Vocational &
Trade Schools in Alabama

At Gadsden State, students can choose among a career-focused range of two-year technical/vocational programs in the engineering disciplines. Vocational studies programs include specializations in automotive manufacturing, HVAC, drafting and design, machine tool technology, electrical and electronic engineering. Specialized curriculum also features studies in carpentry, auto collision repair and welding technology. Part of the Alabama Community College System, Gadsden State also serves undergraduates with technical certificates (3-4 semesters), and 26-hour, short-term technical certificates. Students interested in completing an associate of applied science in a technical field must complete seven academic courses in five semesters.

The Allied Health and Technologies Division at Trenholm State Community College is one of the school’s more popular career programs. Its students choose among career-oriented studies in dental assisting technology, ultrasound, medical assisting, radiologic technology, therapeutic massage and practical nursing. Trenholm State’s automotive programs feature courses in collision repair, truck driver training, and diesel technology. Vocational students in engineering technologies can pursue competencies in HVAC, machine tool technology, drafting and design, and welding. Business students can choose among career courses in accounting, bookkeeping and payroll management. Trenholm State also operates a GED completion program for adult students.

As a member of the Alabama state system of community, junior, and technical colleges, Bevill State is dedicated to workplace training and retraining through its basic skills and occupational development curriculum. Programs offered through The Career Technical Education Division let students choose among short and long-term certificates, Applied Science (AAS) degrees, and certificates of completion. Vocational programs include cosmetology, AC and refrigeration, computer science, drafting design, machine tool technology, business office management, welding, mining technology, truck driver training and vehicle repair. Students do not need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in the vocational programs.

At Birmingham’s Lawson State Community College, vocational students can take online, on-campus and hybrid career classes in technical and health profession training programs. To serve the growing trade professions in the automotive sector, LSCC directs The Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence. The center is host to vocational preparation courses in auto body repair, automotive technology, and repair specializations in Ford, General Motors, and Toyota cars and trucks. Lawson State’s construction technology programs specialize in air conditioning and refrigeration, plumbing, and building construction. The plumbing apprentice/coursework program prepares students for State of Alabama journey licensing.

J.F. Drake State’s technical, vocational and industrial career-training programs culminate in a certificate or, for those seeking a degree option, an associate of applied science. Through its five career divisions, Drake State vocational academics prepare students in business and Information technology, culinary arts/hospitality services management, engineering technology, health sciences, and manufacturing/applied technology. Health sciences is one of the school’s largest divisions and its newest program in medical assisting prepares students to take jobs in medical clinics or private physician’s offices. Within the engineering technology division, classes prepare students in architectural or mechanical drawing and design, robotics operations, computer hardware and industrial systems.