Best Trade Schools in Chandler, Arizona (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Chandler. Use this list to compare accredited programs, program length, specialties, and the steps to get licensed in Arizona. Chandler sits in the Phoenix East Valley, where demand for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remains strong¹. Every school below holds recognized accreditation you can verify in College Navigator or with the accreditor²³.

Top Trade Schools in Chandler

Name	Program Length	Highlights
The Refrigeration School (RSI) – Phoenix	6–15 months (program dependent)	ACCSC-accredited; focused HVAC/R, Electro-Mechanical Technologies, and Welding programs; day and evening schedules; strong employer network³.
Pima Medical Institute – Mesa (East Valley)	8–12 months (diplomas); 18–24 months (AAS)	ABHES-accredited; hands-on healthcare trades like Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician; externships built in².
UEI College – Mesa	~10 months (diplomas)	ACCET-accredited; HVAC and Electrician Technician options; frequent start dates and career services support².
Arizona Automotive Institute – Glendale	9–15 months	ACCSC-accredited; Automotive Service, Diesel-Heavy Truck, HVAC & Basic Refrigeration, Welding Fabrication; employer-aligned labs³.
GateWay Community College – Phoenix	Certificates 2–3 semesters; AAS ~4–5 semesters	HLC-accredited public college; HVAC (A/C), Electrical Trades, Welding, and Industrial programs; multiple campus labs and industry partnerships².
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) – Mesa	Adult programs ~6–12 months; high school sequences 1–2 years	Cognia-accredited public CTE district; welding, A/C & refrigeration, construction, and medical trades; adult and high school pathways; strong East Valley employer ties.
Mesa Community College – Mesa	Certificates 1–2 semesters; AAS 4 semesters	HLC-accredited; Welding, Construction, and Automotive (ASE-aligned) options; stackable certificates and transfer pathways².

Notes:

ACCSC = Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
HLC = Higher Learning Commission.
ABHES and ACCET are recognized national accreditors.
EVIT is a public CTE district accredited by Cognia; adult career programs and secondary CTE are available.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

Phoenix-East Valley construction and semiconductor projects keep electrical work steady. Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, controls, and solar. Median pay is competitive with strong overtime potential¹. Many start via apprenticeships and move into foreman or contractor roles.

HVAC/R Technician

Chandler’s hot climate drives year-round service calls. Techs install, troubleshoot, and maintain residential and commercial systems. Employers value EPA 608 certification and solid troubleshooting skills. Job growth across the Phoenix metro remains healthy¹.

Welder

Manufacturing, aerospace suppliers, fabrication shops, and construction contractors across the East Valley hire welders. Familiarity with MIG, TIG, stick, and reading blueprints improves job prospects. Certifications aligned to employer needs can boost pay.

Plumber

New builds and remodels in Chandler and surrounding cities create steady demand. Work spans rough-in, service, hydronics, and gas lines. Many train through apprenticeships and later apply for an Arizona contractor license to bid work and run a business⁴.

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Overview

Arizona licenses contractors, not individual journeyman electricians, plumbers, or HVAC techs. To operate a business, advertise, or contract directly with customers, you need a license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)⁴.
Technicians often start as trainees or apprentices and work under a licensed contractor. Employer or union apprenticeships are common paths.

Electrician

No statewide journeyman card. To contract, apply for an ROC Electrical classification (C-11 Commercial, R-11 Residential, or CR-11 Dual)⁴.
Typical steps: develop verified experience, pass Business Management and the trade exam (PSI), submit background disclosures, obtain a bond, and provide workers’ comp if applicable⁴.
Apprenticeships and classroom training build hours and competencies; many programs use NCCER-aligned curricula⁵.

HVAC/R

EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants⁶.
To operate as a contractor, obtain the appropriate ROC license (C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, R-39 Residential, or CR-39 Dual) with experience verification, exams, and bonding⁴.

Plumbing

Work under a licensed contractor while you train. To open your own shop or bid jobs, pursue ROC Plumbing classifications (C-37, R-37, or CR-37) with required experience, exams, and bonding⁴.

Welding

Arizona does not license welders. Employers may require procedure-specific certifications (for example, structural or pipe). Many programs prepare you for employer tests and industry credentials. NCCER credentials are widely recognized by contractors⁵.

Tips

Always verify a company’s ROC license status before accepting a job or apprenticeship. This protects your hours and ensures lawful work⁴.
Keep records of on-the-job tasks and hours. They help when you apply for an ROC contractor license.

Online & Flexible Options

Hybrid learning: Many programs deliver theory online and labs on campus. This is common for HVAC, electrical, and healthcare support roles.
Evening and accelerated schedules: Schools like RSI, UEI, and AAI offer day or evening cohorts to fit work schedules.
Industry certifications: Prepare online for exams such as EPA 608 (with approved proctoring), OSHA-10, and NCCER craft modules⁶⁵.
Community colleges: GateWay and Mesa CC provide flexible start dates, stackable certificates, and part-time pathways. You can earn a short-term certificate first, then return for an AAS while working.

Next Steps

Compare Arizona programs by city: visit the state hub at Arizona Trade Schools.
Not sure which path fits? Explore career overviews and training paths in the Trades Hub:
- Electrician
- HVAC
- Welding
- Plumbing
Get practical tips on funding school, apprenticeships, and certifications in our Guides.
Want a broader view first? Start at the main Trade School hub.

Sources:

Employment and wage data reflect the Phoenix–Mesa–Scottsdale metro and national data where noted. Verify current requirements with state boards and accreditors before you enroll.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Phoenix–Mesa–Scottsdale, AZ MSA; national projections and wage data. ↩ ↩ ↩
U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional accreditation, program listings). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions. ↩ ↩ ↩
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), License Classifications, Exams, Bonding, and Application Requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
NCCER, Industry-Recognized Construction and Maintenance Credentials. ↩ ↩ ↩
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification. ↩ ↩

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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.