Best Trade Schools in Montgomery, Alabama (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Montgomery. This guide compares accredited programs, local apprenticeships, and licensing steps in Alabama. You will also see which skilled trades are in demand and typical training timelines. Data and job outlooks come from trusted sources like the BLS and state boards12.

Top Trade Schools in Montgomery

The schools below are accredited and serve Montgomery and nearby communities. Program lengths are typical full-time timelines. Check each school for current start dates and formats.

School Program Length Highlights
H. Councill Trenholm State Community College (Montgomery) Certificates: 1–3 semesters; AAS: 4–5 semesters Public, SACSCOC-accredited. Strong hands-on labs. Popular programs: HVAC/R, Electrical Technology, Welding, Automotive Service, Diesel, Industrial Maintenance, CDL, Culinary2.
Fortis College – Montgomery Diplomas: ~9–12 months; Associate: ~18–24 months Institutionally accredited career school. Career-focused labs. Programs commonly include HVAC/R, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and related allied health2.
Wallace Community College Selma (near Montgomery) Short Certificates: 2–3 semesters; AAS: 4–5 semesters SACSCOC-accredited. In-demand trades: Welding Technology, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Diesel2.
UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 52 JATC (Montgomery) Registered Apprenticeship: ~5 years Paid training with benefits. Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC service tracks. Earn industry credentials while you work. U.S. DOL registered apprenticeship3. State plumbing licensing prep included4.
Paul Mitchell The School Montgomery Cosmetology: ~12–15 months (1,500 hours typical) NACCAS-accredited. Focus on cosmetology and instructor training. Strong state board exam prep for Alabama cosmetology licensing2.

Tip: Always verify current accreditation and program offerings on College Navigator or the school’s site before enrolling2. If you want a wider list, compare more Alabama options here: /trade-school/alabama/.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Residential construction, commercial service, and industrial maintenance drive steady demand in Alabama. Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems. Pay rises with experience, certifications, and overtime1. See training paths: /trades/electrician.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Hot summers and year-round comfort systems keep HVAC work consistent. Techs handle installation, service, and refrigeration work. Alabama contractors value EPA 608 certification and solid diagnostic skills1. Explore the field: /trades/hvac.

Welding

  • Welders support manufacturing, construction, and maintenance across central Alabama. Demand is steady for structural, pipe, and fabrication welders who can pass code tests (AWS/NCCER)1. Learn more: /trades/welding.

Plumbing

  • Licensed plumbers and gas fitters are essential for new builds and service calls. Apprenticeships are a common path to journeyman status and higher wages1. Career overview: /trades/plumbing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these occupations offer solid employment prospects and clear advancement with experience and credentials1.

Licensing Requirements in Alabama

Electricians (Alabama Electrical Contractors Board)

  • Journeyman Electrician: Usually 8,000 hours of experience under a licensed electrician and a passing exam. Some local jurisdictions may add requirements. Renewals often require continuing education5.
  • Electrical Contractor: Experience, business requirements, passing the contractor exam, and insurance are typical. Check the Board for current rules and fees5.

HVAC and Refrigeration (Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors)

  • HACR Contractor License: Experience under a licensed contractor, pass the state exam, meet insurance requirements. Many techs work under a contractor while building hours. EPA 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling67.

Plumbers and Gas Fitters (Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board)

  • Apprentice: Work under a licensed professional while logging hours.
  • Journeyman: Meet experience requirements (commonly two years) and pass the exam.
  • Master: Additional experience (often one year as a journeyman) and pass the master exam.
  • Separate gas fitter credentials may be required. Verify current rules with the Board4.

Welders

  • No statewide welder license. Employers and contractors typically require industry certifications such as AWS D1.1, ASME, or NCCER module completions. Project specifications control which code tests you need8.

CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

  • Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training with an approved provider, get a CLP, pass knowledge and road skills tests with ALEA. Medical certification and background checks apply. Many trade schools bundle ELDT with CDL skills prep1.

Cosmetology/Barbering

  • Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering approves programs and exams. Completion of required clock hours, school sign-off, and passing the state exam are needed for licensure2.

Always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant Alabama board before you test or apply.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid formats: Many Montgomery programs blend online theory with on-campus labs. This is common in HVAC, welding safety, electrical code, and allied health. Hands-on competencies still require in-person training.
  • Night and weekend cohorts: Community colleges and apprenticeships often offer evening classes for working adults. Ask about accelerated terms and mini-mesters.
  • Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn with UA Local 52 and other employer sponsors. Related classroom instruction may be at night, with paid on-the-job training during the day3.
  • Short upskilling: NCCER modules, OSHA 10/30, EPA 608, and manufacturer trainings can stack onto your core credential and help you qualify for more jobs7.

If you need maximum flexibility, compare statewide options here: /trade-school/alabama/ and browse trades you can train for online first: /trades/.

Next Steps

Pick one program to tour this week. Ask about job placement, lab hours, and certification pass rates. That will help you choose a school that fits your timeline and budget.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and Employment/Pay data. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship program standards and pathways. ↩ ↩

  4. Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board – licensing and exams. ↩ ↩

  5. Alabama Electrical Contractors Board – licensing and exams. ↩ ↩

  6. Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors – licensing and exams. ↩

  7. U.S. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification requirements for refrigerants. ↩ ↩

  8. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and recognized industry certification bodies (e.g., AWS, NCCER). ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.