St. Louis, MO

Trade schools in St. Louis

Where to train in the St. Louis area, what the trades pay here, and what Missouri will help cover.

Free · No college degree

St. Louis has a strong union tradition, a large manufacturing and logistics base, and good community college trade programs.

  • St. Louis Community College (STLCC) has strong trade programs.
  • Unions are among the most active in the Midwest.
  • Boeing, Anheuser-Busch, and the port drive trade demand.

In short

St. Louis residents can train at STLCC (Florissant Valley for trades) or private schools. Union apprenticeships: IBEW 1, Plumbers 35, Pipefitters 562, Ironworkers 396. Missouri Fast Track and Pell help. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.

MetroSt. Louis metro (about 2.8 million)
CountySt. Louis County / St. Louis City
Money helpMissouri Fast Track, Pell, WIOA
LicensingState and local licensing
Checked against BLS, state higher education board and licensing dataLast updated October 8, 2026. Programs and aid rules change. Confirm with the school.

State aid for training

Missouri Fast Track, Pell, WIOA are the main sources of help for trade training in the St. Louis area. Check with each school's financial aid office about what programs you qualify for and how to apply.

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Licensing

Missouri licenses at state or local level. St. Louis City has its own licensing board. Your school or apprenticeship will guide you through the specific requirements for your trade. The license or certification is part of the plan, not an obstacle.

Questions from St. Louis

What trades are in demand in St. Louis?

Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, CDL drivers, and medical assistants are all in demand. Each city page has a pay table with local details; see also the pay comparison page for national medians.

Does Missouri have financial aid for trade school?

Missouri Fast Track, Pell, WIOA are available. Apply through the FAFSA first; the college's financial aid office can connect you to state programs. Pell Grants (up to $7,395 a year) and WIOA training are the most widely available options.

Can I get paid while I learn?

If you get into a registered apprenticeship program, you work full time, earn a paycheck, and go to class evenings. Construction unions (IBEW, UA, Ironworkers) run them. Most take 4 to 5 years. The U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Finder lists registered openings.

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