Best Trade and Vocational Schools in California
Like many states, California is grappling with a shortage of skilled tradespeople. With the proper training, you could position yourself to benefit from rising demand and the above-average wages that accompany many of these positions.
Trade schools in California offer diverse opportunities for the skilled workers of tomorrow. These institutions provide practical, career-focused programs with simpler entry requirements and lower costs than you would likely spend earning a college degree.
Connect with accredited California trade schools and explore skilled trades that offer an appealing combination of high pay and a strong growth outlook.
California at a Glance
- According to Advance CTE, career and technical education (CTE) accounts for 52.8% of all postsecondary credentials awarded in California.
- California students who pursue CTE after high school have a 95.7% placement rate within six months of graduating.
- CTE is an important source of upward economic mobility: 53.5% of California’s postsecondary CTE students come from lower-income backgrounds.
Top 10 Trade Schools in California
American River College
- Sacramento, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Students advance their education in 90 associate programs and 101 certificate programs at American River College. Learners benefit from the public institution's diverse enrollment options, which include online classes and on-campus options from the Sacramento location. These flexible options make it easier for enrollees to balance school with work or other responsibilities.
The school's career-focused programs train participants for specialized career paths. Associate degree-seekers also complete general education courses that build broad skills, such as writing and critical thinking. Rather than taking general education courses, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum of courses in their field of study.
With a certificate, graduates apply for entry-level positions in their field. After earning an associate degree, graduates apply for jobs or continue their education at a four-year college.
American River College at a Glance:
Total Online Associate Programs: 8
Total Online Certificate Programs: 5
63%
N/A
72%
$11,520
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 29,908
- Institution Type
- Public
Cerritos College
- Norwalk, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Norwalk, California, Cerritos College offers premier programs to students from all walks of life. The school specializes in vocational trade programs for leaners wanting to gain practical experience and enter the workforce quickly.
All enrollees benefit from rigorous core curriculums, skilled faculty, and supportive learning environments. While enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework in their subject area. Participants can further their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships.
The college connects students with numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. Prospective applicants can speak with the financial aid office to determine scholarship eligibility. Of those admitted to the college, 80% receive financial aid awards. Of all admitted learners, 27% graduate from the college.
67%
$ 1,288
67%
$11,928
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,046
- Institution Type
- Public
College of San Mateo
- San Mateo, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Students enroll in 65 associate programs and 45 certificate programs at College of San Mateo. Learners select from online and on-campus courses offered by the public institution from its location in San Mateo, California. These enrollment options appeal to working professionals and other busy enrollees.
The school's career-focused programs train participants for specialized career paths. In associate programs, degree-seekers strengthen transferable skills during general education classes. Certificate candidates take courses in their area of study rather than general education courses.
With a certificate, graduates enter the workforce prepared for many entry-level roles. An associate degree prepares alumni for the workforce or for bachelor's programs.
40%
$ 1,288
77%
$11,340
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 9,208
- Institution Type
- Public
De Anza College
- Cupertino, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
With 59 associate programs and 72 certificate programs, De Anza College offers options for many different learners. From its main campus in Cupertino, California, the public institution offers both online and on-campus enrollment. Working students benefit from the flexible course options.
In the school's career-focused programs, enrollees gain specialized skills for a defined career path or field. Associate programs include general education requirements that build broad, transferable skills. Instead of general education classes, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum in their area of study.
With a certificate, graduates qualify for entry-level roles in their field. With an associate degree, graduates apply for jobs or pursue a bachelor's degree.
De Anza College at a Glance:
Total Online Certificate Programs: 3
72%
$ 1,395
82%
$12,150
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 16,990
- Institution Type
- Public
Diablo Valley College
- Pleasant Hill, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Students advance their education in 75 associate programs and 73 certificate programs at Diablo Valley College. The public institution, located in Pleasant Hill, California, offers online and on-campus enrollment options which appeal to a variety of learners. People often choose to continue working while enrolled at the school.
The school's career-focused programs emphasize industry-specific knowledge and skills. In general education courses, associate degree-seekers strengthen critical thinking, communication, and writing skills. Rather than taking general education courses, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum of courses in their field of study.
Professionals with a certificate qualify for entry-level roles in their field. With an associate degree, graduates either pursue employment or transfer into a bachelor's program.
Diablo Valley College at a Glance:
Total Online Associate Programs: 1
Total Online Certificate Programs: 7
73%
$1,288
78%
$8,304
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 16,424
- Institution Type
- Public
Foothill College
- Los Altos Hills, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Foothill College enrolls students in 69 associate programs and 43 certificate programs. From its main campus in Los Altos Hills, California, the public institution provides flexible enrollment options. Learners can sometimes work full time while in school.
In the school's career-focused programs, enrollees gain specialized skills for a defined career path or field. General education classes in associate programs strengthen transferable skills like critical thinking and writing. Instead of general education courses, certificate program participants take courses in their field of study.
With a certificate, graduates pursue entry-level positions in their field. With an associate degree, alumni can enter the job market or apply to four-year colleges as a transfer student.
Foothill College at a Glance:
Total Online Associate Programs: 26
Total Online Certificate Programs: 15
58%
$ 1,395
100%
$12,150
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 12,931
- Institution Type
- Public
Fullerton College
- Fullerton, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
Fullerton College enrolls learners in 78 associate programs and 64 certificate programs. The public institution prioritizes flexibility in its course options, which include classes offered online and on the Fullerton campus in California. These flexible options help busy students continue to work while in school.
Many of the school's programs emphasize career training and include practical skills. In associate programs, degree-seekers strengthen transferable skills during general education classes. Rather than taking general education courses, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum of courses in their field of study.
With a certificate, graduates pursue entry-level positions in their field. An associate degree prepares graduates for entry-level careers or bachelor's programs.
66%
$1,104
73%
$9,312
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 18,569
- Institution Type
- Public
Imperial Valley College
- Imperial, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Imperial Valley College enrolls students in 61 associate programs and 58 certificate programs. Located in Imperial, California, the public institution offers online and on-campus enrollment options, increasing flexibility for learners. These flexible options appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with other obligations.
In the school's career-focused programs, participants strengthen industry-specific knowledge and skills. Associate programs include general education requirements that build broad, transferable skills. Instead of general education classes, certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum in their area of study.
With a certificate, graduates enter the workforce prepared for many entry-level roles. Associate degree-holders apply for jobs or enter a bachelor's program.
74%
$1,104
79%
$7,968
- Acceptance Rate
- 100%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,111
- Institution Type
- Public
Long Beach City College
- Long Beach, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
Located in California, Long Beach City College offers premier programs to students from all walks of life. The school supports several vocational trade programs from its main campus in Long Beach. As the school's specialty, these programs are suited to individuals who want to join the workforce quickly after gaining practical, hands-on training and experience in a specific trade.
Whether in person or online, enrollees benefit from a rigorous curriculum, engaged faculty, and experiential learning opportunities. Students complete general and subject-specific coursework throughout the program. Learners can collaborate with faculty on research projects, pursue internships, and explore other experiential learning opportunities during their degree.
Enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their program. The financial aid office connects students with funding opportunities and can help prospective applicants determine their eligibility for financial aid. The institution discloses that 77% of all learners receive some form of financial aid. Of all students, 20% graduate from their programs.
67%
$ 1,472
72%
$11,356
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 24,425
- Institution Type
- Public
Modesto Junior College
- Modesto, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
At Modesto Junior College, learners choose from 65 associate programs and 55 certificate programs. The public institution offers flexible enrollment options, including online classes and courses offered at the Modesto, California, campus. Many students work while pursuing a degree or certificate.
The school's career-focused programs strengthen specialized skills that prepare graduates for the job market. Those in associate programs take general education courses that build transferable skills like writing and critical thinking. Certificate candidates complete a focused curriculum that does not include classes outside of their field.
With a certificate, graduates move into the workforce and pursue entry-level roles. Associate degree-holders either enter the workforce or apply to four-year colleges as a transfer student.
Modesto Junior College at a Glance:
Total Online Certificate Programs: 2
78%
$1,188
N/A
$8,788
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 17,152
- Institution Type
- Public
Who Accredits California Trade Schools?
Like four-year universities, California’s trade schools may hold institutional accreditation, which indicates that the school meets certain academic standards.
Credits you earn at an accredited school are more likely to transfer, and accredited credentials typically meet more professional licensure requirements. Students enrolled at accredited schools can also qualify for federal financial aid.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is the primary regional accreditor for two-year colleges in the state. California-based trade and vocational schools can also hold accreditation from national organizations like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Additionally, private trade schools should also hold state approval and licensure. California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education regulates private vocational and trade schools.
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Popular Trades to Learn in California
California has a favorable labor market for many skilled tradespeople. For example, solar photovoltaic installers, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapy assistants, and pest control workers have very strong job growth projections from 2022-2032 — each of these positions is projected to grow 3-5 times faster than the average job in California.
According to Projections Central, high-demand trades in the state include:
- Healthcare trades
- Mechanical and maintenance trades
- Construction and electrical trades
Many skilled trades offer high pay rates and strong returns on the time and money you invest in your training and education. You can usually complete a trade school program in two years or less, and some occupations — such as electrical power-line installers and repairers — earn median annual salaries approaching six figures.
How Much Is Trade School in California?
Average Full-Time Undergraduate Tuition in CA, 2023-2024
$19,576
Private, for-profit, less-than-two-year
$21,741
Private, for-profit, two-year
$20,878
Private, nonprofit, two-year
$1,286
Public, two-year
Trade schools in California tend to charge relatively affordable tuition rates, and you can maximize your savings by studying at a public institution. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, average tuition rates at public, two-year California colleges were roughly one-fourth the cost of the national average during the 2023-2024 school year.
You can cut your out-of-pocket costs even further by taking advantage of financial aid and funding programs for California trade school students. The state offers many such opportunities, including:
- The Apprenticeship Innovation Funding program for students training for trades in strategically important sectors
- The California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship grant program for people ages 16-24 who are returning to the education system
- California Apprenticeship Council Training Funds for students entering trades experiencing high retirement rates
Many trade schools in California also offer in-house financial aid opportunities to incoming students who need help affording their educational costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Advance CTE, California hosts 101 community colleges and 62 area technical centers where you can learn a trade. These institutions support 1,452 California public high schools through their CTE programs.
