Mississippi offers diverse vocational training pathways through technical centers, community colleges, and specialized career schools. Students can choose from quick-entry certificate programs to two-year associate degrees across healthcare, skilled trades, business, and technology fields.
List of Top Trade Schools in Jackson
Delta Technical College
Horn Lake is DTC’s Memphis-area campus, about 14 miles from the city. The college opened in Southaven in 2004, moved to Horn Lake in 2009 and moved into the larger 40,000-square-foot building next door in 2018. It has the widest program list: welding, plus Welding & Pipefitting (taught only here), HVAC/R (the only version accredited by HVAC Excellence), electrician, medical and dental assisting, Phlebotomy (only here), cosmetology and Cosmetology Instructor, and CDL training. The welding lab covers 6,900 square feet.
The Ridgeland campus serves the Jackson area from a 40,000-square-foot building with an 8,500-square-foot welding lab, a 6,000-square-foot HVAC lab and a 4,000-square-foot cosmetology lab. It teaches welding, HVAC/R (nine months), electrician (seven months, with evening classes), dental and medical assisting, cosmetology and CDL training. Truck-driving range work and some electrician and HVAC classes take place at a satellite training site at 100 Beasley Road in Jackson, which opened in 2025.
- 6530 Interstate Blvd. Horn Lake, MS 38637
- 113 Marketridge Dr. Ridgeland, MS 39157
Metro Booming Training Academy
The academy’s only site is on North Green Avenue in Jackson, where it opened with a ribbon cutting on 27 September 2023 as the anchor of The Jackson Yards development. The school describes a 20,000-square-foot training facility on a 10-acre lot with eight bays for lifts and equipment. All programs are taught here: the two automotive certificates, forklift training, Intro to HVAC, Work Ready Electrical and the 16-week S.M.A.R.T. Pathways program for Hinds County residents. It is also an NCCER training and assessment center.
- 201 N. Green Avenue Jackson, MS 39203
Roadmaster Drivers School
Roadmaster’s only Mississippi location is on West Highland Drive in Jackson and opened in March 2021. It teaches the full-time Class A CDL course on weekdays from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Applicants must be 18 to drive within their state and 21 to drive across state lines, and need a valid driver’s license and a DOT physical and drug screen.
- 1500 W Highland Dr Jackson, MS 39204
Comparing Jackson Options
Fastest Programs
Metro Booming Training Academy leads for ultra-rapid training, with forklift certification completable in minimal time at just $533. Roadmaster’s 4-5 week CDL program follows closely for transportation careers.
Most Affordable Entry Point
Metro Booming’s forklift program ($533) and basic skilled trades courses ($1,575) provide the lowest barrier to workforce entry, ideal for individuals needing immediate employment without extended training periods.
Most Flexible Scheduling
Metro Booming Training Academy accommodates diverse work schedules through day, evening, and weekend sessions. Strayer University offers ultimate flexibility through 24/7 online access while maintaining physical campus support.
Broadest Career Pathways
Strayer University provides the widest range of degree levels (associate through master’s) and program diversity, supporting long-term career advancement beyond entry-level positions.
Best Hands-On Training Infrastructure
Metro Booming’s 10-acre facility with 35,000 square feet and eight professional equipment bays delivers authentic workplace training environments. Delta Technical College’s laboratory spaces similarly replicate actual working conditions.
Financial Aid Across Jackson Schools
All Jackson institutions accept federal financial aid for eligible students. Key differences include:
Delta Technical College: No application deadline—submit financial aid forms anytime during academic year. Private loans available for non-federal aid qualifiers.
Roadmaster Drivers School: Partners with trucking companies for up to 100% tuition reimbursement, effectively making training free for students accepting employment with participating carriers.
Strayer University: Federal loans and grants accepted, plus unique Graduation Fund and institutional scholarships. Yellow Ribbon Scholarship program for military veterans.
Metro Booming Training Academy: As a non-profit, focuses on accessible workforce development with community-building mission beyond profit motives.
Career Services and Job Placement
Pre-Graduation Employment
Roadmaster Drivers School excels in connecting students with employers before program completion. Regular on-campus recruiter visits from major carriers allow trainees to discuss positions, benefits, and employment terms during training.
Externship Programs
Delta Technical College provides externship opportunities across multiple programs, placing students in real workplace settings for hands-on experience and professional networking with industry mentors.
Comprehensive Career Support
Strayer University offers resume assistance, interview tools, LinkedIn integration, employer partnerships, and alumni networking events. Delta Technical College provides similar resume tips and career guidance through Student Services.
Military and Veteran Services
All four Jackson institutions explicitly support military members and veterans:
- Delta Technical College: Military Friendly School designation
- Roadmaster Drivers School: Employer preference for veterans, military vehicle experience credit, VA application support
- Strayer University: GI Bill acceptance, Yellow Ribbon Scholarship participation, military experience course credit
- Metro Booming Training Academy: Open access supporting career transitions for all community members
Choosing the Right Jackson School
For immediate employment needs: Metro Booming Training Academy or Roadmaster Drivers School provide fastest workforce entry (weeks to months).
For healthcare careers: Delta Technical College offers medical assisting, dental assisting, and medical billing/coding pathways.
For degree credentials: Strayer University provides accredited associate through master’s degrees recognized by employers nationwide.
For skilled trades with externships: Delta Technical College combines classroom learning with real workplace experience in welding, HVAC, and automotive fields.
For flexible working adult schedules: Metro Booming (evening/weekend options) and Strayer (24/7 online) accommodate employment while training.
For transportation careers: Roadmaster Drivers School specializes exclusively in CDL preparation with strong employer connections and potential tuition reimbursement.
Jackson’s diverse vocational training landscape supports career launchers at every stage, from high school graduates seeking quick workforce entry to working adults pursuing degree credentials for career advancement. The capital city’s position as Mississippi’s economic center creates sustained demand for trained workers across all represented sectors.