Northwest Technical College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Minnesota / Northwest Technical College
Northwest Technical College – Bemidji, MN
Program Information
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. Known for its small class sizes, personalized instruction, and modern lab environments, NTC focuses on hands-on training and industry-aligned curriculum. The college supports both new students entering the trades and working adults seeking advancement through flexible scheduling, hybrid options, and career-focused training pathways.
NTC’s Automotive Service and Performance programs provide students with intensive training in diagnostics, repair procedures, electrical systems, driveability, vehicle electronics, and emissions systems. Students train in full automotive bays equipped with modern diagnostic tools, computerized scan equipment, lifts, and industry-standard shop tools. Coursework prepares graduates for ASE testing and entry-level positions in dealerships, repair shops, and fleet maintenance operations.
The college’s Welding and Metal Fabrication program teaches essential welding processes including MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding, along with cutting processes, fabrication techniques, metal layout, safety practices, and blueprint interpretation. Students work in professional welding labs designed to simulate real jobsite and fabrication environments. Graduates are prepared for positions in construction, manufacturing, pipeline work, metal fabrication, and maintenance shops.
In addition to its core trades, NTC also offers advanced manufacturing and technical programs such as Industrial Mechanical Technology, Electrical Construction, and HVAC-related coursework. These programs train students in system installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, electrical theory, wiring practices, mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and equipment repair. With strong employer partnerships across northern Minnesota, students receive opportunities for internships, cooperative work experience, and fast-track employment upon graduation.
NTC is also well-known for its Construction and Residential Plumbing coursework. Construction students learn framing, building materials, roofing, blueprint reading, site preparation, safety standards, and tool operation. Plumbing students gain foundational knowledge in water systems, drainage, venting, gas piping, codes, and fixture installation. These programs help students enter the workforce directly or move into union apprenticeship pathways in carpentry, plumbing, or general construction.
Because NTC serves a region with significant demand for tradespeople, many programs incorporate employer input, hands-on practicum opportunities, industry certifications, and job placement support. The college emphasizes practical, real-world training reinforced by experienced instructors who bring extensive field knowledge into the classroom and lab settings.
Program Length
- Certificate and diploma programs: typically 9–18 months
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees: approximately 2 years
- Programs blend classroom instruction with intensive, lab-based training
Hands-On Training
Students receive direct, applied experience in:
- Automotive diagnostics, repair, electrical systems, and driveability
- MIG, TIG, Stick welding and full-scale metal fabrication projects
- Electrical construction, wiring, conduit bending, and NEC practices
- Industrial maintenance, troubleshooting, hydraulics, and mechanical repair
- Construction techniques including framing, roofing, and jobsite safety
- Plumbing systems, water distribution, drainage, and code-compliant installation
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completed NTC application
- Basic math and reading competency (placement testing may apply)
- Ability to perform hands-on and trade-specific physical tasks
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for ASE, AWS, NCCER, and other trade-relevant credentials
- Career pathways include automotive technician, welder, fabricator, industrial technician, electrician’s helper, construction laborer, or plumbing apprentice
- Strong regional employer partnerships support internship and job placement opportunities
Location
Northwest Technical College
905 Grant Avenue SE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College (Goodland, KS) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Trade or Technical Training
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.