Vocational Trade Schools in Alabama

Wallace State, established in 1966, serves about 7,000 students through a variety of learning formats. Students take classes on the main campus in Hanceville, a second location in Oneonta, or online. Evening and hybrid classes offer added flexibility for working professionals.

Wallace State ranks as one of the top trade schools in Alabama with more than 50 areas of study. Students earn associate degrees and certificates in aviation and flight technology, culinary arts, cosmetology, and diesel mechanics.

Apprenticeships available through the Office of Career and Workforce Development provide paid job training.

Students can also find cooperative education programs that combine classroom learning and on-the-job training. Learners gain a year of work experience by completing the program.

Apprenticeships take about one year to complete. Internships typically take one semester, and cooperative education programs take about three semesters.

NW-SCC opened its doors in 1963 and now offers two locations in Muscle Shoals and Phil Campbell.

Today, the two-year college, one of the top trade schools in Alabama, offers around 100 associate degrees and certificates to its more than 3,500 students.

Areas of study include diagnostic imaging radiology, salon and spa management, automotive service technology, and welding.

Short-term certificates and two-year associate degrees also provide hands-on work training. The associate degree in emergency medical services requires clinicals that give students practical skills. Labs such as those offered in the carpentry and cabinetmaking program teach students on-the-job building techniques in construction, floors, walls, and site preparation.

Outside of the traditional college learning environment, students also gain technical training and take personal development classes through the Workforce Solutions Division.

The division partners with local companies to cater to their employment and training needs. Students can enroll in the machinist apprenticeship program, customized manufacturer training, or computer classes.

SSCC, a large public two-year school established in 1979, serves about 7,000 students. With two campuses in Tuscaloosa, many learners take in-person courses. The college also offers offsite internships and apprenticeships at SSCC's corporate partnership locations.

Programs provide students with career and technical training and academic pathways to transfer four-year colleges. Technical associate degrees and certificates train students in air conditioning and refrigeration technology, culinary arts, diesel mechanics, and welding technology.

Learners can also become apprentices or interns through the Mercedes-Benz Industrial Mechatronics Program, Mercedes Technician Program, Nucor Technical Academy, Hunt Refining Company Operations Operations Co-Op Program, or Technical Scholar Program.

Apprenticeships offer free tuition, books, and paid wages. However, students must commit to work after graduation.

The Mercedes-Benz Industrial Mechatronics Program includes seven semesters of study and 18 additional months of on-the-job-training at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. Program graduates receive an associate degree in industrial electronics and a short-term certificate in industrial maintenance.

NACC, with a 117-acre campus in Rainsville, first offered classes in 1963. Students also take dual-enrollment programs at local high schools and career and technical courses at the DeKalb County Technology Center, the Ernest Pruett Center of Technology, and the Marshall County Technical Center.

More than 180 associate degrees, certificates, and short-term certificates train students to transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce. Students choose from majors in air conditioning and refrigeration, industrial systems technology, medical office administration, and paralegal studies.

The Skills Training Division also offers non-credit training opportunities for learners who want to upskill and gain professional certification. Short-term training programs prepare students to become carpenters, CDL truck drivers, home health and hospice aides, and pharmacy technicians.

Learners can also take online training programs and non-credit workshops and community education courses.

The college's open admissions policy accepts all applicants who have completed high school.

Bishop State, a public two-year institution, offers an affordable public education to students in Mobile and Washington counties.

Founded in 1927 as the Mobile Branch of Alabama State College, this college offers a variety of one- and two-year programs that train students for some of the fastest-growing careers in Alabama. Associate degrees and certificates focus on trades such as construction management, hotel and restaurant management, funeral service education, and manufacturing and technology.

Depending on the program, learners study on the main campus locations in Mobile, the Theodore Oaks Shopping Center, or the City of Semmes Training Center.

Bishop State's Workforce Development division also offers short-term occupational training programs and apprenticeships. Programs include the lineman training, the heavy highway construction training, and youth programs. Apprentices may incur fees, which the school offsets with stipends.

Founded in 1965, Jefferson State stands out from other vocational schools in Alabama with its extensive selection of majors and small classes that deliver personalized attention.

Students can choose from 150 transfer, career, and professional programs in close-knit learning environments that feature an average class size of 21.

This two-year college offers four locations throughout Alabama with career and professional programs in subjects such as biomedical equipment technology, construction management, manufacturing and technology, and veterinary technology.

Jefferson State's apprenticeship program provides offsite learning. Apprentices follow a program that includes classroom instruction twice a week at night and paid full-time work experience at partner companies such as Vulcan Materials Company, Alabama Dynamics Fabricators and Machinists, and Milo's.

Students can enroll in apprenticeships in machining, welding, and industrial maintenance.

Trenholm formed in 2000 when John M. Patterson State Technical College and H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College merged. This two-year college rises above other Alabama technical colleges with its flexible and affordable academic and career training opportunities.

Students earn associate degrees and technical certificates at two locations in Montgomery. Programs give students the technical and occupational skills to land entry-level positions in growing industries in Alabama such as automotive services, culinary arts, dental assisting, cosmetology, emergency medical services, and medical billing and coding.

The school's Continuing Education Division also delivers workforce training that meets the needs of the community and businesses in Alabama.

Flexible programs offer evening, online, and weekend options. Non-credit courses include healthcare certificates, one-day seminars, and career training in computer applications and teacher professional development.

Established in 1949, WCC distinguishes itself as one of the largest vocational schools in Alabama with a comprehensive offering of programs.

This public two-year institution serves students of various backgrounds with two locations in Dothan and Eufaula and training offered through the Center for Economic and Workforce Development.

The college features associate degrees and certificates in three divisions: general academics, health sciences, and career technical. Students can pick from majors in applied engineering technology, electrical graphics, radiologic technology, cabinetmaking, masonry, and small engine repair.

Businesses and community members can also take non-credit workforce development courses that lead to careers as certified nursing assistants, industrial welders, dental assistants, and eye care assistants. Learners can complete fast-track programs in 12-14 weeks or less.

Prospective students apply for admission in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. They must complete an application and sometimes take placement exams.

Calhoun Community College, one of the largest trade schools in Alabama, features 49 associate degrees and 52 career certificates that students can earn from its 110-acre Decatur campus or online.

Top programs at Calhoun Community College include advanced manufacturing, emergency medical technology, and computer and information systems. As of fall 2019, Calhoun Community College trained 1,185 existing industry workers, 824 healthcare workers, 224 CDL drivers, and 116 cyber and internet technology workers.

Two-year associate degrees provide paths directly to the workforce or transfer opportunities to four-year colleges. Learners can study paralegal studies, aerospace technology, advanced technology, or welding technology.

Certificates offer short-term training to learn specific technical skills. Some credits from certificates can transfer to higher degrees.

Students can take a career interest assessment to help them pick a major. The Calhoun Career Services office also provides workshops, virtual job markets, and cooperative learning opportunities.

Coastal Alabama Community College, a public two-year school that began in 1963 as Faulkner State Community College, offers flexible learning opportunities and specialized training for industry professionals and recent high school graduates.

Part of the 23-member Alabama Community College System, this community college offers nine campuses throughout the state, including the regional administrative campus in Bay Minette. The college awards associate degrees and certificates in subjects such as administrative medical office technology, culinary arts, and masonry. Students can complete certificates in 2-3 semesters and associate degrees in two years.

Additionally, since 1979, Alabama Aviation Center at Brookley Field has provided career opportunities with programs in power plant technology, airframe technology, and avionics. The curriculum prepares students to earn Federal Aviation Administration certification.

Employers and individuals can also take workforce development courses and recreational classes through the Center for Professional Development. Non-credit courses teach students welding, industrial maintenance technology. JumpStartAL also offers virtual classes.

Established in 1965, LSCC features academic and career and technical programs to meet the specific needs of students and industries in Birmingham.

Students can pick from more than 70 associate degrees and certificates, including the most popular majors of nursing, air conditioning, computer science, business administration, and welding. The college features both short-term and long-term certificates that require 17-56 credits. Associate degrees take about two years to complete.

Many programs offer work experience such as the business internship available in the office administration and banking and finance certificates.

Industry professionals at the Office of Workforce Development also train students to earn fast-track training certificates in healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing and logistics training.

Partnerships with local and national agencies also offer additional occupational opportunities. The school's small business center provides free workshops through its partnership with the United States Small Business Administration. The real estate short certificate allows students to become real estate agents through its connection to Realty South.

F. Drake State Community and Technical College began in 1961 to serve the African American community, and today this public college continues to distinguish itself above other technical schools in Alabama.

Learners can choose from several flexible and affordable majors that lead to associate degrees and certificates.

Programs meet industry needs by training students in the fields of automotive service technology, heating and air conditioning, culinary arts and hospitality service management, and machine tool technology.

A member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this two-year school allows students to transfer credits earned in technical associate degrees toward bachelor's programs at Athens State University, Alabama A&M University, Oakwood University, or the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Employers in the surrounding area also benefit from the highly trained workers who complete programs through the Workforce Development Division. The division provides continuing education and training programs, which specifically meet the needs of local industry partners.

ESCC, which dates back to 1963, offers workforce and academic opportunities on its 160-acre main campus in Enterprise. The college also operates the Alabama Aviation College at Ozark and Alabama Aviation College at Andalusia.

Academic, career, and high school associate degrees and certificates prepare students to transfer, advance in their careers, or find entry-level work in fast-growing industries in Alabama. Courses meet the needs of working adults with various formats, including hybrid and completely online formats.

Career programs, which allow students to graduate within two years, include majors in avionics technology, health information technology, and 3D modeling and simulation. ESCC also works with local businesses through the Training for Business and Industry division to help workers upgrade their skills.

To help students fund their tuition and books, Enterprise State Community College Foundation awards various scholarships based on financial need and academic merit.

Located in Wadley, SUSCC opened in 1993 and has since continued to grow its student population and its program catalog.

SUSCC stands out as one of the top trade schools in Alabama with associate degrees and certificates that suit the needs of its more than 5,000 students. Learners can gain training in automotive service technology, cosmetology, machine shop technology, engineering and design, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Short-term certificates in plastics injection molding, tractor trailer truck driving, and robotics and automation offer training within as little as six weeks. Students take technical division classes at the Opelika and Valley campuses.

The college's articulation agreement with Point University allows students to transfer credits from a technical degree toward a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership.

The Southern Union Workforce Solutions also offers non-credit programs in industry training and engagement, certified production technician, ready to work, and CDL truck driving.

Established in 1965, ISTC has distinguished itself as one of the only comprehensive technical schools in Alabama that serves incarcerated adults.

Students can choose from 17 career fields with certificates in automotive mechanic, barbering, carpentry, diesel mechanics, upholstery, and welding. The college offers short-term stackable certificates with credits that students can combine to receive long certificates.

A central focus of ISTC's curriculum includes live work, or hands-on learning opportunities to work under the expertise of instructors. Students can get practical skills changing oil in the auto mechanics program, customizing cabinets in the cabinet-making program, or cutting a client's hair in the barbering and cosmetology program.

ISTC also provides adult education, GED preparation, and soft skills training programs. Eligible students may also qualify for free industry credentials. To prepare graduates for the workforce, the Ingram State Technical College Foundation provides financial aid to cover tools, equipment, and certification costs.

Bevill State, a two-year public institution that opened in 1992, features four campuses and an instructional site to serve students in West Central Alabama and online. Remote learning allows students to learn through the interactive inter-campus television or hybrid instruction.

Career-focused students begin their journey to secure high-skilled trades at the Career Technical Education Division. Bevill State features career associate degrees, and a variety of certificates, including short-term and long-term credentials, and certificates of completion. Learners can gain skills in office administration and technology, electrical systems technology, and salon and spa management.

Associate degrees, which require 60-68 credits, take two years to complete. Certificates require 27-49 credits. Programs prepare students to take state exams such as the esthetics short-term certificate, which gives students the knowledge to become licensed estheticians.

The admissions process begins with an online application. Prospective students must also submit personal identification materials and proof of residency.

CVCC, a public two-year college that opened in 1974, features a 101-acre campus in Phenix City. This small community college serves 1,800 students with intimate classrooms that feature a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1.

Trades in automotive manufacturing, industrial maintenance, heating and air conditioning, and welding prepare students to compete in Alabama's demanding workforce. Students can pick from associate degrees and certificates that take no longer than two years to complete.

Learners can find short-term training that prepares them to reenter the job market with new skills. The 72-credit associate degree in automotive manufacturing allows students to transfer to a four-year college. The college also offers a 63-credit certificate and 23-credit certificate in automotive manufacturing for students to want to quickly reentry the workforce.

The Chattahoochee Valley Community College Foundation offers scholarships to eligible students, including career technical scholarships.

Snead State, which opened in 1898, offers instruction on its main 43-acre campus in Boaz, and at the Arab location which serves students in Guntersville and Brindlee Mountain.

Trade programs train students in office administration, aircraft structures, building and property management, and landscape and grounds management.

Programs include associate degrees, certificates, and short-term certificates. Short-term certificates require less of a time commitment than certificates and associate degrees. Students earning an associate degree through the Arab center can combine evening and online courses to graduate in four semesters.

Classes run in eight-week terms and start in the fall, spring, and summer. Learners can take classes fully online to earn associate degrees in office administration and applied business and certificates in accountancy and healthcare management.

The college also operates the Aviation College that provides pathways for students to become aviation maintenance technicians. The Workforce Development Division also offers professional development courses, including the free Alabama Ready to Work program.

RSTC, unlike other trade schools in Alabama, offers accelerated programs to provide workforce training. Students take classes at the main campus in Evergreen or the offsite location in Atmore.

Many associate degrees and certificates offer quick pathways to land in-demand careers in Alabama. Learners can become skilled in trades such as industrial electricity and electronics, cosmetology, commercial truck driving, office systems technology, and welding.

The cost of each program and length of time to graduate depends on the subject area. The commercial truck driving program takes only eight weeks to complete, whereas the associate degree in industrial electricity and electronics technology takes about two years.

RSTC emphasizes learning through non-academic activities with community service and leadership opportunities. Students can participate in on-campus activities such as the annual blood drive and the Student Government Association.

To apply for programs, prospective students must complete an application, submit their high school or college transcripts, and complete an in-state residency form.

CACC, which opened in 1966 when City State Junior College and Nunnelley State Technical College merged, offers classes at its main campus in Alexander City, in Childersburg, the Talladega Center, and Millbrook Instructional site.

Students pursue associate in applied science degrees, associate in occupational technology degrees, associate in science degrees, and certificates. Programs offer in-person, hybrid, and online classes. Areas of study include cosmetology, child development, industrial electronics technology, and occupational technology.

Required credits vary with every program. An associate degree in cosmetology requires 66-67 credits and a cosmetology in certificate requires about 48 credits. Short-term certificates, such as the 12-credit chemical services and salon and nine-credit hair coloring programs, offer the fastest route to graduation.

CACC's Workforce Education department also offers career training programs for students just out of high school or working professionals. Programs prepare students to become clinical medical assistants, dental assistants, medical billing and coding specialists, and pharmacy technicians.

LBWCC, with a campus in Andalusia that opened in 1963 and three additional locations, educates students in five counties in south Alabama.

Technical and occupational programs train students in automotive mechanics, air conditioning and refrigeration, diesel and heavy equipment mechanics, and forest technology.

Associate degrees offer accelerated formats that allow students to graduate in 15-24 months. The average student graduates in two years. The college also provides prior learning credit for military experience, volunteerism, and on-the-job training that can help students graduate quicker.

Many learners also use the credits earned in an associate degree to transfer and pursue a bachelor's degree. The STARS program guide ensures that students earn transferable credits.

The Cooperative Education program provides an alternative learning option that allows students to earn credits for their part-time or full-time work. Students enrolled in Cooperative Education programs also receive preference for full-time positions once they graduate.

Tracing its history back to 1963, WCCS provides educational opportunities and workforce development to seven counties in western Alabama. This community college serves 1,700 students with 16 technical programs.

Through the WCCS technical division, students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in drafting and design technology, industrial maintenance, cosmetology, drafting and design technology, masonry and building trades, and welding.

The college offers various delivery methods to earn a certificate or degree. Students who work full time or care for families can take online courses that operate asynchronously. Online learners make their class schedule. Some programs may require students to take labs and exams on campus.

The Workforce Development department offers the community free programs, including no-cost commercial driver's license training, welding classes, and training to become a certified product technician.

The college's open door admissions policy welcomes students of various backgrounds. However, programs may outline specific requirements.

USA, a four-year public research institution, has since 1963 offered engaging learning experiences. This large college caters to 14,000 students with a 1,200-acre campus and 24 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs.

USA features mostly bachelor's degrees, but also technical and academic certificates. Students can earn certificates in EMT, paramedic, gerontology, and health informatics. Many programs take no longer than 1-3 semesters to complete. Graduates often gain the skills to sit for national exams. The EMT certificate prepares students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The curriculum typically incorporates practical work experience. For example, the gerontology certificate requires 300 contact hours in which students work in clinical settings with older individuals.

The college also offers four student scholarships every year, including the Jack Edwards Scholarship and Bob Lager Scholarship.

Samford, a private school founded 1841, offers accelerated pathways to higher education and better careers. About 97% of students graduate within six months.

The school sits on a 247-acre campus Birmingham and features 177 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations. Career-minded students can earn a technical certificate from Samford's McWhorter School of Pharmacy to become a pharmacy technician.

Students can complete the pharmacy technician certificate within eight weeks and find work in one of Alabama's fastest-growing fields. Graduates possess the knowledge and practical skills to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.

The curriculum offers a combination of online learning and personal interaction with faculty. Online learners spend about 10 hours a week reading materials and watching lectures. During the program, online learners must complete a four-hour hands-on learning experience doing non-sterile and sterile compounding.

This non-credit program is recognized by the Alabama Board of Pharmacy.