Looking to start a hands-on career in South Dakota? Below, we’ve put together a list of the five best trade schools in the state, where you’ll learn about the programs they offer, the skills you can gain, and how these schools can help you step straight into a rewarding career.
South Dakota’s economy is growing, with strong demand for skilled workers in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. Trade schools play a role in preparing students for these opportunities, giving them practical skills that employers are actively looking for.
To create this list, we carefully considered program quality, affordability, student success, and career outcomes. The schools highlighted here stood out for their ability to prepare graduates to hit the ground running and build strong careers.
Below, you’ll find the five top trade schools in South Dakota, what they offer, and why they’re worth considering if you want hands-on training that sets you up for success.
How a Trade School is Different from a Traditional College
If you’re used to hearing about four-year colleges, trade schools might seem a bit different, but that’s what makes them great. Unlike traditional colleges, which often focus on general education and theory, trade schools are all about hands-on training. Here, you’re learning the skills you’ll actually use on the job, whether it’s welding, HVAC, electrical work, or medical technology.
Programs at trade schools are usually shorter and more focused. Most last anywhere from a few months to two years, which means you can enter the workforce much faster than with a four-year degree. You also spend more time doing practical work instead of sitting through general education classes you might not need for your career.
Another difference is career readiness. Trade schools often have strong connections with local businesses and industries, which can make it easier to find a job after graduation. Employers know that graduates from reputable trade schools already have the hands-on skills they need, so you can hit the ground running.
Best Trade Schools in South Dakota
These are the top-ranked trade schools in South Dakota.
1. Lake Area Technical College (Watertown, SD)
Lake Area Tech is one of the most recognized trade schools in South Dakota, and its programs are designed for students who want hands-on training that leads directly to solid jobs. The school offers a range of trades, including welding, building trades, precision machining, aviation maintenance, automotive technology, heavy equipment operations, energy technology, and more.
What sets them apart is how much actual lab and shop time students get. Most classes feel like real workdays, where you handle tools, engines, equipment, and industry-standard machines instead of sitting through long lectures. The school also has strong employer partnerships, so students often secure internships before they graduate.
Their job placement rate is consistently high, and the emphasis is always on real skills, safety, and confidence on the job.
2. Southeast Technical College
Southeast Tech focuses on short, practical programs that get you into the workforce fast. They offer strong trade programs in construction, HVAC/R, welding, automotive technology, collision repair, plumbing technology, and electrical trades.
Their labs are built to mirror real job sites, so students practice on full systems, wiring, piping, fabrication, diagnostics, and repair work. One thing Southeast Tech does well is pairing technical skills with customer-facing training because many trades require direct contact with clients. Their instructors are industry professionals, and the Sioux Falls job market gives students access to apprenticeships, part-time jobs, and employer networking.
If you want a focused program that teaches you how to work with your hands and start earning quickly, Southeast Tech fits that goal.
3. Mitchell Technical College
Mitchell Tech is known for trades related to construction, energy, agriculture, and industrial technology. Their programs include electrical construction and maintenance, power line construction, heating and cooling technology, plumbing and heating, automation controls, and precision farming equipment technology.
Students spend most of their time in shop settings, wiring systems, troubleshooting equipment, and working through real jobsite situations. Mitchell Tech also trains students using modern industry tools, including programmable logic controllers, heavy equipment components, and safety procedures used in the field.
The school works closely with employers across the region, so many students get hired even before finishing their final term. Their graduates are highly regarded for being “job-ready” from day one.
4. Western Dakota Technical College
Western Dakota Tech offers a long list of skilled-trade pathways, including welding and fabrication, construction technology, HVAC/R, plumbing, electrical trades, automotive technology, truck driving, and machining. Programs are built around hands-on practice with actual equipment you would find on job sites and in repair shops.
Students complete projects, safety training, field exercises, and system diagnostics that help them build confidence fast. Western Dakota Tech also works with local employers in Rapid City to match students with internships and apprenticeships. Their instructors come from the industries they teach, which keeps the training up to date with workforce needs.
If you want flexible trade programs backed by strong job placement support, WDT is one of the top choices in the region.
5. Sisseton Wahpeton College
Sisseton Wahpeton College offers trade and workforce programs that support tribal communities and local industries. Their hands-on programs include building trades, construction technology, carpentry, CDL trucking, and applied science options tied to community development.
One of the standout things about SWC is how their labs and workshops allow students to practice full construction projects, not just small simulations. Students learn framing, electrical basics, plumbing basics, insulation, roofing, and finish work in a structured but practical environment.
SWC also supports students with tutoring, financial counseling, and transfer pathways for those who may want to continue beyond the trade level. The focus here is job readiness, access, and real skills that directly serve the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trade Schools in South Dakota
What is the difference between a trade school and a community college in South Dakota?
A trade schools focus on practical, hands-on training in specific careers like HVAC, welding, construction, or medical technology. Community colleges often offer broader associate degrees with general education requirements. Trade schools aim for faster entry into the workforce, while community colleges may provide a pathway to a four-year degree.
How long does it take to complete a program at a South Dakota trade school?
Most programs take 6 months to 2 years, depending on the trade and level of certification. Certificate programs (like welding or HVAC) are often shorter, while associate degree programs in fields like engineering technology or health professions may take around two years.
Are trade schools in South Dakota expensive?
Costs vary, but public technical colleges like Lake Area Technical College or Southeast Technical College are generally affordable. Tuition for a full program can range from $5,000 to $15,000, with financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement often available.
Can I find jobs quickly after graduating from a trade school in South Dakota?
Yes, many trade schools partner with local industries to help students find employment. For example, Mitchell Technical College reports high placement rates for construction trades and HVAC graduates, often within three months of graduation.
Which trade programs are most in demand in South Dakota?
Construction trades, welding, HVAC, electrical technology, and health-related trades (like nursing assistants or medical technicians) are consistently in demand due to growth in infrastructure, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Do trade schools offer online programs in South Dakota?
Some courses or hybrid programs are available online, but most trade schools require hands-on, in-person training to master practical skills. Always check with the school if you need a flexible or hybrid option.