Best Trade Schools in Springfield, Missouri (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Springfield. This guide lists accredited options, program lengths, and specialties. It also explains licensing in Missouri and which trades are hiring. Use it to plan your next step with confidence. Skilled trades offer steady demand and good pay growth potential1.

Top Trade Schools in Springfield

The schools below are accredited or state-approved and focus on hands-on training. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for start dates and schedules23.

School Program Length Highlights
Ozarks Technical Community College (Springfield) 8–12 months (certificates); 18–24 months (AAS) Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Automotive, Diesel, Precision Manufacturing. Modern labs at the Plaster Center. Apprenticeship pathways. NCCER-aligned training in select programs.
Midwest Technical Institute – Springfield 9–12 months (diplomas/certificates) Welding, HVAC/R, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, CDL. Day and evening cohorts. ACCSC accredited with employer-focused training3.
Bryan University – Springfield 9–18 months (diplomas); 18–24 months (AAS) HVAC/R Technology, Health and Fitness Trainer, Medical Assistant, IT Support. Career services and exam prep. ACCSC accredited3.
Academy of Hair Design – Springfield ~10–12 months (varies by program) Cosmetology and Barbering. Student salon and barber shop. Prepares for Missouri licensure through the state board4.
Paul Mitchell The School Springfield ~10–12 months Cosmetology and Esthetics. Strong salon network and guest services. State-approved programs for Missouri licensure4.
Missouri College of Cosmetology North (Springfield) ~10–12 months Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology. Student clinic. Graduates qualify for Missouri licensing exams4.

Tip: Tour labs and shops before you enroll. Ask about certification pass rates, employer partners, and job placement.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep Springfield’s homes, hospitals, and plants running. New construction, system upgrades, and renewable projects drive steady hiring. Expect paid apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and strong advancement for motivated workers1. Learn the path on our Electrician career guide.

  • HVAC/R Technician Springfield has hot summers and cold winters. That means 24/7 demand for install, service, and controls techs. EPA 608 certification is a must for handling refrigerants. Many techs move into controls, building automation, or start a small shop1. Explore HVAC training and licensing.

  • Welder From manufacturing to construction, welders with multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW) are valuable. Structural and pipe positions pay more with certs and clean bend tests. Shop safety and blueprint reading matter. See paths on our Welding training page.

  • Plumber Residential and commercial service work stays busy in growth corridors around Springfield. Licensed journeymen and masters can lead crews or run service trucks. Backflow, medical gas, and hydronics add earning power. Compare routes on our Plumbing training page.

Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Missouri handles many construction licenses locally. Always check the City of Springfield and Greene County for current rules before you test or pull permits. Here are the common steps:

  • Electrician (local licensing)

    • Complete a registered apprenticeship or equivalent experience (often 8,000 hours for journeyman-level).
    • Pass a local journeyman exam. Many jurisdictions use ICC-based exams.
    • Work under a licensed electrical contractor. Move to master/contractor status with added experience, exam, and insurance/bonding as required.
    • Tip: Keep documented hours and classroom training summaries ready for your license application.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants (mandatory nationwide)5.
    • Complete a trade program or apprenticeship. Many employers want brazing skills and basic controls.
    • For contracting or pulling permits, obtain the local mechanical contractor license, insurance, and business registration where you work.

  • Plumber (local licensing)

    • Start as an apprentice and log required hours under a licensed journeyman or master.
    • Pass the local journeyman exam. Advance to master with added hours and testing.
    • Contractor licensing, permit privileges, and insurance requirements are handled by the local authority.

  • Cosmetology and Barbering (state licensing)

    • Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners regulates schools and licenses4.
    • Cosmetology typically requires 1,500 training hours in an approved program plus written and practical exams.
    • Barbering typically requires about 1,000 training hours plus exams. Check the board for current hour totals and any rule updates.

  • CDL (commercial driver)

    • Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
    • Pass the CLP knowledge tests, complete road skills testing, and obtain a DOT medical card.
    • Missouri Department of Revenue issues your CDL once you meet federal and state steps. See our CDL training guide.

  • Welding

    • No state license. Employers often require performance qualifications to AWS codes (for example, D1.1 structural steel).
    • Schools and employers may also issue NCCER credentials that travel with you6.

Online & Flexible Options

Hands-on trades still require labs and shop time. But many Springfield programs offer flexible paths:

  • Hybrid classes

    • OTC and private schools may deliver theory online with scheduled in-person labs. Expect set lab days for welding booths, HVAC trainers, electrical panels, or clinical demos.

  • Evening and accelerated cohorts

    • MTI and similar schools run day and evening cohorts. You can finish many programs in under 12 months with a full-time pace.

  • Certification prep

    • EPA 608, OSHA-10/30, and NCCER modules can be prepared online, then tested in person. This shortens time to employability.

  • Apprenticeships

    • If you earn while you learn, training is mostly on job sites with scheduled classroom nights. Apprenticeships are a strong fit for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC. Read our Apprenticeship guide.

  • Funding and ROI

Next Steps

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/school-directory/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩

  6. NCCER, Credentials and Certifications. https://www.nccer.org/credentials/ ↩

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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.