Best Trade Schools in Kentucky for 2025

Students who are interested in starting a profitable career might consider trade schools in Kentucky. Trade schools emphasize hands-on skills that have direct application to a specific career pathway and typically provide some type of professional license or certificate.

Trade schools allow students to graduate with 70% less debt than traditional four-year degree graduates.

Kentucky offers both private trade schools and a strong public community and technical college system. Explore our listing of the 10 best trade schools in Kentucky for your chance to advance your career or make a change.

Featured Trade Schools in Kentucky

Here are some of the best, accredited trade schools in Kentucky.

1. College for Technical Education

College for Technical Education provides training in the most popular trades and has a track record of helping their students to get a job within one year of graduating.

Students can enroll in building, cosmetology, massage therapy, and information technology support among others.

All students have access to on-site childcare, career support, application support, and practice interviews to ensure they can start their careers on the right foot.

2. Kentucky Welding Institute

Kentucky residents interested in a career in welding should strongly consider the Kentucky Welding Institute (KWI).

Students will benefit from intense training during 40-hour training weeks to ensure that they are masters of their craft.

KWI offers over 25 certifications and boasts an impressive 94% employment rate. Students can apply for funding and even get housing support to ensure they have a place to stay while completing the program.

3. Southside Technical Center

Students enrolled in public schools in Fayette, Jessamine, Scott, and Woodford County can apply to study at Southside Technical Center.

Half of the school day will be spent on campus and the other half will be spent attending technical training.

Students can enroll in programs such as culinary arts, carpentry, medical sciences, and pre-nursing.

Instructors are passionate about supporting the personal and professional growth of each student and will offer guidance at each step of the learning process.

4. Kentucky Horseshoeing School

Kentucky Horseshoeing School gives students the hands-on training they need to work with horses in a range of professional contexts.

Kentucky is famous for its equestrian-related industries and becoming a ferrier can be a strong career choice.

The school has been in operation since 1978 and will give students a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology and biomechanics of horseshoeing.

Students can complete a 12-week survey course for $11,000 or a 36-week career-track course for $30,000.

5. West Kentucky Community & Technical College

West Kentucky Community & Technical College can be a great fit for students looking for trade schools in Kentucky.

Their art programs at Paducah School of Art and Design can support the career development of many different types of creatives and artists.

Students will pay an affordable rate of $186 per credit hour for both in-person and online classes.

The college has a wide range of social organizations to help students find a community and build social and professional networks.

6. Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) is another member of Kentucky's famous Community & Technical College System.

Nursing students may qualify for a Healthcare Scholarship, worth over $15,000, and be able to access health and dental benefits.

SKCTC is committed to diversity and inclusion and maintains a welcoming environment for students from any background.

Graduates have gone on to succeed in fields such as diesel technology, welding, nursing, and criminal justice.

7. Owensboro Community & Technical College

Students looking for trade schools in Kentucky should explore Owensboro Community & Technical College's flexible programs.

The college has programs dedicated to healthcare facilities leadership, transportation technologies, manufacturing, and welding.

OCTC staff will help guide students through transfers to or from the college to support optimal learning outcomes.

Resident students will pay only $186 per credit hour making OCTC an affordable choice.

8. Jefferson Community & Technical College

Jefferson Community & Technical College (JCTC) seeks to help its students open doors to a better life.

JCTC degrees are designed to allow students to move seamlessly from training to employment at minimal cost.

Common courses of study include agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and health sciences.

JCTC offers a range of programs in an online format to support the needs of busy working adults.

9. Maysville Community & Technical College

Maysville Community & Technical College, a small, local community college, is committed to supporting the careers of its students.

Students at MCTC can earn both associate degrees and professional licenses in a range of trades.

The college has a goal of supporting the economic development of the region and offers many innovative workforce training programs.

10. Southcentral Community & Technical College

Southcentral Community & Technical College is a great fit for students who want flexible training in practical career skills.

Students can choose from programs in machining technology, culinary arts, automotive technology, air conditioning technology, and more.

The Work Ready Scholarship can help Kentucky students earn a degree for free and begin a trade within months.

Common Trade Jobs in Kentucky

Kentucky has many opportunities for skilled tradespeople and offers thousands of potential career paths.

Common trade jobs in Kentucky include

• dental assistant
• massage therapist
• HVAC technician
• auto mechanic
• carpenter
• welder
• dermatology assistant
• plumber

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Kentucky?

Public trade schools in Kentucky usually charge between $7,000 and $10,000 while private schools usually cost between $16,000 and $31,000.

Many trade schools are eligible for federal funding and students should ask about programs like the Federal Pell Grant using the FAFSA form.

Attending trade school is typically much cheaper than completing a four-year degree and may enable students to start earning money more quickly.

Are There Online Trade Schools in Kentucky?

While some colleges do offer trade-focused online programs, most traditional trade schools focus on hands-on skills and involve in-person training.

Students who have professional experience in a trade may be able to continue their education and earn qualifications in an online format.

The Kentucky Community & Technical College System also offers a range of online classes to support education in the trades.

Explore Trade Schools Today

Trade schools in Kentucky can give you the skills and confidence you need to build your own career. Find a perfect program in your area and get started today.