Best Trade Schools in North Dakota

Updated August 13, 2025

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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 Programs in North Dakota

Why Choose a Trade School in North Dakota

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:

  • Give you skills you can apply on day one.
  • Prepare you for license or certification exams.
  • Connect you with local employers through internships or apprenticeships.
  • Offer shorter and more affordable training compared to most degrees.

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.

Top Trade Schools in North Dakota

1. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) - Wahpeton & Fargo

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:

  • Welding Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • Practical Nursing

Contact: https://www.ndscs.edu/

2. Bismarck State College - Bismarck

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:

  • Power Plant Technology
  • Instrumentation & Control Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Contact: https://bismarckstate.edu/

3. Lake Region State College - Devils Lake

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:

  • Wind Energy Technician
  • Practical Nursing
  • Law Enforcement
  • Welding

Contact: https://lrsc.edu/

4. Williston State College - Williston

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:

  • Petroleum Production Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Diesel Technology

Contact: https://willistonstate.edu/

5. United Tribes Technical College - Bismarck

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:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Building Trades

Contact: https://uttc.edu/

How to Choose the Right Trade School

Selecting a trade school isn't just about location. Each program has different tools, instructors, and employer connections. Here's what to look for:

  1. Accreditation - Check if the school is accredited or licensed in North Dakota.
  2. Program Length - Decide if you want a one-year diploma or a two-year associate degree.
  3. Hands-On Training - Visit the labs and see the tools you'll train on.
  4. Job Placement Support - Ask if they connect students with apprenticeships or employers.
  5. Licensing Preparation - Make sure the coursework meets state licensing requirements.

Example: Program Lengths in North Dakota

Program Type Typical Duration
Certificate/Diploma 6-18 months
Associate of Applied Science 2 years
Apprenticeship (varies by trade) 2-5 years

North Dakota Licensing Basics

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.

Steps to Start a Trade Career in North Dakota

  1. Choose your trade based on interest and job demand.
  2. Research schools offering the program you need.
  3. Confirm the program meets licensing or certification standards.
  4. Apply for financial aid if needed.
  5. Enroll and start your training.
  6. Complete any apprenticeship or work experience requirements.
  7. Apply for your license or certification.

Industry and Safety Training

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:

Final Advice

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.


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