10 Best Trade Schools in California

One misconception most students have today about Trade schools is that they’ve got nothing to offer, especially when compared to Universities and colleges.

But truth is, there are vocational schools in most parts of the United States like California, Texas, and Florida that offer quality and technical training needed to pursue careers.

California Trade Schools offer the best possible opportunity to students who want to acquire or build a technical skill in any choice area.

They also run some University programs with a certificate of completion in a short time. Thus, instead of giving up on your desired institution because of several failed attempts at admission, you can take up a program in any of the trade schools.

You can also get the highest-paying trade school jobs in the world here.

In this post, you will get an insight into what Trade school entails and, most importantly, a comprehensive list of the Best Trade Schools in California that you can go for.

Meanwhile, kindly glide through the table of contents below to get an overview of all this post entails.

What Exactly is Trade School?

Trade School is a post-secondary school specifically designed for students who want to improve in one technical skill or the other. The core aim of any Trade School is to train and prepare students for a specific career.

Vocational or Technical schools as they are sometimes called is different from colleges and universities though they are all higher institutions.

As a graduate from any of the trade schools, you will be given a diploma or business certificate attesting that you have completed, unlike universities that gives bachelor degrees.

Another difference is that with two-years in Trade school, you can complete a program that would take you four years to complete in university.

At a business school, you can earn a certificate degree in information technology, nursing, and health sciences, automotive technician training, and health care. With this certificate degree, you can get any of the highest paying 2-year degrees in the world.

Why Should I consider a Trade School in California?

California is one of the US States that has best higher or tertiary institutions; college, university, business schools and another other tertiary institution. Particularly, they have trade schools in a different field that provides technical training and skills.

If you enroll in any of the California trade schools, you are sure to get a diploma degree in any of the following fields; information technology, nursing, and health sciences, automotive technician training, and medical assisting.

According to cnbc.com, in 2017, California as a state invested over $200 million in technical schools to encourage more students to earn a vocational certificate instead of a bachelor’s degree.

Moreso, they established standard Trade schools that offer accredited programs that will take 6-2 years to complete.

Aside from the certificate you will get that can boost your cv and the technical skills you will acquire, there are countless reasons you should consider going to California to take a program at any trade school there.

Some of these reasons count the following.

High Job Opportunities

One thing California has worked so hard to build is the platform that will help equipped workers in its Career Technical Education (CTE) programs with the tools they need to succeed.

With these tools and valuable skills, they can fill in the available jobs, which are many. Also, California Trade school programs are more streamlined and lead directly to the career students are aiming for.

I tell you, employment isn’t an issue for most trade school graduates in the state.

Build skills

With any of the trade schools in California, you can build a skill of your choice. It will also give you the opportunity to learn valuable career skills in one of the world’s most prosperous and exciting regions.

Less Completion Duration

If you want to start your career as fast as possible, choosing any of the Trade schools in California is the best way to start.

Generally, trade schools cut off anything that is not relevant to programs. This results to a reduction in the time duration of each program, making it possible for students to complete a program in a short period.

So, if you enroll in any program that is normally a four-year course university or college, it will take you two years to complete in a trade school.

Gives you personal Experiences

California Trade school programs are adult-oriented and offer a more personal experience.

Since the population in most trade schools is considerably lower compared to most colleges and universities, students can expect individualized attention and additional encouragement, as well as, support from their instructors and even fellow classmates.

California offers Varieties

California is not a state that has few vocational schools that you will think of considering other states. Here you have numerous trade schools to choose from in California.

You can choose from various concentrations, including the automotive industry, pipe fitting, appliance repair, and carpentry.

These and many more are basic reasons you should consider enrolling for any of the vocational schools in California. Having known this, let’s look at some of the programs you can apply for.

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Vocational School Programs in California

Getting a certificate and skills in any of these programs that earn you a well-paying career that you will boast of.

Note, these programs are accredited, some can take from 6 weeks to 1 year to complete while some can take 2-year to complete.

Check out this list

• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting
• Health Information Services
• Welding Technology
• HVAC Technology
• Auto Mechanic
• Criminal Justice
• Medical Coding
• Cosmetology
• Information Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Aviation Maintenance Technician
• Business Administration
• Accounting

What You can do with a Degree From a Trade School in California?

With a certificate degree from Vocational schools in California, there are a lot you can do.

Once you complete a trade school program, you can get a job directly related to the field you studied. 

For instance, if you take a Cosmetology program, after completion, you can work as a Cosmetologist for any big IT Firm.

Check out some of the positions you can occupy with a degree from any California trade school:

• Electrician
• Dental hygienist
• Plumber
• Paralegal
• Nurse
• Graphic Designer
• Welder
• Computer technician
• Aircraft mechanic
• Cosmetologist
• Chef
• Marine mechanic
• Construction manager
• Massage therapist
• Pharmacy technician

Tips on how to choose the best Vocational School in California

One of the reasons you should make California your destination for studying a program in a Trade School as I mentioned earlier is that there are numerous schools you can choose from.

On the other way round, this can be a challenge to you in making choice because since the schools are many, you might find it a bit difficult deciding on the best one for you.

This is why I have put down here the basic things you must look out for when deciding.

Consider the Programs

Firstly, ensure the California vocational school you want to consider offers the training you want to study.

The school name doesn’t matter here. For instance, if you want to take a course in graphic design, even if the school is the best in the whole of California but doesn’t offer graphic design programs, you won’t benefit anything unless you go for another course.

So, it will be useless to go for a school that doesn’t have the program you want.

So here is what you will do. Go to the school website, check out the programs offered there and ensure the school offers exactly what you’re looking before apply.

Check the Globe Reputation

Secondly, the California vocational school must be globally recognized and have good reputation before you can consider it.

If its not well known, forget it.

When you attend a trade school that is well recognized, your chances of getting employed after school will be high. It will also boost your moral and confidence in the program you completed.

You can also check out some of the accreditated programs and make sure they have students that have graduated and earned a certificate on that program already.

Unfortunately, many vocational schools exist mostly as diploma mills and will take a lot of your money without giving you a good education in return. Doing your research early on will help you avoid this.

Consider what you have in your Pocket

Lastly, check your pocket before considering any California Trade School. Although tuition fees in Trade Schools are low, that is when compared to tuition fees in universities and colleges.

Make sure you can pay or you have a sponsor that can assist you in paying the tuition fees. And that the times the classes are offered work with your schedule.

Trade Schools in California

California is one state in US that has given a lot to ensure that so many Vocational or technical schools are established in other to encourage both national and international students learn skills.

And also, to provide students with a wide range of professional development options. There are so many Trade Schools in California but we will be giving you a list of the Top Ten best that offers high quality technical training and means to acquire skills.

Before then, let’s look at some of the Vocational schools that are good in some specific programs in California.

Machinist trade schools in California

If you want to be a machinist, enrolling in any California Machinist Trade or vocational schools is a good start.

These schools will help you learn how to use hand tools and machine tools to create or modify a part that is made of metal, plastics, or wood.

Here are some Machinist Trade schools in California you can enroll in this 2024;

• Orange Coast College
• Santa Ana College
• Los Angeles Trade Technical College
• Cerritos College
• El Camino Community College District
• Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education
• Fullerton College
• Pasadena City College
• Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Nursing Trade Schools in California

Do you want to be a Nurse? have you tried getting admitted into your dream university and you were turned down? You can be a nurse with any program from any of the Nursing trade schools in California.

Although you won’t get a BSN degree, the associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) you will get upon completion can prepare you for the state licensing exam. You can also be equipped with the skills needed to provide care in several introductory settings.

Below is a list of Nursing trade Schools in California;

• Bakersfield Adult School
• Clovis Adult Education
• American Career College – Los Angeles
• Career Development Institute
• College of Nursing & Technology
• Long Beach City College
• Pomona Adult & Career Education
• Rio Hondo College
• WestMed College – Merced
• Concorde Career College – Garden Grove
• Sacramento City College
• Hartnell College
• Grossmont College
• Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health

Electrical Trade schools in California

To build an exceptional career as an electrician, consider an electrical trade school in California.

During your program, you will learn to mark circles, niches, panels, and other equipment on the drawings.

Also, you will learn to estimate the quantities and types of materials needed to complete a task, and select the appropriate tools.

Below is a list of some of the California Electrician trade Schools you can go for;

• Summit College
• San Joaquin Valley College
• UEI College
• Southern California Institute of Technology
• Orange Coast College
• Barstow Community College
• InterCoast
• Modesto Junior College
• LA Trade-Tech College
• Long Beach City College

Trade Schools in Southern California

Below are some of the Trade Schools in Southern California;

• Imperial Valley College
• Allan Hancock College
• Cuesta College
• Grossmont College
• MiraCosta College
• Ventura College
• Moorpark College
• Bethesda University

And Finally….

10 Best Trade Schools in California

To save you that stress of trying to make your choice out of the thousands of Trade schools in California which you and I know that will consume your time and energy, we have made research and have been able to compile here 10 best Trade Schools in California.

Note, these schools where ranked based on the following factors

• Number of Programs
• Student: teacher Ratio
• Graduation Rate

Here is the list of the 10 best Trade Schools in California.

• City College of San Francisco
• Santa Rosa Junior College
• Pasadena City College
• Los Angeles Trade Technical College
• Saddleback College
• College of the Sequoias
• American River College
• Mt San Antonio College
• Long Beach City College
• San Bernardino Valley College

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#1. City College of San Francisco

The number one in our list of 10 Best Trade Schools in California is City College of San Francisco (CCSF). This college is a two-year public community college accredited by the Western Union Youth and Community College Accreditation Committee for Schools and Colleges.

Right from its inception, this California vocational school has grown into a multicultural community college, and the campus is one of the largest in the country.

CCSF offers courses in more than 50 academic programs and more than 100 professional specializations.

Moreso, the college has is a complete set of credit courses leading to associate degrees in Arts and Sciences, most of which meet the public education requirements for transfer to colleges and universities for four years.

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#2. Santa Rosa Junior College

Next in our list is Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). This is a public community college in Santa Rosa, California, with an additional campus in Petaluma and centers in nearby Sonoma County.

Basically, this school focuses on student learning by preparing students for transfer; by providing responsive career and technical education; and by improving students’ foundation skills.

Associate Degree is the highest degree offered at this school. Also, students can earn degrees and certificates in 32 different fields.

Popular programs include social sciences, health professions, and related programs, and multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary studies.

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#3. Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College (PCC) is a public community college in Pasadena and one of the best Trade schools in Southern California.

Enrolling into Pasadena City College will provide you with that dynamic, innovative, and high-quality learning environment that inspires you to succeed.

Trust me, you can be among the 30,300 students that will be opportune to enroll for any of the academic programs, including degrees, transfer programs, and degrees this school provides annually.

Therefore, you can enroll in any programs or popular disciplines like liberal arts, humanities, natural sciences, and business.

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#4. Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles Trade Technical College should be in your list when listing the best trade schools in California that can give you what you want.

This college offers varieties of technical programs but is better in plumbing programs. So, if you want to get into the plumbing industry, Los Angeles Technical College of Business (LATTC) can offer you four-year degrees and professional programs.

Also, this college aims at encouraging students to achieve career technical certificates through pathways to academic, career, and transfer success.

Note, this college is part of the Los Angeles Community College District and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges, The American Culinary Federation, and the National League of Nursing among others.

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#5. Saddleback College

Another trade school you should try considering when looking for a nice school in California that can help equip you with technical skills is Saddleback College.

This college is among the best trade schools in California that provide training and classes on some programs. Right from its inception, it has produced over 500,000 graduates.

Moreso, it has proven to be one of the ideal schools for students who want to take the shortest path to their career goals, with more than 300 college degrees and degrees offered.

While most require campus attendance, some programs can be completed online.

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#6. College of the Sequoias

Sequoia College (COS) is a public community college in Visalia, California known for its quality and standard programs.

Basically, this trade school in California offers a diversified range of transformational, professional, and community classes, including fire/police academies for Tolari and Kings counties.

Regardless of your background, location, or way of life, College of the Sequoias give you that educational pathway to achieve your full educational potential if you apply for any program.

Note, COS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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#7. American River College

Next in our list of top Trade schools in California that you can seek for admission is American River College. This is a California community college located in the unincorporated community of Foothill Farms.

For years now, this Vocational school in California has been the study aboard destination of many students.

Basically, it offers certification in technical/vocational programs, continuing education credit, or personal enrichment. Also, the college offers three types of online learning: online, hybrid, and web-enhanced.

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#8. Mt San Antonio College

At Mt San Antonio College, you can get the full college experience without the full college debt.

You can also get support and excellent education to help you succeed in your career.

Interestingly, if you gain admission into this college, you will have more than 260 degree and certificate programs, 25 support programs to choose from. And also, more than 50 student clubs and athletic programs.

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#9. Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College is a two-year community college and among the top trade schools in California.

Basically, this college provides for students with the latest technologies, technology-rich learning environments, a wide range of professional and academic technical education programs.

Moreso, it provides strong community partnerships, economic initiatives, and workforce development that prepare students to succeed in the 21st century.

Furthermore, It offers many associate degrees and degree programs that prepare students for four-year institutions, career advancement, and personal development.

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#10. San Bernardino Valley College

Finally on our list is San Bernardino Valley College. This college of choice for students in the Inland Empire.  

However, it is renowned for its culture of continuous improvement and commitment in providing high-quality education, education, and innovative services to a diverse group of students.

Its major aim is to prepare students to move to four-year universities to enter the workforce by earning applied degrees and certificates.

Furthermore, the school helps to promote economic growth and global competitiveness by developing the workforce and improving the quality of life in the internal and external empires.

Having explore these Best California Trade Schools, I think a clue on how you can apply for any of the schools you decides to go for will really be of great help.

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How to Apply to a Trade School in California

Generally, the application procedures for most are trade schools in California are similar and simple.

Either you get in touch with the school admission board, or you get the application form on the school website.

Some schools will require you to come for an interview after submitting your application form. This interview can help guide you to the program that would be best for you.

For most schools and programs, you don’t have to take the SAT/ACT, and you don’t need to write an essay.

Furthermore, trade schools won’t require recommendations or consider your extracurricular activities when determining admission.

Sources

• https://www.electriciancareersguide.com/electrician-schools-and-training-in-california/
• https://www.findmytradeschool.com/trade-schools/california/
• https://www.rwm.org/states/california-trade-schools/
• https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-trade-school
• https://careerschoolnow.org/colleges/states/california