Electrical Connection
Electrical Connection, founded in 1941, pioneered the nation’s first electrician apprenticeship program, training over 10,000 professionals to date. It partners with IBEW Local 1 and NECA St. Louis to offer specialized training in commercial and residential electrical work, including solar energy, healthcare, and data centers. Apprentices follow an earn-as-you-learn model, gaining paid, hands-on experience while attending coursework. Continuing education is free, and apprenticeships include wages and benefits, eliminating the need for student loans. As a recognized industry leader, Electrical Connection continues to supply Missouri with highly skilled electricians.
- 5735 Elizabeth Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s St. Louis Accelerated BSN learning site, on Emerson Road, is its only Missouri location, and Mercy is its main clinical partner. The site teaches only the accelerated nursing degree: theory online, skills and simulation labs here and clinicals locally, with a nursing core of as few as 16 months.
- 721 Emerson Rd, Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63141
Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis, at 30 Maryland Plaza, teaches one program, 1,500-hour cosmetology. It is operated by PMMO St. Louis, LLC. Barbering, esthetics and nails in Missouri are taught at the Columbia and Springfield schools.
- 30 Maryland Plaza, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63108
Ranken Tech
Ranken Technical College offers career-focused education in Automotive Technology, Construction, Electrical & Electronics, IT, Manufacturing, and HVAC. Students can earn Associate of Technology degrees, Associate of Science degrees, Certificates, or Diplomas, with tuition set at $695 per credit hour for full-time students. The college provides day, evening, and online classes to accommodate different schedules, while many programs include internships and apprenticeships for hands-on industry experience. Ranken maintains a 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring direct engagement with instructors and personalized learning. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and industry organizations like ASE and ACBSP, Ranken is a trusted institution for workforce-ready education.
- Ranken Technical College 4431 Finney Ave. St. Louis, MO 63113
St Louis School of Phlebotomy
The St. Louis School of Phlebotomy, part of a nationwide network, has offered hands-on healthcare training since 2013. Programs include Phlebotomy ($500), a 4-week Accelerated Phlebotomy course ($500), Clinical Laboratory Assisting ($500), EKG Technician ($500), and Clinical Medical Assisting ($1,000). All classes take place on-site during morning or afternoon hours, with no evening or online options. The school partners with hospitals and clinical labs to provide externships, ensuring students gain real-world experience. While it does not have institutional accreditation, many of its programs hold accreditations from industry-recognized organizations.
- 6717 Vernon Ave. St. Louis, MO 63130
St. Louis Community College
Founded in 1962, St. Louis Community College (STLCC) provides affordable education across six campuses, serving over 34,000 students annually. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and career training in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, HVAC, and software development. Students can choose from morning, afternoon, evening, weekend, and online courses, with some programs requiring hands-on clinical experience. Tuition starts at $122 per credit hour for in-district students, with discounts available for seniors and dual enrollment high school students. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, STLCC has an open admissions policy, with an estimated acceptance rate between 81% and 100%.
- 5600 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
- 11333 Big Bend Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
- 3140 Cass Ave. St. Louis, MO 63106
- 4115 Meramec Bottom Road, St. Louis, MO 63129
Addressing the Widening Skilled Trade Shortage in St Louis
The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of skilled trade workers, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 10% growth in demand for skilled labor by 2028. Despite this, over 3 million trade jobs are expected to go unfilled, causing disruptions across industries such as construction, automotive repair, and healthcare. Employers are struggling to find qualified candidates, leading to higher wages and increased job security for those entering skilled trades.
In St. Louis, the automotive and roofing industries exemplify this worker shortage. At South Technical High School, students receive hands-on auto repair training to help meet the growing demand for mechanics. Lou Fusz Automotive has been actively recruiting graduates, recognizing that the number of auto mechanics must double by 2024 to keep pace with workforce needs (KSDK Report).
Similarly, Roofers Local Union No. 2 has partnered with GAF Roofing Academy to offer free training for new roofers, helping fill an industry-wide gap that requires 500,000 additional construction workers in 2024 alone (KSDK Report).
The issue extends beyond individual trades. Small businesses across Missouri are struggling to fill positions, with many reporting that applicants are scarce or that hiring expectations have become unaffordable.
Norse Construction in St. Louis has a four-month backlog due to a lack of carpenters, forcing the company to rely on subcontractors (Marketplace Report).
Trade Schools: A Solution to the Skilled Worker Shortage
Trade schools in Missouri provide affordable and accelerated training to help fill these industry gaps. Several institutions stand out for their contributions to the skilled labor force:
1. Ranken Technical College – Training for Skilled Trades and Manufacturing
Ranken Technical College in St. Louis has been preparing students for skilled careers since 1907. It offers Associate of Technology degrees, certificates, and diplomas in fields like automotive technology, electrical systems, and HVAC. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on training that equips them for immediate employment. Ranken also offers internships and apprenticeships, ensuring students gain practical experience before graduation.
2. Arizona College of Nursing – Addressing Healthcare Workforce Needs
The demand for healthcare workers continues to rise, and institutions like Arizona College of Nursing are helping meet this need. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and training in medical assisting and healthcare administration, helping students enter one of the fastest-growing job sectors. With 100% acceptance rates and strong financial aid options, it provides accessible career pathways for aspiring healthcare professionals.
3. St. Louis School of Phlebotomy – Fast-Track Entry into Healthcare
For those seeking an accelerated healthcare career, St. Louis School of Phlebotomy offers 4-week phlebotomy programs and clinical medical assisting training. These short-term programs allow students to enter the workforce quickly, addressing staffing shortages in medical facilities.
4. St. Louis Community College – A Versatile Training Provider
St. Louis Community College (STLCC) provides a wide range of certifications and associate degrees in fields like cybersecurity, HVAC, and nursing. With tuition as low as $122 per credit hour, it is one of the most affordable options for trade education in Missouri. Many STLCC programs include externships and hands-on clinical experience, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready.
Why Pursue a Skilled Trade Career?
The skilled trade shortage presents a unique opportunity for job seekers. Unlike traditional four-year degrees, trade programs are shorter, more affordable, and provide immediate employment opportunities.
- Higher Pay & Job Security: With fewer workers available, skilled trade professionals command higher salaries and stronger job security.
- Hands-On Learning & Apprenticeships: Schools like Ranken and South Tech incorporate apprenticeships, ensuring students learn while earning.
- Affordable Education: Schools such as St. Louis Community College and St. Louis School of Phlebotomy provide low-cost training with financial aid options.
- Employer-Sponsored Training: Programs like GAF Roofing Academy offer free training and direct job placement, eliminating tuition concerns.
Conclusion: Meeting Workforce Demand with Trade Education
The shortage of skilled workers is a national crisis, but Missouri trade schools are stepping up to fill the gap. Ranken Technical College, Arizona College of Nursing, St. Louis Community College, and South Tech are equipping students with the skills necessary for high-paying, in-demand careers. Employers are increasingly looking to trade school graduates to meet labor shortages and sustain economic growth.
For those considering a career change or looking for job stability without massive student debt, trade education is a clear and practical solution. As industry leaders predict continued demand for skilled workers, enrolling in a trade program now could lead to a well-paying career with long-term job security.