In short
Columbia residents can train for the trades at Moberly Area Community College (MACC) Columbia campus, through union apprenticeships for electricians and plumbers, or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. Missouri's A+ Scholarship and Fast Track grant can cover community college tuition for many people. Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.
Jobs hiring in Columbia
Columbia's economy is balanced between healthcare, education, and construction. The city is growing steadily, and tradespeople are needed to keep up. Here's what the common trades pay in the Columbia area and how long it takes to get in:
| Job | Training time | Typical pay in Columbia | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $54,000–$64,000 | IBEW Local 257 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $50,000–$58,000 | Trade school or MACC, then EPA 608 card |
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $44,000–$52,000 | Trade school or MACC; certifications from the school |
| Plumber | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $54,000–$64,000 | Plumbers Local 769 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $47,000–$55,000 | CDL school; many carriers pay for it if you drive for them |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $36,000–$41,000 | Trade school or MACC; hospitals and clinics hire constantly |
| Diesel mechanic | 1–2 years | About $50,000–$60,000 | Trade school or MACC; fleets and dealers hire from programs |
Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the Columbia metro, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Union apprentices start around half of journeyman pay and get raises every six months to a year.
Ready for the list for Columbia?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
Moberly Area Community College (MACC) Columbia
The public community college serving Columbia and mid-Missouri. MACC's Columbia campus offers trade and technical programs including HVAC, welding, electrical, and CDL prep. Cheaper than private schools, and Missouri A+ and Fast Track money works here.
Union apprenticeships
Columbia is served by IBEW Local 257 (electricians) and Plumbers Local 769, both of which run paid apprenticeship programs. You work full time, earn a paycheck, and attend classes — no tuition. Takes 4–5 years to reach full pay, but you're earning from day one.
Private trade schools
Faster programs with rolling start dates: CDL in a month, welding or HVAC in under a year, medical assisting in about nine months. Cost more than MACC but often include job placement help. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers before you sign.
What Missouri will help pay
Missouri money for training
- A+ Scholarship
- Covers community college tuition and fees for Missouri high school grads who met the A+ rules in high school (attendance, grades, tutoring hours). Ask your high school or MACC if you qualified.
- Fast Track grant
- For adults 25 and up (or younger with no degree) with income under the limit, training for a job Missouri lists as high-demand. Covers tuition and fees after other aid. Many trade programs count.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.
- WIOA
- Free training through the Central Missouri Workforce Development Board if you qualify. Ask about it before you enroll anywhere.
- GI Bill
- Covers MACC, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans.
Sources: Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (A+, Fast Track); Federal Student Aid; Central Missouri Workforce Development Board. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Put those together and a lot of Columbia adults attend MACC for close to nothing out of pocket. Private schools take Pell, GI Bill, and WIOA but not A+ or Fast Track.
Questions from Columbia
Does Moberly Area Community College have a campus in Columbia?
Yes. MACC has a Columbia location that offers several trade and technical programs, including HVAC, welding, and electrical. It's the most affordable way to train in the area, and Missouri A+ and Fast Track grants work there.
Which trades are hiring most in Columbia right now?
HVAC and medical assisting lead the list. The hospitals and the university need maintenance and facility staff, and the growing number of apartment complexes and commercial buildings means constant HVAC and electrical work. CDL is another solid bet — Columbia sits at the crossroads of I-70 and US 63.
Can I train for the trades while I work at the university or a hospital?
Yes. MACC and most private trade schools in the area run evening and weekend classes for the main trades. CDL programs often have flexible scheduling too. Tell the school your hours and ask what fits.
I don't have a GED. Where do I start in Columbia?
MACC offers GED prep and Adult Education classes through its Columbia campus. The Central Missouri Workforce Development Board also runs free programs. Some trade schools let you start training and finish your GED at the same time. Pick "Some high school" on the form and we'll include them.