need a legitimate picture ID to apply.
A course deposit is furthermore required. The tuition fee varies per program and ranges from $300 to 2,500. Textbooks, theory, a lab rotation, a clinical rotation, and assistance in finding a career are all included in this expense.
Besides, there are also other payment schedules offered. The cost of the CPR-BLS is $60 for new students and $55 for returning students.
9. Mott Community College
For students pursuing a vocational or trade degree, Mott Community College offers many Associates of Applied Science degrees in career-specific fields relating to business, healthcare, human services, industry, or technology.
After completing the program, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce. Some students may even choose to work and study simultaneously.
On Mott’s official website, prospective students may find detailed information about potential job opportunities associated with each degree, including career prospects and career predictions, on each program page. After completing a program, many even prepare for the licensing examination.
10. Phlebotomy Training Center
Medical staff can get comprehensive training in various disciplines from the Phlebotomy Training Center. Since 2009, Phlebotomy Career Training has graduated candidates from all over the country and local Michigan students for a wide range of medical jobs in online and offline modes.
Their course lengths range from 4 weeks to 5 months. Nancy Kimmel owns and directs the online and offline seminars at Phlebotomy Career Training. In addition to having a Ph.D., she is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Thus, she offers students many minute details of the profession, helping their overall development.
Depending on the class, in-person instruction costs around $600 to $2,500, while online education costs $300 to $999.
11. Detroit Training Center
The Detroit Training Center offers a wide range of programs for training in construction and workforce development. It primarily provides programs on building small houses and operating heavy-duty equipment, green infrastructure training, welding seminars, and workshops for home remodeling. The program you choose will determine your application requirements.
For instance, to participate in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, prospective students must be at least 21 years old and pass D.O.T. physical and drug tests. Also, candidates must have a valid driver’s license in the United States for the previous 3 years.
Depending on the curriculum and the number of training hours, fees change. Compared to the price of a 6-person home renovation workshop, the CDL-A Commercial Driver’s License program costs $4,995. Also, in contrast to the 16-hour lead inspector training, which costs $350, the 24-hour lead inspector course costs $450.
12. Abcott Institute
The medical assistant, practical nurse, surgical technician, and HVAC/R systems technician programs at Abcott Institute each have about 150 undergraduate students enrolled. A medical testing facility for various evaluations and exams is also housed inside the institution.
Students must have a GED or a high school diploma to be admitted. Besides, they must pass the certification examinations, if necessary, and earn 39 to 60 credits to graduate. The Council on Occupational Education has approved the institution for accreditation.
13. Macomb Community College
One of the finest trade schools in Michigan is Macomb Community College. It was founded in 1954. As of 2018, more than 42,000 students were enrolled in classes, and more than half went for credits, accreditation, or degrees.
This trade school provides a degree of Associate of Applied Science in Ultrasound Medical Diagnostics. It is one of the most profitable healthcare careers, with the greatest growth for individuals having a high school diploma or less.
However, the institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Thus, it also provides a variety of IT degrees, such as an Associate in Applied Science and a Certificate in Game Programming.
14. Lansing Community College
A well-liked option for students wishing to study in Michigan is Lansing Community College, a public university in Lansing. The Higher Learning Commission approved this college.
It ensures that all its students achieve their academic goals while accessing high-quality education on campus. Thus, this trade school offers 230 associate degree and certificate programs, giving you a wide range of options to pick from.
Additionally, students can acquire life skills that will enable them to better support and care for their families, communities, and themselves as engaged global citizens.
15. Wayne County Community College District
Located all around the state, the Wayne County Community College District consists of 5 campuses and academic buildings. By contacting organizations, firms, and vocations in urban, rural, and industrial locations, students can gain enhanced experience in their study field. Vocational and professional programs are the college’s main areas of concentration.
College transfer possibilities also exist if you wish to shift to a 4-year degree program. Also, students can access study material via the internet or the learning resource centers at each location.
Besides, students who are employed and need additional convenience and flexibility can enroll in weekend college. It offers courses on Friday nights and Saturday mornings, and afternoons.
16. Henry Ford Community College
To help students reach their goals, Henry Ford Community College aims to teach and equip them with enhanced technical skills. This Michigan school is committed to providing students with information, communication skills, and cultural experiences as they are ready for a rapidly changing world and industry.
Additionally, this college organizes training courses for people seeking entry-level positions in skilled trades and those with advanced industrial skills. These programs, created in partnership with the industry, provide the necessary practical and theoretical knowledge and skills for finishing on-the-job training successfully.
Conclusion
Trade schools in Michigan employ a career-focused curriculum, allowing you to pick up essential skills quickly. Thousands of students who graduated from trade schools have developed outstanding abilities that have boosted their careers and allowed them to compete for well-paying employment.
Michigan’s top sectors needing a highly qualified workforce are car manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, and military defense. Thus, learning these trades professionally can give you access to diverse employment opportunities.
Trade Schools in Michigan
The below list of trade schools are available in Michigan.
- Ross Medical Education Center – Ann Arbor
- Washtenaw Community College – Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Concordia University – Ann Arbor
- Kellogg Community College – Battle Creek
- Ross Medical Education Center – Battle Creek
- Henry Ford College – Dearborn
- University of Michigan – Dearborn
- Wayne County Community College District – Detroit
- University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit
- Metro Detroit Barber College – Detroit
- Douglas J Aveda Institute – East Lansing
- Michigan State University – East Lansing
- Mott Community College – Flint
- Ross Medical Education Center – Flint
- University of Michigan – Flint
- Grand Rapids Community College – Grand Rapids
- Ross Medical Education Center – Grand Rapids
- Western Michigan University – Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo Valley Community College – Kalamazoo
- Ross Medical Education Center – Kalamazoo
- Ross Medical Education Center – Kentwood
- Lansing Community College – Lansing
- Ross Medical Education Center – Lansing
- Schoolcraft College – Livonia
- Ross Medical Education Center – Saginaw
- Saginaw Valley State University – Saginaw
- Northwestern Technological Institute – Southfield
- U.S. Truck Driver Training School – Sterling Heights
- Michigan College of Beauty – Troy
- Macomb Community College – Warren