Ridgewater College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Minnesota / Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College – Willmar, MN
Program Information
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. The Willmar campus is known for its modern training labs, employer partnerships, and strong focus on applied learning. Ridgewater provides more than a dozen trades-focused programs that allow students to develop job-ready skills through lab work, simulations, real equipment operation, and industry-driven curriculum.
Key trade programs at Ridgewater include Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, Carpentry, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Plumbing, Machine Tool Technology, Agriculture Mechanics, Nondestructive Testing Technology, and Mechatronics/Automation. Each program blends classroom coursework with extensive hands-on training, ensuring students learn not just theory but real-world application using tools, equipment, and systems they will encounter on job sites or in professional shops.
The Automotive Technology program trains students in vehicle diagnostics, engine repair, electrical systems, steering and suspension, HVAC systems, powertrains, hybrid technologies, and electronic testing. Students work in professional-grade auto bays with industry-standard scan tools, lifts, lab stations, and manufacturer equipment. Graduates are prepared for ASE certification exams and careers in dealerships, independent repair shops, and fleet operations.
The Diesel Technology program provides advanced training in diesel engines, heavy equipment, hydraulics, electrical systems, brakes, transmissions, and electronic controls. Students gain hands-on experience with agricultural equipment, trucks, heavy machinery, and power systems, preparing them for employment with transportation companies, heavy equipment dealers, construction firms, and agricultural service operations.
The Welding Technology program is one of Ridgewater’s most comprehensive, covering MIG, TIG, Stick, FCAW, blueprint interpretation, fabrication, cutting processes, metallurgy, rigging, and manufacturing welding. Students train in upgraded welding bays with modern equipment and preparation for AWS welding certifications.
Construction-related programs include Carpentry, HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Technology. Carpentry students learn framing, building materials, exterior and interior finishing, construction safety, blueprint reading, and project layout. HVAC students train on furnaces, refrigeration systems, heat pumps, ductwork, piping, and control systems while preparing for EPA 608 certification. Electrical Technology students receive training in residential, commercial, and industrial wiring, conduit bending, motor controls, PLCs, and electrical codes. Plumbing coursework covers water systems, drainage, gas piping, fixture installation, and code compliance.
Ridgewater also offers advanced manufacturing programs such as Machine Tool Technology, Mechatronics/Automation, Robotics, and Nondestructive Testing Technology. Students train on CNC machines, automation systems, precision measuring tools, PLCs, robotics trainers, ultrasonic testers, and specialized industrial inspection equipment used in aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and construction industries.
Program Length
- Diploma and certificate programs: typically 1 year
- Associate of Applied Science degree programs: approximately 2 years
- Some trades offer short-term certificates or stackable credentials
Hands-On Training
Students receive hands-on experience in:
- Automotive diagnostics, drivability testing, and system repair
- Diesel engines, hydraulics, powertrains, and electrical systems
- MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding, fabrication, and metal layout
- Electrical wiring, motor controls, PLC programming, and NEC compliance
- HVAC installation, refrigeration cycles, troubleshooting, and system performance testing
- CNC machining, manual mill/lathe operation, measurement, and CAD/CAM work
- Carpentry, framing, finishing, tools, materials, and residential construction
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Math and reading competency (placement testing may apply)
- Ability to meet physical demands of hands-on trade work
- Interest in technical training and applied learning
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for ASE, EPA 608, AWS, NCCER, NDT Level I/II, and manufacturer-specific certifications
- Strong job placement across automotive, diesel, HVAC, welding, electrical, carpentry, and industrial sectors
- Career options include technician, installer, fabricator, machinist, inspector, operator, or apprentice
Location
Ridgewater College – Willmar Campus
2101 15th Avenue NW
Willmar, MN 56201
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Ridgewater College (Willmar, MN) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Certificate or Associate Programs
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 Ridgewater 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.