MI School Directory
Browse 13 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs in Michigan
13
Schools
12
Cities
14
Trade Programs
Michigan's trade education landscape is shaped by the auto industry. Schools like Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Wayne County Community College, Schoolcraft College, and Lansing Community College all run strong programs for the OEM and supplier base, with Dunwoody-style specialty institutions and Universal Technical Institute (Bloomfield) adding depth. Recent legislation has made community college free for many residents through Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
Michigan's trade demand is driven by the EV transition (Ford's Rouge, GM's Factory ZERO, Stellantis Detroit Assembly), battery plant construction (Ultium, BlueOval), and the broad supplier base across southeast Michigan. Industrial maintenance technicians, electricians, welders, and CNC machinists are all in high demand. Healthcare hiring around Henry Ford Health, Beaumont, and Spectrum drives strong medical assistant and pharmacy tech enrollment.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in MI.
EV plant construction (BlueOval, Ultium) plus Detroit-area commercial and residential demand
OEM and supplier base across southeast Michigan; Tier-1 and Tier-2 manufacturing hiring
OEM dealer networks plus aftermarket and EV-specialist roles emerging
Cold winters create year-round residential and commercial repair demand
Henry Ford Health, Beaumont, and Corewell Health drive Detroit and West Michigan hiring
Typical range
$4,000–$17,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$6,249
Across 13 schools
Schools listed
13
In 12 cities
See our full trade school cost guide for state-by-state breakdowns and a deeper look at how to fund your training.
Trade licensing in MI varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | MI Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Michigan LARA Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician license |
| Plumber | Michigan LARA Apprentice → Journey Plumber → Master Plumber license |
| HVAC Technician | Michigan Mechanical Contractor license; EPA 608 required |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by Michigan SOS; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours + Michigan Board of Cosmetology exam |
For many residents, yes. Michigan Reconnect covers in-district community college tuition for residents 21 and older without a degree. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $2,750/year for recent high school graduates at community colleges (and more at four-year schools). Both apply to most trade programs.
Public community college tuition in Michigan runs $115-$165 per credit hour for in-district students, putting most trade diplomas in the $4,000-$9,000 range. Private trade schools run $12,000-$17,000. With Michigan Reconnect, many adults pay $0 in tuition for trade programs at community colleges.
Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Washtenaw Community College, and Universal Technical Institute (Bloomfield) all run strong automotive programs. Several have direct OEM relationships (Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, Toyota T-TEN) that combine school with paid dealership work.
Most accredited Michigan community colleges and private trade schools accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency maintains the state-approved program list and offers additional in-state tuition benefits for veterans.
18660 Ford Road, Detroit, MI 48228
$14,750
700 students
801 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226
$4,500
16,500 students
With 13 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in MI: