Have you heard about trade schools? If not, then you are missing out on a lot because trade schools, especially the California trade schools can certainly prepare you for in-demand jobs and turn you into a professional within a year.
Currently, there are many trades that are in high demand that encourage graduates to be a part of growing fields. If you are a high school graduate, who is looking to start a profession, then trade schools can be your first stop.
Especially, if you have trouble with the financing, then it would be better if you choose trade schools over a four-year college. But that doesn’t mean that your income will be somewhat less than what traditional college graduates would receive as there are several cases where trade school graduates earn impressive salaries comparable to theirs.
But you cannot just consider any trade school in the town as it requires proper research before deciding on one of them. If you are a California native, then there is good news for you.
California offers a string of the best trade schools in the world and also they own the majority of the highest-paid tradespeople in the nation. But what is more important is that California itself is a vibrant place where people from the four corners of the world can join.
In addition to it, California trade schools stand out from the others as they mainly focus on delivering high-quality training in a number of educational departments including construction, technology, beauty, wellness & medical care, and others.
With that being said, you must have gained a not-so-clear idea about California trade schools, and in this article, we have compiled details about ten of the best trade schools in California in 2023.
List Of Best Trade Schools In California 2023
- Advanced Career Institute
- SJVC
- Contractors State License School
- Dental Assisting Institute
- Blake Austin College
- Welding Certification Center
- Film Connection Film Institute
- Southern California Health Institute
- MTI College
- Northern California Construction Training
This article aims to help students make better decisions regarding their future studies so that they may land in a better position someday. So if you are someone or you know someone who is dedicated to finding a career in the trades, then we can affirm that this very article can help you in many ways.
It will assist you in gathering the maximum information possible. If you are ready to trade a few minutes of your life to read this, then who knows, maybe you will remember this moment as one of the game-changing times in your life.
Without any further delay, let’s jump into the list of California’s best trade schools in 2023.
10. Northern California Construction Training (NCCT)
Northern California Construction Training is exclusively for those individuals who are focused on the building trades as they offer a pre-apprenticeship program directed towards the same focus.
Why would someone waste any more time when they hear that they can sit in a classroom where almost all subjects regarding construction would be discussed, all at no cost to you? Plus, you will be eligible to receive valuable certificates as well.
In better words, graduates seeking to enter into several apprenticeship programs can certainly opt for NCCT, as they are guaranteed to offer quality education free of cost. In addition to it, this community-based organization will also provide the students with unpaid training in the classroom.
But most of you must be in search of a better experience in the field and it is exact;y where NCCT comes in as the forest choice. Under the California trade school, the joiners are subjected to hands-on building experience.

If you successfully complete your desired course under this non-profit organization, then you will be immediately offered an opportunity to join an apprenticeship program that is approved by the Sacramento County Office of Education.
The programs offered by Sacramento include Probation Program, Adult Program, Youth Detention Facility Program, YouthBuild Program, Welding Program, and Elinor Hickey Academy Program.
Other than these, NCCT also provides a set of courses to which the admission requirements may differ. Plus, if you are a student under the age of 18, then you must enroll yourself in either independent study Programs or adult education programs.
9. MTI College
MTI College is one of the best community-based institutions that is ranked nine on our list of the best trade schools in California in 2023. They offer standardized training in the areas of cosmetology, information technology, healthcare, barbering, and business.
Most probably you must have heard about MTI College as it was chosen as Sacramento’s best vocational school. Founded in 1965, this college has been accredited by the certifying commission for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1999.
Approved by the American Bar Associates, MTI’s courses include its diploma programs such as phlebotomy, advanced makeup, and cosmetology as well as its degree programs such as A.A.S. Cloud Administration, A.A. Paralegal Studies, A.A. Business Administration, and A.A . Paralegal Studies- One Plus.

Fees for the certificate programs may vary from $500 to $18,900 and the tuition for degree programs may be between $13,900 and $17,980 for a year.
As per the college scorecard database submitted by the Department of Education, the MTI College campus has a 71% graduation rate. It has been possible because once you are selected by the college authorities then you will get easy loans to complete whichever course you choose.
But what is more interesting is that the course duration is as little as nine months. Furthermore, no graduates are left with zero placement offers as they ensure assistance upon graduation.
So you might turn out as a Technical Support Specialist, Coding and Medical Billing Professional, Legal Administrative Assistant, or Administrative Office Professional in just a few months.
8. Southern California Health Institute
For the last 25 years, Southern California Health Institute aka SOCHi has been one of the best trade schools in California.
SOCHi is an established trade school as it has succeeded in forming healthy relationships with wellness professionals across California.
When we say SOCHi is a successful trade school, you might be wondering what it has done to achieve that greatness. Well, SOCHi measures its growth by measuring the success and growth of its graduates and by calculating how gainful they have been in their employment.

Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), their career service department assists anyone who qualifies for their admission test, throughout their professional journey. They make sure that you fit in well with the healthcare field as Southern California Health Institute’s major aim is to help students build careers in Wellness & Health.
Their graduates are often hired by well-established chiropractic offices, fitness centers, gyms, clinics, spas, and physical therapy facilities.
Great deals don’t come for free so you cannot take admission into the Southern California Health Institute for free. There is a registration fee of $200 and in addition to that, course fees might vary from $16,165 to $17,172.
But you do not necessarily have to fret as Southern California Health Institute students are eligible to engage themselves in various federal students’ financial aid programs.
7. Film Connection Film Institute
You cannot find a film institute other than Film Connection Film Institute that is a member of respected organizations such as the National Guild, The Grammy Awards, and the Independent Film Alliance.
Established in 1983, Film Connection Film Institute is one of the most popular film institutes in the world as they make you learn the three-act structure- directing, writing, and producing.
In addition to it, they guide you to work alongside an industry insider and actors as externs which will help you learn how to maintain a team. The training would be provided by experienced cinematographers, screenwriters, producers, directors, and editors. They further make you equipped with skills to pitch your future projects.

As the name suggests, Film Connect encourages you in creating good connections with industry-leading professionals across the US. So, by the time you graduate, you can either choose to fly to LA or New York to pursue your dream career in Hollywood.
The two courses offered by the firm are the Cinematography program and Film Production & Editing program. While the tuition for the former course is $12,750, the latter comes to $13,040.
6. Welding Certification Center
Welding Certification Center is the only Private Welding School in Los Angeles. If you are planning to consider Welding Certification Center for your further studies, then most probably you are on the right path.
They offer a number of courses including Shielded Metal Arc Welding Structure Steel, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Aluminium, Shielded Metal Arc Welding Structural Sheet Steel, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Stainless Steel, Gas Metal Arc Welding Structure, Flux Cored Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding Sheet Metal, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding Structural Steel.
They offer the most reliable and convenient education method for you to become a certified welder in the city of Los Angeles.
Within a short amount of time, the center understands your potential and turns you into a proficient welder so that you may realize your welding-related goals. Backed by a group of expert welding professors and industry trainers, provides quality services to the residents of Orange, LA, and the Inland Empire areas.
Welding Certification Center is regarded as one of the best trade schools in California.
Welding Certification Center’s workshops are basically designed in a beginner-friendly style, but by the time you graduate, they will make sure that you are an advanced welder. In case all you need is a refresher workshop to help you pass the LA City Written Test, then the institution can still be your destination.

The school is further permitted to conduct the LA Department of Building & Safety Welding Performance Test under its own authority.
Classes are small, but that is not a demerit to mention as the infrastructure will enable you to have a better understanding of your lessons as you will be seated near to the professor.
Moreover, the number of students is also less, usually, not more than 8 students, and the teaching sessions are scheduled based on the availability of the students.
The fees vary depending on the demand of the course, but it only extends to the maximum of $23,041 from the minimum of $6,795. Since the Welding Certification Center is approved for receiving student loans, the only question raised here is whether or not you are eligible.
5. Blake Austin College
Blake Austin College is the self-claimed next generation of industry professionals as they provide you with a guaranteed career in healthcare and dental programs.
They equip you with skills and hands-on training, two of the most crucial features you would require to withstand in the healthcare field. But, regardless of your industry, you should always be self-disciplined and motivated and Blake Austin College is aimed to promote these qualities.
Their curriculum is not designed to guide you to pass the state licensing tests but is designed in such a way that it ensures each of its students to be successful in their professional careers.
Currently, Blake Austin College has been delivering relevant courses to fulfill the demands of the Beauty & Wellness and Medical & Dental industries. With their certification programs including Vocational Nursing, Cosmetology, Dental Assisting, and more, you get a chance to acquire quality education which they can make use of in the future.

Blake Austin College has a main campus where programs like Vocational Nursing, Dental Assisting, Administrative Medical Assistance, and Clinical Medical Tests with Phlebotomy are encouraged.
It also has a branch campus in Vacaville, where programs like Advanced Education Classes, Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Spa Nail Technician are promoted.
In order to join the school, you must have Government- issued Identification, and GED Certificate or Highschool Diploma.
With a registration fee of $100, the courses would be available to qualified individuals for tuition starting from $6,750 to $33,575.
To qualified students, financial resources in the form of federal loans, scholarships, and grants are provided.
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4. Dental Assisting Institute
If you are interested in the dental industry, then Dental Assisting Institute is one of the few best options you have. Within just 12 Saturdays of training, you will be able to master your favorite Dental Assisting programs. Also, the institute is certified by the California Bureau and is approved by the California Dental Board.
Dental Assisting Institute is one of the premium institutes for dental studies and has secured fourth place in the list of best trade schools in California in 2023
Further, the school provides job placement assistance as they will recommend you to the dental offices which are in search of Dental Assistant graduates, once you finish your course under its board.

Saturday Dental Assistant Course, Ultrasonic Scaling Course, RDA Written Exam Review Course, 8-hour Infection Control Course, Coronal Polishing Course, Radiation Safety Course, PIT & Fissure Sealants, and RDA Written Exam Home Study are the courses made available under the Dental Assisting Institute.
Although there is a string of financing options before the qualified students, the fees for the 12 weeks of Dental Assisting courses are fixed and it is $5,495. But different types of financial support are offered to the students to complete their education under the Dental Assisting Institute.
However, in order to enroll, you must be at least 18 or more and should have a GED, or a high school diploma.
3. Contractors State License School
Contractors State License School is the biggest contractors licensing school in the US. The school licenses thousands of students per year. Delivering the best possible teaching is not their only goal, but they are also adamant about preparing their students for the exams.
In short, Contractors State License School is strategized to help its students pass the California Contractors License Exam. Interestingly, 1 out of every 3 exam applicants seek the assistance of this license school and most of them pass on their first try.
Prior to the examination, they will be provided with a two-day class, which is eight hours a day. On the first day, they will be taught about the Law part and by the second day, they will be equipped with in-depth knowledge of the trade part as well.
Classes are available across California and that enables most of the students to join and become a professional in no time.

Now you must wonder why in the world the majority of students opt for Contractors State License School. The number one reason why they trust the institution is its founder, David Mizener.
He has both Bachelor’s and Master’s Science degrees in Education and, moreover, Mizner has been active in this field for the past 4 decades.
The courses offered are Law & Business Online, Crash Course, Construction Math Review, In-School Law & Trade, Test Taking Skills, and Home Study Law & Trade. The tuition fees vary depending on the program.
Although the courses are scholarship friendly, the John Baker Contractor Scholarship allotted to the college will only be applicable to one free course per every month.
These aforementioned courses are entailed with a few other additional certifications and seminars including ICC Certification, Mould Remediation, California Electrical Cert, Blueprint Reading Seminar, Home Inspection Course, and EPA-RRP Certification.
2. San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC)
With 15 campuses in California, San Joaquin Valley College, SJVC, is one of the largest private junior colleges that is specially designed to provide you with skills that will save you in the current market.
With more than 50 years of experience, SJVC offers several programs including Dental Assisting, Registered Nursing, Surgical Technology, Construction Management, Medical Assisting, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Human Resource Administration, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Information Technology, Business Administration and more.
The fees for these courses may vary between $9,555 and 458,195. Also, they are offering non-degree programs for just $1,400 per program.

But in order to qualify, you must meet certain criteria such as you must be someone who possesses a high school diploma or a course equivalent to that. Apart from that, you must also participate in an acceptance interview which will be either conducted by the campus manager, or tech Enrollment Services Director.
SJVC is one of the business colleges that is ranked 2nd in the list of best trade schools in California.
SJVC graduates have grown to heights in many fields. Moreover, the college has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Google, indicating that most of the graduates have enjoyed a wonderful experience after being a part of SJVC.
But why would you choose SJVC over any other trade school? This particular question has a set of definite answers including the college’s flexible learning hours, hands-on classes, and the implementation of real-world skills.
They have a number of career services staff serving within the college to assist graduates to find a respective job in their career fields.
Apart from that, SJVC graduates have several other advantages including fast-track learning. They are provided with their individual course certificates within a maximum time period of 15 months.
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1. Advanced Career Institute
Advanced Career Institute is the best trade school in California and they provide training in 25 individual qualifications with the most approached courses being CDL Refresher Course, Class A CDL Trading, and Welding Training.
They stand out from the other Californian trade schools by providing high-quality education in a short time. Depending on the course you chose, you can complete it within a time period of 3 weeks to 9 months.
The Advanced Career Institute was launched back in 1986 and shortly after it was accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. As a private business and trade school, this institute is licensed by the State of California Bureau and currently has permission to provide Veteran training.
When asked about the benefits of attending Advanced Career Institutes, many opined that the flexible class hours, experienced teachers, positive environment, and hands-on training were the major key points that kept them attracted to this institute.

By now, the institution was reviewed around 49 times, and out of five, they have managed to achieve an impressive rating of 4.39. If this is something to go by, then almost 96% of the reviewers were positive about the impact they bought in the industry.
With a median cost of $6,000, the cost to enroll in the available courses ranges from $400 to $13,500. But most graduates completed their studies within the Advanced Career Institutes by relying on scholarship funding.
Although financial aid is not available for all courses, you will be eligible for monetary assistance with most of them.
Depending on the program, the enrollment procedures are also different. If you are looking to join ACI, then you must at least be 18 and must possess a high school diploma. Also, you shouldn’t have had any felony convictions in the last five years.
However, a high school diploma is mandatory regardless of the program you choose.
Conclusion
You might be a step away from landing a rewarding career as the only current major requirement is taking the right decision at the right time. By now, you must have learned much about the best trade schools in California and their significance in various educational fields.
Although choosing one of them is not a cinch, it is neither a challenge. You can go through factors such as school accreditation, job placement, certificate value, and duration of the program while deciding.
You are free to research on your own but remember, you are still a step away from your dream job.