Best Trade Schools in Columbia, Missouri (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Columbia. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Missouri licensing basics1.

Top Trade Schools in Columbia

Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Moberly Area Community College – Columbia Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years HLC accredited. Advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, and technical programs with hands-on labs2.
Columbia Area Career Center – Adult Ed 6–12+ months Adult programs in Welding, HVAC, Electrical, and more; evening options.
IBEW Local 257 – Electrical JATC (Columbia) 3–5 years Registered electrical apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom instruction.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562/Local 45 (regional) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR; paid training and certifications.

Licensing in Missouri

Licensing is often local in Missouri; verify requirements with the city/county.

  • Electrical/HVAC/Plumbing Contractors: Local registrations and exams vary by municipality.
  • HVAC: EPA 608 required for refrigerants4.
  • Welding: No state license; employers/jurisdictions require performance quals.

Next Steps

  • Compare MO programs: /trade-school/missouri/
  • Explore trades and credentials: /trades/
  • National resources: /trade-school/

Tour labs, confirm accreditation, and map training to local licensing and apprenticeships.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Columbia, MO Metro. bls.gov/oes ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory. accsc.org ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.