Best Trade Schools in Alabama
23 schools ranked by programs, certifications, equipment, and accreditations. Real data, no affiliate padding.
#14
National Rank
23
Schools
21
Program Types
20
Certifications
4.5
Avg Programs/School
21
Observed Program Tags
Critical Skills: WeldingHVACPlumbingMachine
How We Rank Schools
Schools are ranked using a transparent composite score (0-100 points) based on verifiable data:
- Program breadth 0-20 pts
- Certification depth 0-15 pts
- Equipment/facilities 0-8 pts
- Accreditation quality 0-12 pts
- Data completeness 0-18 pts
- Outcomes (placement, salary) 0-10 pts
- Financial aid (VA, Pell, WIOA) 0-7 pts
- Partnership readiness 0-10 pts
No school pays for placement. Rankings are updated as new data is verified.
Top 15 Trade Schools in Alabama
1
Lawson State Community College
Birmingham, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing TechnologyRobotics & Automation
Pell Eligible
100% placement
Certifications: NATE, HVAC Excellence, NATEF
Equipment: Stick Welder
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award the Associate degreethe Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)Lawson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools CommissionLawson State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Contact: Dr. Cynthia Anthony —
canthony@lawsonstate.edu
Trade school offering Welding & Fabrication programs with AWS certifications.
2
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
VA Approved
$11,300 avg salary
Certifications: OSHA 10, CompTIA A+, Six Sigma, CompTIA Network+,
CompTIA Security+, Phlebotomy
Equipment: MIG Welder, Stick Welder
an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education How to Apply
Employees wishing to apply for a RISE scholarship should fill out this form
onlineCampus Resources Student Emergency Grant Fund Professional Attire Closet Calhoun
CupboardOrganizations Student Government AssociationCampus Resources Student Emergency Grant Fund Professional Attire Closet Calhoun
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Contact: Kelli Morris —
kelli.morris@calhoun.edu
Trade school offering Welding & Fabrication and Commercial Driving programs with
CDL certifications. DOL Registered accredited.
3
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Phenix City, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyElectronics & InstrumentationManufacturing Technology
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, I-CAR, OSHA 10, CNA, Phlebotomy, Medical
Coding, CDL, Hazmat Endorsement
Message Boardwill host a site visit from the Accreditation Commissionwill host a site visit from the Accreditation CommissionMessage Board
Contact: Jacqueline Screws —
jackie.screws@cv.edu
Trade school offering Construction & Carpentry, Healthcare & Medical, and
HVAC/R programs with CNA, NATE, OSHA 10 certifications. ABHES, VA Approved accredited.
4
Bishop State Community College
Mobile, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA Approved
Certifications: AWS Welding, ASE, CDL, EPA 608, I-CAR, NATE, NCCER,
OSHA 10
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Alabama Community College System Board
Contact: Downtown Campus — —
5
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan
Dothan, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryElectronics & Instrumentation
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE, NATEF, CompTIA A+, Medical Coding
Equipment: MIG Welder
the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation/Automotive Service
Excellence (NATEF/ASE)the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Rd NE,
Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30326Accreditation CommissionAccreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Website The most recent
accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commission
Contact: Career Services —
sharris@wallace.edu
Trade school offering Healthcare & Medical, Welding & Fabrication, and
Commercial Driving programs with CDL, CNA, EKG certifications. State Approved
accredited.
6
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
Hanceville, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningElectronics & Instrumentation
VA ApprovedPell EligibleWIOATitle IV
Certifications: NATE, NATEF
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate degreesthe Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Clinical Laboratory
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Culinary Arts American
Culinary Federation Education Foundation Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene Commission
on Dental Accreditation Diagnostic Imaging Joint Review Committee on Education In
Radiologic Technology Diagnostic Medical Sonography Joint Review Committee on
Education In Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs Diesel Mechanics National Automotive Technicians Education
Foundation Drafting and Design Technology American Design Drafting Association
Emergency Medical Services Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
Programs - Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency
Medical Services Professions Flight Technology Federal Aviation Administration,
Approved by the Alabama State Department of Education for flight instruction under
the Uthe Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North
Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245;
email: accreditation@aptathe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate degrees
Contact: Adam West —
adam.west@wallacestate.edu
Trade school offering CNC & Machining, Welding & Fabrication, and Commercial
Driving programs with AWS, CDL, NIMS certifications. COE, VA Approved accredited.
7
Shelton State Community College
Tuscaloosa, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryElectronics & Instrumentation
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, ICE Certification
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
Student Handbook Virtual Tour About Shelton State About SSCC ACCS BoardStudent Handbook Virtual Tour About Shelton State About SSCC ACCS BoardAlabama Automotive Manufacturers AssociationStudent Handbook Virtual Tour About Shelton State About SSCC ACCS Board
Contact: Jonathan Koh —
jkoh@sheltonstate.edu
8
Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Plumbing Equipment, HVAC Equipment
including postsecondary institutions under the control of the BoardCourses Adult Education Resources Manufacturing Skill Standards Councilcitizens per BoardCourses Adult Education Resources Manufacturing Skill Standards Council
Contact: Business Office —
businessoffice@gadsdenstate.edu
9
H Councill Trenholm State Community College
Montgomery, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, OSHA 10, Phlebotomy
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award the associate degreethe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award the associate degreethe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award the associate degreethe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award the associate degree
Contact: Dr. Kemba Chambers —
kchambers@trenholmstate.edu
Trade school offering Healthcare & Medical and Commercial Driving programs with
CNA, CDL certifications.
10
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma
Selma, AL
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) SelmaWelding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA ApprovedPell EligibleWIOATitle IV
Certifications: CDL
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science
degreesthe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science
degreesthe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science
degreesthe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science
degrees
Contact: Sabrena Fulford —
sabrena.fulford@wccs.edu
Trade school offering Commercial Driving programs with CDL certifications.
11
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College
Huntsville, AL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE, Phlebotomy
Equipment: Plasma Cutter
the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road
NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 404-975-5000 The most recent accreditation decision
made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is
Continuing Accreditationthe: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road
NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 404-975-5000 The most recent accreditation decision
made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is
Continuing AccreditationDrake State accepts only American Heart AssociationAccreditation The Nursing Education associate degree program at Drake State is a
candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission
Contact: Darcel Forde —
darcel.forde@drakestate.edu
Trade school offering CNC & Machining, Healthcare & Medical, and Welding &
Fabrication programs with BLS, CNA, NIMS certifications.
12
Coastal Alabama Community College
Bay Minette, AL
Health ScienceNursingEmergency Medical ServicesElectrical and InstrumentationCybersecurityMarine Industry Technology
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: MIG Welder, Stick Welder
Technology Student AssociationNorth Baldwin Chamber External Scholarships Alabama Automotive Manufacturers
Association Scholarship Sponsored by The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers
AssociationBy signing into the student portal and clicking the Financial Aid Dashboardwith the Alabama Community College System Board
Contact: Adult Education Office —
adulted@coastalalabama.edu
Trade school offering Welding & Fabrication programs.
13
Reid State Technical College
Evergreen, AL
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryElectronics & InstrumentationManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & Drafting
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award the Associate degreeCheck Your Financial Aid Status Paying for Testing Just Got Easier Check out the
New Payment Form and Mailing Instructions Academic Advising Meet Your Advisors
Financial Aid College Catalog Admissions Calendar Programs Student Handbook MyReid
Directory Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CommissionReid State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools CommissionQuestions about the accreditation of Reid State Community College may be directed
in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Contact: Dr. Coretta Boykin —
cboykin@rstc.edu
14
Central Alabama Community College
Alexander City, AL
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: Phlebotomy
Equipment: Manual Lathe, Manual Mill
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate degreesthe: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road
NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 The most recent accreditation
decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree in Nursing
program is continuing accreditationthe: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road
NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 The most recent accreditation
decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Lincensed Practical
certificate in Nursing program is initial accreditation –View the public information
disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://wwwthe: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road
NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
Contact: Jeff Lynn — jlynn@cacc.edu
Trade school offering CNC & Machining, Healthcare & Medical, and Automotive
Technology programs with CDL, I-CAR, Phlebotomy certifications.
15
Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Andalusia, AL
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryElectronics & InstrumentationManufacturing Technology
VA Approved
Certifications: CNA, Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
to award associate degreesThe College accepts international degree evaluations only from National
AssociationThis application was developed by the Alabama Community College System Human
Resources Management AssociationStudent apprentices must apply to the Alabama Board
Contact: Brock Kelley — bkelley@lbwcc.edu
Trade school offering Healthcare & Medical and Commercial Driving programs with
CDL, EKG certifications. COE accredited.
All Other Schools
| # | School | City | Programs | Certs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 |
|
Jasper | 13 | 3 |
| 17 |
|
Rainsville | 10 | 1 |
| 18 |
|
Enterprise | 5 | 1 |
| 19 |
|
Wadley | 12 | 1 |
| 20 |
|
Birmingham | 8 | 1 |
| 21 |
|
Deatsville | 2 | 3 |
| 22 |
|
Muscle Shoals | 1 | 0 |
| 23 |
|
Boaz | 1 | 0 |
Best CAD/CAM & Drafting Schools in Alabama
Best IT & Networking Schools in Alabama
Best Welding & Fabrication Schools in Alabama
Best Healthcare & Medical Schools in Alabama
Best Construction & Carpentry Schools in Alabama
Best Manufacturing Technology Schools in Alabama
Best Automotive Technology Schools in Alabama
Best Electrical Technology Schools in Alabama
Certifications Available
NATE16 schools
Phlebotomy7 schools
OSHA 105 schools
CDL4 schools
NATEF3 schools
CNA3 schools
Medical Coding3 schools
CompTIA A+2 schools
I-CAR2 schools
NCCER2 schools
HVAC Excellence1 schools
Six Sigma1 schools
CompTIA Network+1 schools
CompTIA Security+1 schools
Hazmat Endorsement1 schools
AWS Welding1 schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in Alabama?
There are 23 trade schools in Alabama tracked by BOMAtlas, offering programs in 21
different fields.
What is the best trade school in Alabama?
Based on our composite ranking of programs, certifications, equipment, and
accreditations, Lawson State Community College ranks #1 in Alabama.
What are the most popular trade programs in Alabama?
The most common programs are CAD/CAM & Drafting, IT & Networking, Welding &
Fabrication. These reflect strong employer demand in the state.
What certifications can I earn at Alabama trade schools?
Schools in Alabama offer 20 different certifications including NATE, HVAC Excellence,
NATEF, OSHA 10, CompTIA A+.
How are trade schools in Alabama ranked?
BOMAtlas ranks schools using a transparent composite score (0-100) based on program
breadth, certifications, equipment, accreditations, outcomes (placement rate, salary),
financial aid availability, and data quality.
How does Alabama compare to other states for trade education?
Alabama ranks #14 nationally with 23 schools and 9 unique program types.
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