North Dakota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

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Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in North Dakota

Average Cost of Trade School in North Dakota

Paying for trade school in North Dakota usually involves fewer programs spread across a large area. Tuition can be reasonable, but travel, housing, and time away from work are often bigger cost factors. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $376 higher than in-state on average.

North Dakota Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) $6,111
North Dakota Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) $6,487

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.

What this includes: Tuition baseline for public 2-year institutions. What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.

Average Cost of Apprenticeship in North Dakota

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 North Dakota

Some students use paid work or apprenticeships to cover living expenses while leaning on scholarships for tuition. Others qualify for workforce funding or employer reimbursement. The mix depends on the trade and the employer. North Dakota scholarships

For anyone considering a private loan, comparing repayment options before committing is important: Compare private student loan rates

North Dakota Timeline, Pay & Licensing

  • North Dakota trade training often includes 6–18 months for entry-level credentials, while apprenticeships commonly take 3–5 years as you meet required hours and milestones.
  • Licensing varies by trade and scope. Some work may be regulated at the state level, while permits/inspections are often local—confirm requirements with the appropriate North Dakota and local agencies.
  • 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 North Dakota?

View the North Dakota skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.

View North Dakota Salaries & Job Outlook

Verified North Dakota Programs & Apprenticeships

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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in North Dakota.

We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.

Top Apprenticeship Programs in North Dakota

Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in North Dakota.

Denny’s Electric, LLC offers a comprehensive apprenticeship pathway designed to help individuals build long-term careers in the electrical trade.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Electrician

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 300, based in Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a rigorous five-year apprenticeship program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC service trades.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Plumbing

Fargo‑Moorhead Area Carpenters JATC offers a highly specialized Millwright apprenticeship that trains apprentices to install, align, maintain, and repair industrial machinery and mechanical systems.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Carpentry Construction

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) offers one of the most respected and comprehensive apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades, focusing on the training and development of heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and technicians.

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Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment

Lynnes Welding Training is a highly respected institution specializing in focused, hands-on welding education for individuals seeking to enter or advance within the skilled trades.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Welding

The North Dakota Plumbers Local 300 Apprenticeship Program in Fargo provides in-depth training for individuals pursuing careers in the plumbing trade.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Plumbing

Leading Automotive Programs in North Dakota

Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in North Dakota.

Lake Region State College, located in Devils Lake, ND, offers a range of career-focused programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce.

All Programs Available:

Automotive Construction Electrician

Bismarck State College (BSC) is nationally recognized for its strength in energy, power generation, and technical workforce training.

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Automotive Construction Diesel Mechanic Electrician HVAC Welding

Top Carpentry Programs in North Dakota

Explore the most trusted Carpentry programs available in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Job Corps Center in Minot provides tuition-free education and hands-on job training for young adults seeking careers in skilled trades and technical professions.

All Programs Available:

Carpentry Construction HVAC Welding

Leading Welding Programs in North Dakota

Discover top-rated Welding training options available in North Dakota.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton offers a comprehensive Welding Technology program that equips students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience required for successful welding careers.

All Programs Available:

Welding