Best Trade Schools in California
121 schools ranked by programs, certifications, equipment, and accreditations. Real data, no affiliate padding.
#1
National Rank
121
Schools
33
Program Types
23
Certifications
2.7
Avg Programs/School
33
Observed Program Tags
Critical Skills: WeldingHVACElectricalPlumbingMachine
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 California
1
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Plumbing Tools, HVAC Equipment
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of
Schools and Colleges Footer Menu Campus Map Community Safety Employment VVC
Dashboard Accreditation Search Main navigation About About Our College
Administration Board of Trustees Presidents Office Accreditation Campus Maps
Community VVC Foundation Campus Departments Academics Academic Divisions School of
Public Safety and Industrial Technology School of Humanities, Arts and Social
Sciences School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math School of Business, Law
and Academic Resources Academic Senate Curriqunet Maverick or Curriculum Bookstore
Degrees and Certificates Guided Pathways Library Athletics College Catalogs
Counseling Open Classes List Admission & Aid Admissions and Records New to
College Returning Students High School Students Non-Credit Students International
Students Veterans Adult Learners GED Students Faculty Resources Steps to Enrollment
Apply for Admission Online New Student Orientation Registration Information Tuition
& Fees Financial Aid Scholarships Graduation Information Transcripts Student
Services Associated Student Body Basic Needs and Wellness Counseling Performing Arts
Center RamsPromise Student Engagement Centers Transfer Center Tutoring and Academic
Support OneStop Apply Utility Menu Quicklinks One Stop Center Office Hours Virtual
One Stop (VOS) Educational Master Planning Email VVC Campus Calendar Canvas
Self-Service VVC Foundation Virtual Parking Permits VVC Transportation Title IX/AB
2683 Staff & Faculty News & Events Search My VVC Campus Police Arts,
Humanities, & Design Pathway ProgramsVictor Valley College Skip to main content Search facebook https://wwwAccrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of
Schools and Colleges Footer Menu Campus Map Community Safety Employment VVC
Dashboard Accreditation Search Main navigation About About Our College
Administration Board of Trustees Presidents Office Accreditation Campus Maps
Community VVC Foundation Campus Departments Academics Academic Divisions School of
Public Safety and Industrial Technology School of Humanities, Arts and Social
Sciences School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math School of Business, Law
and Academic Resources Academic Senate Curriqunet Maverick or Curriculum Bookstore
Degrees and Certificates Guided Pathways Library Athletics College Catalogs
Counseling Open Classes List Admission & Aid Admissions and Records New to
College Returning Students High School Students Non-Credit Students International
Students Veterans Adult Learners GED Students Faculty Resources Steps to Enrollment
Apply for Admission Online New Student Orientation Registration Information Tuition
& Fees Financial Aid Scholarships Graduation Information Transcripts Student
Services Associated Student Body Basic Needs and Wellness Counseling Performing Arts
Center RamsPromise Student Engagement Centers Transfer Center Tutoring and Academic
Support OneStop Apply Utility Menu Quicklinks One Stop Center Office Hours Virtual
One Stop (VOS) Educational Master Planning Email VVC Campus Calendar Canvas
Self-Service VVC Foundation Virtual Parking Permits VVC Transportation Title IX/AB
2683 Staff & Faculty News & Events Search My VVC Campus Police ApplyVictor Valley College Skip to main content Search facebook https://www
Contact: Daniel Walden —
Daniel.Walden@vvc.edu
2
Cypress College
Cypress, CA
HVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA Approved
Certifications: AWS Welding, ASE, CDL, CNA, EPA 608, NATE, NCCER,
OSHA 10
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, HVAC Equipment, Automotive
Diagnostic Equipment
the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Collegesthe Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Collegesthe Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Collegesthe Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Contact: Rick Hodge — —
3
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA Approved
Certifications: AWS Welding, CDL, CNA, EPA 608, NATE, NCCER, OSHA 10,
OSHA 30
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) , an
institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education
Accreditation and the Uprogrammatic accrediting bodies, which are responsible to determine
license/certification eligibilityThis balance will be forwarded for collection to the State Franchise Tax
BoardHistory Administration Accreditation Governance College Plans DVC Foundation
College Safety News Campus Locations Apply Now Register for Classes Request Info
Accreditation Home About DVC Accreditation Diablo Valley College is accredited by
the Accrediting Commission
Contact: Dr. Monica Chahal —
mchahal@dvc.edu
4
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
Welding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingIT & Networking
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
Mission History of Ohlone College Careers at Ohlone Administration Board of
Trustees Office of the President College Administration College CouncilMission History of Ohlone College Careers at Ohlone Administration Board of
Trustees Office of the President College Administration College CouncilDirections Bond Measures Basic Needs Care Acts Careers BoardMission History of Ohlone College Careers at Ohlone Administration Board of
Trustees Office of the President College Administration College Council
Contact: Charles S. Sasaki — —
5
San Joaquin Delta College
Stockton, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryRobotics & Automation
Pell Eligible
1% graduation
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Automotive Lifts, Aviation Equipment, HVAC
Equipment
the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)Staff Athletes Employers Community search Utility Menu Login MyDelta
DashboardEmployees Apply Utility Menu Login MyDelta DashboardAlumni Association Title IX Register to Vote End of Year Reports Board
Contact: Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson —
lisa.lawrenson@deltacollege.edu
6
El Camino Community College District
Torrance, CA
Automotive ProgramWelding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), a division of
the Western Association of Schools and Collegesthe Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and then also
meet standards that address the college’s mission, academic quality, student
learning and support services, resources, and governanceCampus Map Contact Us Report a Website Issue Listen About El Camino About Us
Leadership BoardCampus Map Contact Us Report a Website Issue Listen About El Camino About Us
Leadership Board
Contact: David Gonzales —
dgonzales@elcamino.edu
7
Advanced Career Institute
Visalia, CA
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA Approved
Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+,
Hazmat Endorsement
Equipment: Stick Welder
the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) Privacy Policy X
Grants and ScholarshipsAdvanced Career Institute 877-649-9614 Get Info Now Training Programs CDL Training
Class A CDL Training Ag Transportation CDL Refresher Course Welding Training IT
Professional Training Tuition Assistance Veterans Assistance Grants &
Scholarships HEERF Other Financing Options Admissions ELDT Mandate ELDT Testing
& Training FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Job Placement Trucking
Partners Women In Trucking Locations Visalia Fresno Merced Bakersfield Las Vegas
About ACI Contact Us News & Events Event Calendar Blog Our Mission & History
Why Choose ACI FAQ Careers at ACI Meet The Team Training Programs CDL Training Class
A CDL Training Ag Transportation CDL Refresher Course Welding Training IT
Professional Training Tuition Assistance Veterans Assistance Grants &
Scholarships HEERF Other Financing Options Admissions ELDT Mandate ELDT Testing
& Training FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Job Placement Trucking
Partners Women In Trucking Locations Visalia Fresno Merced Bakersfield Las Vegas
About ACI Contact Us News & Events Event Calendar Blog Our Mission & History
Why Choose ACI FAQ Careers at ACI Meet The Team Request Info Now Grants &
Scholarships Grant & Scholarship Options for Tuition Assistance Grants and
Scholarships are available to qualifying students to cover tuition costs and
expenses, and generally, do not have to be repaidthe Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) Privacy Policy X
California Welding SchoolsAdvanced Career Institute 877-649-9614 Get Info Now Training Programs CDL Training
Class A CDL Training Ag Transportation CDL Refresher Course Welding Training IT
Professional Training Tuition Assistance Veterans Assistance Grants &
Scholarships HEERF Other Financing Options Admissions ELDT Mandate ELDT Testing
& Training FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Job Placement Trucking
Partners Women In Trucking Locations Visalia Fresno Merced Bakersfield Las Vegas
About ACI Contact Us News & Events Event Calendar Blog Our Mission & History
Why Choose ACI FAQ Careers at ACI Meet The Team Training Programs CDL Training Class
A CDL Training Ag Transportation CDL Refresher Course Welding Training IT
Professional Training Tuition Assistance Veterans Assistance Grants &
Scholarships HEERF Other Financing Options Admissions ELDT Mandate ELDT Testing
& Training FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Job Placement Trucking
Partners Women In Trucking Locations Visalia Fresno Merced Bakersfield Las Vegas
About ACI Contact Us News & Events Event Calendar Blog Our Mission & History
Why Choose ACI FAQ Careers at ACI Meet The Team Request Info Now Welder Training
& Certifications Welding School Technology Course at ACI Welder Training Near
You Advanced Career Institute currently offers Welding Classes at their: Visalia
Welding School Fresno Welding School Bakersfield Welding School Learn to Weld with
ACI’s Welding Technology Training Our Advanced Welding Technology course is
available to students with little to no welding experience
Contact: General Contact —
email@advanced.edu
Trade school offering Welding & Fabrication and Commercial Driving programs with
CDL certifications. COE accredited.
8
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA
Welding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & Networking
Pell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)Hondo Community College District BoardHondo College has secured accreditation from the Accreditation CommissionContact Us YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Helpful Links Board
Contact: Teresa Dreyfuss — —
9
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
Serving Institution Governing BoardAll Aboardfounder and first Boardincluding Hispanic Association
Contact: Gilbert J. Contreras, Ph.D. —
gcontreras@valleycollege.edu
10
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingWoodworking & Cabinetry
Pell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: AWS Certified, ASE, CPR/BLS, CDL, CNA, EKG, I-CAR,
OSHA 10
Index Quick Links MyCerritos Canvas BoardTranslate Quick Links MyCerritos Canvas BoardIndex Quick Links MyCerritos Canvas BoardTranslate Quick Links MyCerritos Canvas Board
Contact: Dr. Nick Real — —
11
San Jose City College
San Jose, CA
Computer Information SystemsWelding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
hours of instruction to satisfy the requirements of the California State
BoardUpon completion of the program students are eligible to take the State BoardCity College Vietnamese Student AssociationThis space is a hub for the Veterans Programming efforts that include connecting
you with the Veterans Student Association
Contact: David Coon — SJCCPres@sjcc.edu
12
Merced College
Merced, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association
of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial BlvdHybrid Programs Secondary Accreditation Accessibility Student Success Metrics
BoardVision Campuses Visit Us BoardStaff Community Alumni Association
Contact: Autumn S. Gardia —
autumn.gardia@mccd.edu
13
Mendocino College
Ukiah, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningElectronics & Instrumentation
Pell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, OSHA 10
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) , part of the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 1428 J Street, Suite 400,
Sacramento, CA 95814, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized
by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Uthe Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac
AveStaff BoardStaff Email MyMendo Zoom Login Library Locations Building Maps Coast Center Coastal
Field Station Lake Center North County Ukiah Campus Mendocino College Main
Navigation Desktop About Leadership Board
Contact: Timothy Karas, Ed.D —
tkaras@mendocino.edu
14
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
Visalia, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
Certifications: EPA 608, NATE, OSHA 10, CNA
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) , 1080 Marina Village
Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has
been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting
requirementsthe Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon
the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical
Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA)the American Veterinary Medical Association as a program for educating veterinary
technicians, www
Contact: General Phone — —
15
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
Certifications: EPA 608, NATE, OSHA 10, CNA
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) , 1080 Marina Village
Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has
been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting
requirementsthe Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon
the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical
Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA)the American Veterinary Medical Association as a program for educating veterinary
technicians, www
Contact: General Phone — —
All Other Schools
Best IT & Networking Schools in California
Best CAD/CAM & Drafting Schools in California
Best Construction & Carpentry Schools in California
Best Healthcare & Medical Schools in California
Best Welding & Fabrication Schools in California
Best Automotive Technology Schools in California
Best Manufacturing Technology Schools in California
Best CNC & Machining Schools in California
Certifications Available
NATE89 schools
CNA25 schools
OSHA 1015 schools
AWS Welding13 schools
EPA 60810 schools
Phlebotomy10 schools
CompTIA A+8 schools
CompTIA Network+8 schools
CompTIA Security+8 schools
CCNA7 schools
OSHA 305 schools
CDL4 schools
ASE3 schools
NCCER3 schools
Medical Coding3 schools
CPR/BLS3 schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in California?
There are 121 trade schools in California tracked by BOMAtlas, offering programs in 33
different fields.
What is the best trade school in California?
Based on our composite ranking of programs, certifications, equipment, and
accreditations, Victor Valley College ranks #1 in California.
What are the most popular trade programs in California?
The most common programs are IT & Networking, CAD/CAM & Drafting, Construction
& Carpentry. These reflect strong employer demand in the state.
What certifications can I earn at California trade schools?
Schools in California offer 23 different certifications including NATE, AWS Welding,
ASE, CDL, CNA.
How are trade schools in California 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 California compare to other states for trade education?
California ranks #1 nationally with 121 schools and 11 unique program types.
Explore More
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