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Ann Arbor is a vibrant city that lauds contrast – from rural to urban, sports, arts, and recreation, there is balance over a little bit of everything.
While prominent for the University of Michigan, trade schools are also extremely popular, thanks to the increasing demand for skilled workers.
Here, a skilled trade professional makes an average of $16.12/hour.
Depending on expertise, listed here are 10 trade schools.
Washtenaw Community College
About the School
The Washtenaw Community College is a product of the collective efforts and unified agenda of its residents.
In 1965, the Washtenaw County Voters urged the passing of providing financial support to fund a countywide community college.
Inaugurated in September of 1966, Washtenaw started in a makeshift campus at Willow, and 30 occupational programs.
From 1,200 students, WCC is now one of Michigan’s top-notch community colleges, with enrolments grossing up to 18,000 annually.
You’ll be amazed at how diverse the community is – over 1,000 students from 100+ countries.
Standing at a 285-acre campus, WCC boasts an instructional quality of teaching and is among one of the most envied post-secondary institutions – not to mention its strategically located centers, technology-enabled facilities, and an array of operating resources.
Courses Offered
With over 130+ program offerings, and a variety of class types to fit different student needs, there’s room for everyone in WCC.
One of the academic pathways at WCC is Skilled Trades & Construction which offers certificate programs such as the following:
Certificate
- Apprentice Completion (CTAC) – also available online
- Construction Supervision (CTCNS) – also available online
- Engineering and Design Technology (CTEDT)
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration – Residential (CTHVRR)
- Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship (CTPAIW)
- Welding and Fabrication Principles (CTWLDS)
Certificate programs in these skilled trade pathways lead to promising opportunities.
These are also high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage programs, backed by the Michigan Community College Network.
Each program in the skilled trade has a competitive curriculum.
HVAC programs are a gateway to becoming EPA-certified; Welding and Fabrication are backed by AWS-certified staff; CTPAIW graduates are automatically eligible for advanced standing in the Ironworker Local Union Apprenticeship Training Program.
Meanwhile, there are also other trade courses in other pathways like health sciences and advanced manufacturing.
Such pathways offer Dental Assisting and Automotive and Robotic Services Technician certificates.
The best thing about WCC is that most of the programs are funded, either by grants or scholarships or through a work-study set-up.
Contact
- Washtenaw Community College
- Address: 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Web: https://www.wccnet.edu/
- Contact: 734-973-3300
Ann Arbor School of Massage, Herbal & Natural Medicine
About the School
With over 10 years of experience, the Ann Arbor School of Massage, Herbal & Natural Medicine has crafted various opportunities for its students.
Backed by a healthy learning experience, this school creates a strong foundation for students seeking careers in massage therapy.
There’s also an herb lab and resource rooms, plus the smaller batches of students per class, make the guided hands-on approach more effective
Prospective students can also enjoy a free 30 min Hour “sit in on a class”, to prepare them of what to expect in this learning facility.
Courses
Ann Arbor School of Massage, Herbal & Natural Medicine caters to two major courses – Herbal Medicine Classes and Massage Therapy Program.
If you’re seeking a full Medical Assistant program, tuition is $7,700, excluding lab fees.
Another advantage of enrolling is the business and marketing training steeped into its curriculum.
Integrated as well are natural medicine principles, broadening the knowledge of each student in the field.
Contact
- Ann Arbor School of Massage, Herbal & Natural Medicine
- Address: 3684 W. Liberty Rd, w. of Wagner Rd.
- Web: https://www.naturopathicschoolofannarbor.net/
- Contact: 734-769-7794
Ann Arbor Electrical JATC
About the School
Ann Arbor Electrical JATC is dedicated to training students and apprentices to become highly qualified and licensed journeyman electricians.
The institution is focused on Electrician programs and has equipped dozens of professionals to become the finest in their field.
With numerous training partners, turning zero to skilled is not a challenge, given the amount of effort its faculty places on every student enrolled in each of their programs.
Here, you can expect to find field-experienced instructors who are hands-on in making skilled trade learning effortless even for novice students.
Seasoned students also enjoy the unparalleled experience of engaging in the latest technologies available for the industry.
Courses Offered
There are three courses offered at Ann Arbor Electrical JATC. Each program is designed with an intrinsic curriculum.
The Residential Apprentice program fits students who are interested in Residential work.
This can run for 3 to 4 years depending on a student’s place in completion, thus will be referred to as a “Residential Wireman”.
In this, students will undergo 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, making them eligible for the licensing examination.
Students who are keen on Voice, data, and video work should opt for the V.D.V. Apprentice program.
Completion of this 4-year program will deem one to be a Professional Installer Technician, and license-exam ready.
Meanwhile, the 5-year Inside Commercial Program trains one in all construction electrician areas – residential, commercial, and industrial.
After a rigorous 8000 hours of on-the-job training and 800 hours of classroom learning, you will be a ‘Journeyman Inside Wireman’ fit for the Michigan Licensing Examination.
Contact
- Ann Arbor Electrical JATC
- Address: 13400 Luick Drive Chelsea, Michigan 48118
- Web: https://www.aaejatc.org/
- Contact: 734.475.1180
Douglas J Aveda Institute
About the School
A career in the beauty industry is a fulfillment of dreams, passion, and security.
Thanks to people like Douglas J Weaver, the founder of Douglas J Aveda Institute, getting an education to equip you with more skills in cosmetology is now more possible, especially for folks in Ann Arbor.
This school has been extending its knowledge to people with alike passions since it opened its doors in 2004.
It is close to major transportation, so you don’t need to worry about coming to school even on a commute.
What’s better is the community of beauty enthusiasts and professionals within Aveda – as there are also schools around Michigan, Chicago, IL, and Knoxville.
It also keeps in touch with its alumni, so there’s a bigger network awaiting its students upon enrolment.
Courses Offered
Douglas J Aveda Institute has programs for esthiology, massage therapy, barbering, and cosmetology, and it’s the only institute that caters to all three.
The cosmetology program offers a 1,500-hour mix of practicum and classwork, that includes practical and theoretical knowledge in makeup, skincare, nailcare, haircutting, and styling.
Learn about full face and body waxing, facials, and a holistic approach to esthiology with Aveda products.
The esthiology program provides an extensive curriculum to mold future skin care professionals into being the best in their fields.
A career in massage therapy is making waves.
Apart from the flexibility of the job, it offers a rewarding experience for professionals, being able to aid in alleviating other people’s discomfort and pain.
In as fast as six months, a student can learn about anatomy, physiology, spa treatments, and the correct body movement techniques.
It’s also a lateral preparation for the State of Michigan Therapy Licensing Exam.
Aveda Institute also offers diversity with its barbering program.
People with a passion for hairstyling and entrepreneurship will definitely enjoy the 12-month course.
If you’re worried your current budget does not fit a beauty course, there are financial aids available to those who qualify.
Contact
- Douglas J Aveda Institute
- Address: 333 Maynard St Suite 201, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
- Web: https://douglasj.edu/
- Contact: 877.311.8957
Ross Medical Education Center
About the School
Ross Medical Education Center has a proven track record of building professionals all over the country.
With over 40 campus locations, spread out in the US, accessibility and convenience are at the forefront of this healthcare learning center.
You do not need to choose between your professional and personal responsibilities, because Ross caters to scheduling options and flexible courses for its students.
Ross ensures students can pursue new careers immediately, with its fast-paced yet extensive and well-rounded programs.
The diverse and supportive community makes learning more exciting, even with the complexity of topics in the available programs.
Courses Offered
There are various healthcare programs at the Ross Medical Education Center and Ross College.
In fact, it is centered in the fastest-growing medical fields, which is what enables graduates to go from graduation, straight to working opportunities.
At the Ann Arbor campus, there are two healthcare courses available – Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant.
The Medical Assistant program runs for 30-36 weeks and includes Introduction to the Office Laboratory, Medical Office Procedures, Hematology, Coding, Specialty Examinations, and many more.
Meanwhile, for the Dental Assistant program, students will expect to learn the Fundamentals of Dental Assisting, Dental Law and Ethics, and all other Dental assisting related procedures.
This course runs for 36 weeks in total.
Some programs available at other campuses are delivered online, such as Health Care Administration, Medical Administration, Pharmacy Technician, and Medical Assistant.
In addition to its extensive programs, Ross also partners with local employers to provide externship and clinical experiences.
Apart from the excellent delivery of learning instruction, and the hands-on approach of professors and instructors, Ross is also lauded for its diversity and inclusion.
The center makes it possible for people with disabilities to experience equal learning and opportunity programs and admits students of all colors, races, and diversities.
Contact
- Ross Medical Education Center
- Address: 4741 Washtenaw Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Web: https://rosseducation.edu/
- Contact: (734) 434-7320
National Personal Training Institute
About the School
The National Personal Training Institute is one of the first and largest personal trainer schools in the country.
It’s an institute that focuses on crafting highly skilled and trained personal trainers, but unlike common fitness learning institutions, NPTI offers diplomas rather than certificates.
Graduates from here, are also deemed educated and credentialed, as the institute caters to hands-on training, schooling, and recognition from the Department of Education.
When your job entails helping people become the best version of themselves, it’s paramount that you learn from the best too.
Courses Offered
There are two personal training diploma options at the NPTI Ann Arbor, and what’s best is that both have options to be attended virtually.
In the 500-Hour Hybrid Personal Training Diploma Course, you will be taught Anatomy, Physiology, Business Practices, and Posture/Movement Analysis.
After, you’ll be asked to practice that knowledge and learning at the local NationalPTI gym, nearest to you.
In this, students will be required to complete 200 hours of practical experience.
Meanwhile, the difference between the other program – the 500-Hour Virtual Personal Training Diploma Course (Virtual Learning & Practical), is that you can complete the 200-hour practical experience at home, or in a local fitness near you, rather than an NPTI gym.
Also, in every session, there’ll be a practical you have to accomplish.
Both programs include study materials, and live Zoom schedules with the instructors.
This practice ensures that instructors are able to take a hands-on approach to teaching and giving feedback.
After graduation, students will be given Lifetime validity of State Licenses Personal Training Diploma, NASM CPT, and NASM ACD (Academic Hands-on Certificate of Distinction).
A lifetime job placement assistance is also guaranteed.
There are two schedules – 6 and 12 months, and classes start every six weeks.
Contact
- National Personal Training Institute
- Address: 3393 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Web: https://nationalpti.org/school/ann-arbor-mi/
- Contact: 800-960-6294
Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology
About the School
In the Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology, students are not only taught the basics and principles of cosmetology.
They are also equipped with knowledge of proper branding, social media management, and marketing techniques to prepare them for a full-time beauty career.
The school’s in-house graphic designer and marketing team is also available for all students to access.
Another good thing is the flexibility of payment options that are offered here.
From pay-as-you-go financing to bi-weekly and weekly payments, this will lessen the hassle of pursuing the program.
Additionally, there are full-time, part-time, and online courses available, to ensure that it fits within your schedule.
Courses Offered
Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology has three programs designed to express your creativity.
- Cosmetology
- Nail Technology
- Instructor
The cosmetology program is best designed for individuals who are looking for a program that will cover each beauty aspect – hair, skin, and nails.
The 1,500-hour program is open for full-time only and runs for about 12 to 13 months.
Nail enthusiasts enrolled in the Nail Tech Program can finish the 400-hour course in as short as six months, plus, it can be completed in a hybrid setting.
Contact
- Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology
- Address: 2084 Whittaker Road Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
- Web: https://www.beautifulluxeschool.com/
- Contact: 734-821-8013
Heart to Heart Healthcare Training
About the School
Since 1997, Heart to Heart Healthcare Training has been shaping healthcare professionals.
It started out as the Bay Nurse Assistant Program, and now, after over 2 decades, the team has expanded to providing healthcare training to Dallas, Texas, and Michigan.
Beyond classroom training, course materials, and clinical lab sessions, H2H ensures that they go above and beyond in teaching future professionals.
Instructors and staff are with students at every step of their journey.
For those seeking a career in healthcare, H2H doesn’t only offer training and courses.
Their program extends until they make sure that their graduates get hired, either in local homes or hospitals.
Courses Offered
Healthcare is the primary course pathway offered at H2H, and currently, it offers six courses.
- Certified Nurse Assistant
- Medical Assistant Program
- Phlebotomy Technician Program
- CPR/AED/First Aid Course
- Patient Care Technician Program
- EKG Technician Course
Depending on the program, the length of study will vary but guaranteed that each curriculum is curated to meet the demands of the profession.
Online and hybrid learning is also available, which makes way for even more flexibility for its students.
With every course, students are matched to dedicated and experienced instructors, who are more than ready to extend their efforts for engagement and improved learning.
Each course will prepare individuals for the clinical and healthcare setting, hence the curriculum also includes familiarization on dealing with patients and the like.
Financial Aid is available through Climb Credit.
Contact
- Heart to Heart Healthcare Training
- Address: 317 Ecorse Rd #5, Superior Charter Twp, MI 48198
- Web: https://www.h2hhealth.com/
- Contact: 1-855-208-6615
MIAT College of Technology
About the School
Now a member of the Universal Technical Institute, MIAT College of Technology is among the numerous institutions providing technical education to thousands of individuals in pursuit of industry-relevant skills.
With more than 50 years of experience, since its inception in 1969, there’s no doubt that MIAT’s standing and reputation, are acknowledged by hundreds of employers.
Students are sure to find career-driven education upon enrolment.
MIAT has created a legacy in the technical training industry and has created connections that benefit its students, even after graduation.
Courses Offered
MIAT boasts an industry-customized curriculum for all of its seven pathway programs mainly:
- Aviation Programs
- Energy Technology Programs
- HVACR Technician Program
- Non-Destructive Testing Technician
- Robotics and Automation
- Welding Specialist – Canton
- Wind Power Technician Program
The aviation pathway includes an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, and the Airframe and Powerplant Technician Program, which are both eligible for FAA Mechanic Certificates upon completion.
If you’re interested in the energy technology industry, there are three programs in MIAT – Wind Power Technician, Associate of Applied Science Degree in Energy Technology, and Industrial Maintenance Technician, which runs from 7 to 16 months accordingly.
Meanwhile, the 9 Month-HVAC program allows students to earn multiple certificates while in school.
Contact
- MIAT College of Technology
- Address: 2955 S Haggerty Rd, Canton, MI 48188, United States
- Web: https://miat.edu/
- Contact: 800-447-1310
Northwestern Technological Institute
About the School
With over 35 years in the business, Northwestern Tech is one of the leading Skilled Trade Schools in the country.
Keen on its HVAC/R programs, the institute has made a name in the industry, not to mention, producing professionals who are now on the pedestal in their chosen fields.
The unparalleled effort put into the training process enables a seamless learning experience for students – beginners, and skilled.
NTI is adaptive and innovative to the latest technologies, so even seasoned students can still expect to learn a lot from the programs.
Courses Offered
Specializing in HVAC, there are 9 courses to choose from.
Whichever you feel your heart into, the 10½ month curriculum for each program guarantees expert-based learning, with promised assistance to aid all students in becoming HVAC-field ready.
Programs
- Air Conditioning
- Electrical
- Heating
- Trouble Shooting
- Heat Pumps
- Refrigeration
- Boilers
- Installation
- Property Maintenance
Northwestern Tech Graduates are also eligible for 4 HVAC Certifications, mainly EPA 609 Auto Air, TracPipe Certification, EPA 608 Universal, and R-410a Certification.
At the same time, students are given the same hands-on approach to building their resumes and plotting career goals, so opportunities to work will be more accessible.
Plus, with HVAC Job fairs open for students and graduates, job matching is even more seamless.
There are morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, so whether you’re working or have prior responsibilities, squeezing school won’t be a problem.
Contact
- NorthWestern Technological Institute
- Address: 24800 Northwestern Hwy Southfield, MI 48075
- Web: https://northwesterntech.edu/
- Contact: (248) 358-4006
Trade Schools in Michigan by City
See trade schools in Michigan >>Final Thoughts
With Ann Arbor being one of the most populous cities in Michigan, it’s no surprise that there’s a bountiful number of trade schools in the area.
In this list, we’ve mentioned an array of competent schools and their expert trade programs for your consideration.
Now it’s time to decide where you’re taking the next step toward your future career goals.