Top 7 Trade Schools in South Dakota

If you are looking for a school for higher education but don’t have the desire to spend years in college or dish out an exorbitant amount of money, trade schools in South Dakota are the right choice for you. Not only do these schools offer career and technical programs, but they also give you a chance you begin working right after school. In some cases, you can even earn an income while studying to earn your credentials!

However, searching for the perfect trade school may require some effort and patience. To help you ease this task, this article will let you in on the best trade schools in South Dakota with all the details regarding programs, accreditation, fees, financial aid options, and more. Let’s get going!

Best Trade Schools in South Dakota

Take a look at this comprehensive list of the best trade schools in South Dakota that will help you with your career exploration and finding the right school.

1. Lake Area Technical College

Established in 1965, Lake Area Technical College offers 31 programs to make students competent in various technical fields. Students get to learn in small, interactive classes while making use of the latest technology relevant to their field. You can get a job in an area with high demand by attending the school’s unique technical education program. The programs are always being updated at the institution.

The programs offered include automotive technology, business, community health work, agriculture, building trades technology, dental assisting – certified, aviation professional fixed-wing pilot, computer information systems, custom paint & fabrication, cosmetology, diesel technology, energy operations, electronics systems technology, energy technology, heavy equipment operator, financial services, law enforcement, medical assisting, physical therapist assistant, precision machining, and more.

The Lake Area Technical College has received recognition from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school offers various types of financial aid, including the federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), federal work-study, scholarships, and more. Students can also leverage veterans’ benefits and services offered at the college.

2. Western Dakota Technical College

The only technical institute in western South Dakota, Western Dakota Technical College offers courses in various in-demand fields, including construction and manufacturing, transportation technologies, legal and public services, health sciences, energy and environmental technologies, and business and computers. The professional sectors and businesses represented by the programs we provide are some of the most rapidly expanding. The school boasts of high placement rates for graduates within six months of program completion.

The school offers a variety of programs, including computer-aided design, accounting, social media marketing, allied health, automotive technology, computer science, autonomous equipment technician, construction technology, bookkeeping, business & technology, diesel technology, entrepreneurship, dental assisting, hospitality, criminal justice, business office professional, industrial maintenance, drafting and machining technology, electrical trades, environmental engineering tech, health information management, HVAC & refrigeration technology, and many more.

Students can benefit from the military & veterans services offered at the school. The Career Services Office helps students with resume writing and updating, job searching, interview skills, and application assistance. The financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), federal work-study program, and others. Western Dakota Technical College is a Higher Learning Commission-recognized institute.

3. Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College is a two-year institution that offers several associate degrees, diplomas, non-degree courses, and certificates. The programs are taught in first-rate facilities and have schedules made to match the lifestyle of students. pupils to graduate with the qualifications they require to land the finest employment conceivable. Through their participation in classes, labs, and internships, students have several opportunities to practice these technical abilities.

The programs offered include veterinary technician, automotive technology, diesel technology, commercial driver’s license training course, tele-construction, technical studies, media design technology, mechatronics technology, computer programming, IT certification preparation classes, system and network security, welding, HVAC/R technology, construction program, early childhood specialist, law enforcement science, horticulture technology, licensed practical nurse (LPN), surgical technology, and many more.

The Career Services team helps students with interview skills, resumes, and cover letters to find the right job. Students can work with the Financial Aid staff to put up a package through federal aid, scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans that will assist in meeting their financial needs. Southeast Technical College has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

4. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a land grant school that provides a rich academic experience through motivated, student-centered instruction and imaginative activities. The school incorporates research, innovation, and involvement in its programs that enhance the quality of education. At SDSU, students get involved in community service, daily campus activities, cutting-edge research, performing arts, and Division I athletics.

The programs offered include agriculture science, American civic traditions, animation, agriculture and environmental law, ceramics, bioprocessing sciences, construction technologies, art history, engineering technology, data science, general studies, engineering graphics, human development & family services, geographic information sciences, pharmacology, lobbying & government advocacy, pre-chiropractic, phlebotomy, respiratory care, and more.

Students get the chance to network, pursue their profession, and try something new at the university. Students can apply for financial aid, which includes work-study programs, grants, scholarships, veterans’ military benefits, FAFSA, and more. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has recognized South Dakota State University.

5. Stewart School

Stewart School helps you build your practical abilities with a focus on your future profession. The salon-ready methodology that the school uses helps develop a culture of collaboration, innovation, and commercial success in students. Your first eight training days as a cosmetology student provide you the chance to decide whether this field and school are a good fit for you. Senior Cosmetology Instructors with a license to teach aesthetics and nail technology.

The programs offered include cosmetology, massage therapy, esthetics, and nail technology. In the course of your studies, you will get expertise in a range of coloring techniques, chemical hair reformation, cutting, styling, and dealing with all hair textures. Along with skincare, cosmetology also covers microdermabrasion, cosmetics application, lash extensions, nail care, nail drill, and associated safety and sanitary training.

Along with the standard hair, skin, and nail services, you will also have the opportunity to learn about social media and the business-related aspects of the industry. The esthetics program can be completed in 22 weeks, nail technology lasts 14 weeks, and the massage therapy course includes 600 hours of training. The school offers federal aid programs to help students support their education. Stewart School has received accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

6. AETech Electrical Training Centre

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the AETech Electrical Training Centre caters to the needs of electricians seeking electrical instruction. The school offers a 4-month Apprentice training program that may be used as a pre-employment class to land a high-earning job in the trade. The school offers electrical apprentice classes, NEC reviews, electrical license exam prep classes, NEC code change classes, grounding vs bonding, and online testing.

Students can join it as part of an electrical apprenticeship education course, as a source of education for an apprentice who is already working, or both. The full-time day program will hasten your progress toward employment in an exciting, well-paying job as an electrician. To pass their Journeyman, Master, Electrical Contractor, or Electrical Inspector licensing tests, many working electricians have found it helpful to attend an exam preparation course.

The school also provides safety training, including OSHA and NFPA 70E. To help electricians fulfill their NEC Code CEU requirements for license renewal and to keep them informed of code changes, the school also offers continuing education sessions on the National Electrical Code. Assistance with job placement will help you with updating your resume and giving you contacts for electrical contractors who are recruiting. Students can access electrical training books and videos.

7. Sisseton Wahpeton College

Sisseton Wahpeton College (SWC) offers Associate of Art degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, Associate of Science degrees, certificates, and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of fields. The courses offered by SWC are created to give students the chance to gain knowledge, expertise, and experience in a variety of fields. SWC is open to anybody looking to advance their professional development or develop new abilities. The school aims for the intellectual, cultural, and personal development of every member of its community through its programs.

The students can enroll in a wide range of programs which include multimedia technology, general building trades technology, behavioral science, Dakota studies, business administration, carpentry technology, culinary food science, licensed practical nursing, addiction & diversity counseling, business specialist, Dakota language teaching, early childhood development, life skills, and tribal arts. Students can transfer to a four-year program or look for a job right away after program completion.

The tuition cost for ISC-funded students is $140 per semester hour, and that for non-ISC-funded students is $160 per semester hour. The school offers financial to support your educational fund requirements. The North Central Association and the Higher Learning Commission both recognize Sisseton Wahpeton College as an institution of higher learning. The South Dakota Board of Nursing has given the Nursing Programme its approval. SWC is part of the Association of Community Colleges and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.

Winding Up

Vocational schools offer a wide range of programs that will help you earn competitive income in a short amount of time. While searching for a program in South Dakota, ensure to look for accreditation, program eligibility criteria, mode of delivery, and financial aid options. This will help you get a better-quality education without worrying about the legibility of your degrees and certificates.

Trade Schools in South Dakota

Presentation College – Aberdeen
Northern State University – Aberdeen
South Dakota State University – Brookings
Oglala Lakota College – Kyle
Dakota State University – Madison
Sinte Gleska University – Mission
Mitchell Technical College – Mitchell
Western Dakota Technical Institute – Rapid City
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology – Rapid City
Southeast Technical College – Sioux Falls
University of Sioux Falls – Sioux Falls
Sanford Medical Center – Sioux Falls
Avera McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology – Sioux Falls
Augustana University – Sioux Falls
Sisseton Wahpeton College – Sisseton
Black Hills State University – Spearfish
University of South Dakota – Vermillion
Lake Area Technical Institute – Watertown
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital – Yankton
Mount Marty University – Yankton