Updated August 13, 2025
If you live in North Dakota and you're ready to build a hands-on career, a trade school can get you working faster than a four-year college. Most programs take two years or less, and many prepare you for industry certification or licensing. The key is to choose the right school for your trade and location. Here's what you need to know before enrolling.
Trade careers are in steady demand across North Dakota. Skilled workers keep the oil fields running, maintain farm equipment, wire new housing developments, and staff healthcare facilities. Employers are looking for workers who can do the job safely and right the first time. That's why classroom training and hands-on experience are so important.
A trade school will:
Note: Many licensing requirements are set at the state level. Always check with the North Dakota licensing board for your trade before committing to a program.
NDSCS offers a wide range of technical programs including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, diesel technology, welding, and health sciences. The labs are set up to mirror real job sites, and instructors often come directly from the field.
Popular programs:
Contact: https://www.ndscs.edu/
Known for its energy and power programs, Bismarck State College trains workers for utility, instrumentation, and process plant jobs that are in demand in the state's energy sector. The school also offers programs in auto technology, cybersecurity, and more.
Popular programs:
Contact: https://bismarckstate.edu/
Lake Region offers solid health, technical, and business training programs. It's a good choice if you're interested in law enforcement, wind energy, or nursing.
Popular programs:
Contact: https://lrsc.edu/
Located in the heart of the Bakken oil region, Williston State offers trades programs connected to the local economy. If you're looking for jobs in energy or industrial maintenance, they have targeted options.
Popular programs:
Contact: https://willistonstate.edu/
UTTC offers smaller class sizes with an emphasis on community and culturally relevant education. Trades programs include automotive technology and heavy equipment operation.
Popular programs:
Contact: https://uttc.edu/
Selecting a trade school isn't just about location. Each program has different tools, instructors, and employer connections. Here's what to look for:
Program Type | Typical Duration |
---|---|
Certificate/Diploma | 6-18 months |
Associate of Applied Science | 2 years |
Apprenticeship (varies by trade) | 2-5 years |
Each skilled trade has its own rules for licensing. Some trades, like electricians and plumbers, require both classroom hours and supervised work hours before you can apply for a license.
North Dakota Electrical Board Rule:
Journeyman applicants must complete an approved apprenticeship and pass the state exam to receive a license.
Source: North Dakota State Electrical Board
Always confirm the latest licensing rules before applying to a program. Requirements can change.
Many trades require safety training and certifications in addition to technical skills. For example, OSHA safety courses are common in construction, welding, and industrial programs. Employers look for workers who understand both the work and the safety behind it.
Common certifications:
If you want a career that gets you working quickly, a trade school in North Dakota can be the right move. Look for programs that are well-known in your trade, provide quality hands-on training, and help you meet licensing or certification requirements. Visit the campus, ask questions, and compare more than one school before you commit.
Next step: Make a shortlist of schools from this guide, visit their websites, and set up a tour. Seeing the labs and meeting instructors will tell you if it's the right fit for your career goals.
Sources:
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