Best Trade Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Tuscaloosa. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Alabama licensing basics1.

Top Trade Schools in Tuscaloosa

Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Shelton State Community College Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Welding, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, and Automotive programs; evening options2.
IBEW – Electrical JATC (regional) 3–5 years Registered electrical apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom instruction.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 91 (regional) – Training ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR; paid training and certifications.

Licensing in Alabama

  • Electrical Contractors: Licensed by the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board (for contracting). Local journeyman cards may apply.
  • HVACR Contractors: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors — exams and experience required; EPA 608 required4.
  • Plumbers/Gas Fitters: State of Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board — journeyman/master by exam; contractor requirements apply.
  • Welding: No state license; employers/jurisdictions require performance tests.

Next Steps

  • Compare AL programs: /trade-school/alabama/
  • Explore trades and credentials: /trades/
  • National resources: /trade-school/

Tour labs, confirm accreditation, and map training to Alabama licensing and apprenticeships.

  1. BLS, Tuscaloosa Metro. bls.gov/oes ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory. accsc.org ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩

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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.