Find Trade School Programs Near You

Looking to start a career in the trades? Here’s how to find the right training program — whether that’s a trade school, community college, or union apprenticeship.

Programs by Trade

Electrician Programs

What to Look For

Look for programs that cover the National Electrical Code (NEC), residential and commercial wiring, motor controls, and blueprint reading. The best programs include hands-on lab time -- not just textbook work. If the school has partnerships with local IBEW chapters or electrical contractors, that's a strong sign they're placing graduates in real jobs.

Typical Program Length

9 months to 2 years (trade school) or 4-5 years (apprenticeship)

Average Cost Range

$5,000 - $20,000 for trade school; apprenticeships are typically free with paid on-the-job training

Search Electrician Programs Electrician Apprenticeship Guide →

Plumber Programs

What to Look For

A solid plumbing program teaches you pipe fitting, drain systems, water heater installation, gas line work, and local plumbing codes. You want a program that gets your hands dirty -- actual pipe cutting, soldering, and fixture installation. Ask about their license exam pass rate. If they can't tell you, that's a red flag.

Typical Program Length

8 months to 2 years (trade school) or 4-5 years (apprenticeship)

Average Cost Range

$4,000 - $18,000 for trade school; apprenticeships are typically free with paid on-the-job training

Search Plumber Programs Plumber Apprenticeship Guide →

HVAC Technician Programs

What to Look For

HVAC programs should cover heating systems, air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pumps, and EPA 608 certification. Good programs also teach electrical fundamentals and troubleshooting -- you'll need both in the field. Check if they prepare you for NATE certification, which is the industry gold standard and can bump your starting pay.

Typical Program Length

6 months to 2 years (trade school) or 3-5 years (apprenticeship)

Average Cost Range

$3,500 - $15,000 for trade school; apprenticeships are typically free with paid on-the-job training

Search HVAC Technician Programs HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Guide →

Welder Programs

What to Look For

Welding programs vary a lot in quality. You want one that teaches multiple processes -- at minimum MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Pipe welding and structural welding are where the money is, so look for programs that cover those. The biggest differentiator is booth time: you need hundreds of hours actually welding, not watching someone else do it.

Typical Program Length

7 months to 2 years (trade school) or 3-4 years (apprenticeship)

Average Cost Range

$5,000 - $20,000 for trade school; some community colleges offer programs for $3,000 - $8,000

Search Welder Programs Welder Apprenticeship Guide →

CDL Truck Driver Programs

What to Look For

CDL programs are shorter than other trades, but quality still matters. Look for programs with plenty of behind-the-wheel hours -- at least 40-60 hours on the road. Some trucking companies offer free CDL training in exchange for a work commitment, which can be a good deal if you read the contract carefully. Make sure the program prepares you for both the written and skills portions of the CDL exam.

Typical Program Length

3-8 weeks (CDL school) or company-sponsored training programs

Average Cost Range

$3,000 - $10,000 for CDL school; many companies offer free training with a 1-year commitment

Search CDL Truck Driver Programs CDL Truck Driver Apprenticeship Guide →

Union Apprenticeships

Here’s something a lot of people don’t know: many trade unions offer free training through apprenticeship programs. You start getting paid from day one — around 50% of journeyman wages to start, with raises as you progress. By the time you finish, you’re a fully certified journeyman with zero student debt.

Union apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. You’ll work alongside experienced journeymen, learning the trade the way it’s actually done — not just from a textbook. And unlike trade school, you’re getting a paycheck the entire time.

The catch? They’re competitive. You usually need to pass an aptitude test, do an interview, and may need to wait for openings. But if you can get in, it’s one of the best deals in career training. You come out with industry-recognized credentials, solid work experience, and often better pay and benefits than your non-union counterparts.

Major Trade Unions with Apprenticeship Programs

IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) — Electricians and lineworkers
UA (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters) — Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers) — HVAC and sheet metal workers
Ironworkers (International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers) — Welders and structural steel workers
Teamsters (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) — CDL drivers and freight operators

Check your local union hall for application windows — most accept new apprentices once or twice a year.

How to Choose the Right Program

Check Accreditation

This is non-negotiable. Make sure the school is accredited by a recognized agency — not some made-up organization. Accreditation matters because it determines whether you can use federal financial aid, whether employers take your credentials seriously, and whether your credits transfer if you decide to continue your education. Look for accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Ask About Job Placement Rates

A good trade school should be able to tell you what percentage of their graduates find work in the field within 6 months. If they can’t give you a number, or the number is below 70%, that’s a warning sign. The best programs have strong relationships with local employers and contractors who actively recruit their graduates.

Prioritize Hands-On Training Hours

The trades are physical work, and you learn by doing. Compare the ratio of classroom hours to lab/shop hours between programs. A program that’s 80% lecture and 20% hands-on won’t prepare you for the real world as well as one that flips that ratio. Ask to tour the shop and see the equipment — it should look like a real jobsite, not a dusty storage room.

Weigh Cost vs. Value

The most expensive program isn’t always the best. Community colleges often offer the same quality training as private trade schools at a fraction of the cost. Before you sign up for a $20,000 program, check if your local community college has a similar program for $5,000. The diploma means the same thing to employers — they care about your skills and certifications, not the name on the certificate.

Financial Aid for Trade School

Don’t let the sticker price scare you off. There’s a lot of money available for trade school students — you just have to know where to look.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Fill this out first, no matter what. Even if you think you won’t qualify, FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. It’s free to apply and most accredited trade schools accept it. File early — some aid is first-come, first-served.

Pell Grants

Pell Grants are free money from the federal government — you don’t have to pay them back. If your family income is below a certain threshold, you could get up to $7,395 per year (2024-25 school year). That covers most or all of the tuition at a community college trade program.

GI Bill

If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, the GI Bill covers trade school tuition at approved programs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also provides a monthly housing allowance while you’re in school. Many trade schools are VA-approved — ask the admissions office before you enroll.

Workforce Development Boards

Your state’s workforce development board may offer grants or vouchers for trade school training through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. These programs are designed for people who are unemployed, underemployed, or changing careers. Contact your local American Job Center to find out what’s available in your area.

Employer-Sponsored Training

Some employers will pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment. This is especially common in CDL truck driving, where companies like Werner, Swift, and CRST offer free CDL school if you agree to drive for them for a year. Similar arrangements exist in electrical and HVAC contracting. It’s worth asking around before paying out of pocket.