Best Trade Schools in Colorado
19 schools ranked by programs, certifications, equipment, and accreditations. Real data, no affiliate padding.
#18
National Rank
19
Schools
17
Program Types
9
Certifications
3.9
Avg Programs/School
17
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 Colorado
1
Pikes Peak State College
Colorado Springs, CO
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Automotive Lifts, Truck Simulator, Medical
Equipment
the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommissionChecking the Status of Your FAFSA Check the status of your FAFSA form in the
DashboardNavigate to your account Dashboardper credit hour Below are the Colorado Community College State Board
Contact: Lance Bolton —
lance.bolton@pikespeak.edu
2
Aims Community College
Greeley, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
Pell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: Six Sigma, CNA, Phlebotomy
Equipment: AutoCAD, SolidWorks
the Higher Learning Commission , an institutional accreditation agency recognized
by the Ustate or professional agenciesthe HLC under the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)Book an Event About Expand Section Who We Are Our History Mission and Vision
Accreditation Aims Foundation Annual Reports Office of the President Board
Contact: Leah Bornstein —
leah.bornstein@aims.edu
3
Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver, CO
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: MIG Welder
the Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationthe Council nor qualify students to receive Title IV financial aid (such as
stand-alone ESL programs)the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road
NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000college board
Contact: Randy Johnson —
oed@emilygriffith.edu
4
Otero College
La Junta, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA Approved
Certifications: CNA, Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
The Higher Learning Commissionthe Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Incthe National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Board of
DirectorsProcedures Otero Campus Connections Committee Institutional Data Hispanic Serving
Institution Web Accessibility Statement Advisory Council
Contact: Sarah Petramala —
sarah.petramala@otero.edu
5
Red Rocks Community College
Lakewood, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryRobotics & AutomationCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL
60604the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ( wwwthe Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA)
Contact: Dr. Landon Pirius —
landon.pirius@rrcc.edu
6
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & Drafting
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
We currently accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions
recommended by the American AssociationTransfer credits will be awarded as governed by the Colorado Department of Higher
Education and State BoardPlease request Official High School Transcripts be reviewed through National
Associationorg Collegeboard
Contact: Julie Jimenez —
Julie.Jimenez@pueblocc.edu
7
Lincoln College of Technology-Denver
Denver, CO
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
Certifications: NATE, ASE, I-CAR
Equipment: CNC Machine, MIG Welder, Manual Mill
the ASE Education Foundationthe ACCSC Skip to main content Lincoln Tech en español Student Login Call Programs
Automotive Automotive Technology Collision Repair and Refinishing Diesel Technology
Heavy Equipment Skilled Trades Machining and Manufacturing Electrical / Electronics
HVAC Welding Technology Health Sciences Dental Assistant Medical Assistant Medical
Assistant Technology Nursing (Practical) Patient Care Information Technology
Computer Networking See All Program Areas → Campuses Student Services Admissions
Welcome to Lincoln Our Acceptance Process Parents High School Students Military
DOW-Skillbridge Employers Alumni Student Email Account Registration Financial Aid
Investing in Yourself What is Financial Aid? How Do I Apply? Managing Your Money
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& Tools Scholarships Academics Our Academic Approach The Lincoln Edge Strategies
for Success Early Student Engagement Beyond the Classroom Academic Support Campus
and Program Locator Request a Transcript Career Services Getting Started With Career
Services Career Services Mission Statement Who Hires Our Graduates? Career Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln Who We Are Our History Letter from CEO
Mission Statement & Brand Promise Careers at Lincoln Tech Our Graduates Hall of
Fame Graduate Bios Success Stories Who Hires Our Grads? Consumer Info Frequently
Asked Questions About Lincoln Tech Student Consumer Info Accreditation Lincoln Tech
Service & Assistance Animal Policy HEERF / CARES Act Information Career Areas
Automotive Skilled Trades Health Sciences Information Technology Specialized
Training Partnerships Lincoln Brands Lincoln Technical Institute Lincoln College of
Technology Nashville Auto-Diesel College Media Center Blog Podcasts Media Gallery
Investor Relations Useful Sites & Resources LincolnTech3D - Design your own car
Lincoln Tech en Español Blog Career Field Articles Automotive Health Science Skilled
Trades See All Blog Articles → Informational Guides How-To Guides What Is & What
Does Articles Our Columnists Nikki Barnes Robert Lanni Trade Industry News The
Skills Gap Podcast Contact Us Apply Now Search Website Search Real World Training
for a Hands-On Careerthe Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges (ACCSC)ACCSC: Allentown, PA Columbia, MD Denver, CO East Point, GA East Windsor, CT Grand
Prairie, TX Indianapolis, IN Iselin, NJ Lincoln, RI Mahwah, NJ Marietta, GA Melrose
Park, IL Moorestown, NJ Nashville, TN New Britain, CT Paramus, NJ Levittown, PA
Shelton, CT South Plainfield, NJ Union, NJ Whitestone, NY (Queens) Website:
https://www
Contact: General Phone — —
Trade school offering CNC & Machining, Healthcare & Medical, and Welding &
Fabrication programs with BLS, CNA, EKG certifications. VA Approved accredited.
8
Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO
ParamedicineSolar EnergyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & Networking
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)Tours Residence Halls Student Life Athletics Sustainable CMC CMC Campus Store CMC
News About CMC About Us Accreditation BoardMaps CMC BoardMaps CMC Board
Contact: Matt Gianneschi —
mgianneschi@coloradomtn.edu
9
Trinidad State College
Trinidad, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA ApprovedTitle IV
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Higher Learning Commission since 1962the Higher Learning Commissionthe Higher Learning Commission since 1962Trinidad State has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning
Commission
Contact: Shannon Shiveley —
Shannon.Shiveley@trinidadstate.edu
10
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryRobotics & AutomationCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CNA, Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
Accreditation Locations College Leadership Social Equity and Belonging
CouncilGSV BoardPolis Visit ACC Read More Space Educator Bootcamp Held at ACC Read More Health
Innovation Center Project Earns LEED certification Read More cota Honored by
Colorado OER CouncilStudent Government Association
Contact: Stephanie J. Fujii —
stephanie.fujii@arapahoe.edu
11
Pickens Technical College
Aurora, CO
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
Certifications: NATE, ASE, I-CAR
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationthe Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationthe Council on Occupational Educationthe Council on Occupational Education
Contact: Career Services — —
12
Community College of Aurora
Aurora, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the
recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the
Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)Security Human Resources Task Forces and CouncilThe CCA EMS Program is accredited by the Commissionimportant to pick a college whose curriculum has the American Bar Association
Contact: Mordecai Ian Brownlee — —
13
Northeastern Junior College
Sterling, CO
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & Networking
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the Higher Learning CommissionThe Higher Learning CommissionDirections Advisory CouncilDirections Advisory Council
Contact: Mike White — mike.white@njc.edu
14
Lamar Community College
Lamar, CO
Welding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
Certifications: CNA
Equipment: MIG Welder, Stick Welder, TIG Welder
the Higher Learning Commission – like Lamar Community Collegethe Higher Learning CommissionAdvisory CouncilAdvisory Council
Contact: Rosana Reyes —
president@lamarcc.edu
Trade school offering Healthcare & Medical and Welding & Fabrication programs
with CPR certifications. COE accredited.
15
Community College of Denver
Denver, CO
Welding & FabricationConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
Title IV
Certifications: Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
Strategic Plan Accreditation Alumni AssociationSupport Student Government AssociationStrategic Plan Accreditation Alumni AssociationSupport Student Government Association
Contact: Marielena DeSanctis —
ccd.presidentoffice@ccd.edu
All Other Schools
| # | School | City | Programs | Certs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 |
|
Broomfield | 8 | 0 |
| 17 |
|
Westminster | 5 | 1 |
| 18 |
|
Fort Morgan | 3 | 1 |
| 19 |
|
Rangely | 1 | 0 |
Best CAD/CAM & Drafting Schools in Colorado
Best IT & Networking Schools in Colorado
Best Construction & Carpentry Schools in Colorado
Best Healthcare & Medical Schools in Colorado
Best Welding & Fabrication Schools in Colorado
Best Automotive Technology Schools in Colorado
Best Manufacturing Technology Schools in Colorado
Best CNC & Machining Schools in Colorado
Certifications Available
NATE9 schools
Phlebotomy6 schools
CNA4 schools
ASE2 schools
I-CAR2 schools
Six Sigma1 schools
Medical Coding1 schools
CompTIA Security+1 schools
AWS Welding1 schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in Colorado?
There are 19 trade schools in Colorado tracked by BOMAtlas, offering programs in 17
different fields.
What is the best trade school in Colorado?
Based on our composite ranking of programs, certifications, equipment, and
accreditations, Pikes Peak State College ranks #1 in Colorado.
What are the most popular trade programs in Colorado?
The most common programs are CAD/CAM & Drafting, IT & Networking, Construction
& Carpentry. These reflect strong employer demand in the state.
What certifications can I earn at Colorado trade schools?
Schools in Colorado offer 9 different certifications including NATE, Six Sigma, CNA,
Phlebotomy, Medical Coding.
How are trade schools in Colorado 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 Colorado compare to other states for trade education?
Colorado ranks #18 nationally with 19 schools and 9 unique program types.
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