Minnesota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Minnesota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Minnesota
Average Cost of Trade School in Minnesota
Trade school costs in Minnesota often reflect a mix of construction, utilities, and industrial work. Programs tied to these fields may include additional certification or equipment costs, but employer support can help offset expenses. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $746 higher than in-state on average.
| Minnesota Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $6,383 |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $7,129 |
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Minnesota
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.
Paying for Trade School in Minnesota
Trade school expenses aren’t always limited to tuition, which is why many students seek outside help. Scholarships and workforce funding are two common sources. Employer assistance may be available depending on the trade. Minnesota scholarships
If borrowing is unavoidable, comparing private loan rates and repayment terms before choosing a lender is important: Compare private student loan rates
Minnesota Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- In Minnesota, many trade certificates take 6–18 months, while apprenticeships commonly last 3–5 years depending on required hours and related instruction.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and locality. Some trades require licensing and exams, while permitting/inspection can be local—verify requirements with Minnesota agencies and your city/county.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Want to see what trades pay in Minnesota?
View the Minnesota skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Top Apprenticeship Programs in Minnesota
Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Minnesota.
The Military Veteran Automotive Technician opportunity is offered through the Kia Veterans Technician Apprenticeship Program (VTAP), a registered occupation created specifically to help transitioning military Veterans build long-term careers in automotive service.
The Cement Masons & Plasterers Registered Apprenticeship through Local 633 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) offers a proven, industry-recognized pathway into the skilled construction trades.
The Cement Masons, Plasterers & Shophands Local 633 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) Training Center offers a comprehensive, union-sponsored apprenticeship program designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in concrete construction.
The Minnesota Iron Workers Local 512 Apprenticeship Program offers one of the state’s most rigorous and respected pathways into the ironworking trade.
Leading Automotive Programs in Minnesota
Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Minnesota.
Ridgewater College is a leading technical and community college in Minnesota, offering highly respected hands-on training programs that prepare students for skilled trade careers across manufacturing, construction, transportation, utilities, and service industries.
Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is one of Minnesota’s oldest and most established community and technical institutions, offering a wide range of hands-on trade and technical programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers across the region.
Newgate School is a nonprofit technical training institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, known for its highly respected, tuition-free automotive and auto body repair programs.
Northwest Technical College (NTC) in Bemidji, Minnesota is a workforce-driven institution offering high-demand skilled trade and technical programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment across northern Minnesota and the broader Midwest.
Pine Technical & Community College (PTCC), located in Pine City, Minnesota, is a career-focused technical institution known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, small class sizes, and direct alignment with Minnesota’s workforce needs.
Saint Paul College is one of Minnesota’s most established public technical colleges, offering a wide range of skilled trade, technical, and workforce training programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand industries.
Midway Vo Tech in Oakdale, Minnesota is a long-established vocational institution offering career-focused training for individuals looking to develop practical skills in high-demand trades.
Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) is a recognized leader in Minnesota’s technical education system, offering a wide range of high-quality, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment in skilled trades and industrial occupations.
Anoka Technical College is a well-established technical institution in Minnesota offering a wide range of career-focused trade programs designed to prepare students for high-demand industrial, construction, and manufacturing careers.
Top Carpentry Programs in Minnesota
Explore the most trusted Carpentry programs available in Minnesota.
The Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM) is a premier training center dedicated to preparing students for careers in the finishing trades, including commercial and residential painting, industrial coatings, drywall finishing, glazing, glass installation, and sign and display production.
Summit Academy OIC is a well-established nonprofit technical training institution in Minneapolis that focuses on providing practical, career-ready education for students entering high-demand skilled trades.
Leading Construction Programs in Minnesota
Discover top-rated Construction training options available in Minnesota.
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is one of Minnesota’s leading career and technical institutions, offering a wide range of hands-on programs that prepare students for high-demand skilled trade careers across the region.
Top Electrician Programs in Minnesota
Explore the most trusted Electrician programs available in Minnesota.
Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) offers industry-focused programs in Electrical Construction and Plumbing Technology, designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Hennepin Technical College offers comprehensive Electrical and Plumbing programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis is known for delivering deeply hands-on training in the skilled trades, with electrician and plumbing programs structured around real-world building systems rather than abstract coursework.
Best Plumbing Programs in Minnesota
Browse accredited and verified Plumbing programs across Minnesota.
South Central College (SCC) in North Mankato is known for its comprehensive trade and technical training programs, with one of the most respected Plumbing programs in the region.