Best Trade Schools in Gilbert, Arizona (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Gilbert. This page lists accredited programs nearby, the trades hiring in the East Valley, and clear Arizona licensing steps. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to be in demand across the Phoenix–Mesa–Scottsdale area¹. Use this guide to choose a program that fits your timeline and schedule.

Top Trade Schools in Gilbert

Below are accredited schools serving Gilbert and the East Valley. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each catalog for start dates and clock hours²³.

Notes:

• Community colleges (CGCC, MCC, GWCC) are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). EVIT is a public CTE district serving adults and high school students. Career colleges listed hold national or programmatic accreditation as noted by the U.S. Department of Education².

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • New construction, semiconductor manufacturing, and data center projects across the East Valley keep demand high¹. Entry paths include electrical foundations at EVIT or GWCC, then field experience with a contractor. Many employers sponsor apprenticeships.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • The Phoenix metro’s growth and climate create steady service demand year-round. Fast-start programs at RSI and GWCC prepare you for entry-level roles. EPA 608 certification is essential for jobs that handle refrigerant¹.

• Welder

  • Fabrication, construction, aerospace, and utility projects need welders with process flexibility (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW). EVIT, MCC, GWCC, RSI, and UTI offer welding labs with cert-prep built into coursework. AWS certifications can boost pay and mobility.

• Plumber

  • Residential and commercial building activity drives steady hiring. Schools in the Maricopa Community Colleges system provide construction trade foundations, then contractors train you toward licensure classifications and code proficiency¹.

These trades offer competitive wages and clear advancement paths with experience, certifications, and contractor licensing¹.

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Arizona licenses contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). The state does not issue a statewide journeyman card for most trades. Individuals work under a licensed contractor until ready to become the qualifying party for a company license.

• Electrician (Contractor)

  • License: C-11 (Commercial), R-11 (Residential), or CR-11 (Dual) through AZ ROC.
  • Steps:
  • Gain 4+ years of trade experience as a qualifying party (or equivalent education/experience).
  • Pass the Business Management exam and the trade exam (PSI).
  • Form or register your business entity, obtain a surety bond, and submit background info to ROC.

• HVAC (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration)

  • License: C-39 (Commercial), R-39 (Residential), or CR-39 (Dual).
  • Steps:
  • 4+ years verified experience for qualifying party.
  • Pass ROC Business Management and HVAC trade exam.
  • Maintain required bond and insurance.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required to purchase/handle refrigerants (federal requirement).

• Plumbing

  • License: C-37 (Commercial), R-37 (Residential), or CR-37 (Dual).
  • Steps:
  • 4+ years experience for qualifying party.
  • Pass ROC Business Management and Plumbing trade exam.
  • Obtain bond/insurance and register your business.

• Welding

  • No state welder license. Employers and jurisdictions often require certifications such as AWS D1.1 (structural) or ASME/API for pipe. Training programs often include cert prep and bend tests. NCCER credentials are also valued in construction.

Local notes:

• Municipal permits and inspections apply to most electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work. Licensed contractors pull permits. Many employers prefer OSHA-10/30, first aid/CPR, and forklift or aerial lift cards depending on the job.

For test registrations, classification lists, and application packets, visit the Arizona ROC. For federal refrigerant rules, review EPA Section 608 resources.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid community college programs

  • CGCC, MCC, and GWCC offer blended formats where theory is online and labs are on campus. This helps if you work full-time and need evening or weekend labs.

• Accelerated, hands-on schools

  • RSI and UTI emphasize intensive shop time with some online theory modules. Expect set lab schedules plus flexible tutoring and make-up lab options.

• Allied health flexibility

  • Pima Medical Institute and Carrington College in Mesa offer multiple cohort starts and day/evening schedules. Externships and clinicals are in-person.

• Self-paced add-ons

  • Many students stack short credentials like OSHA-10, CPR, Forklift Operator, NCCER Core, or EPA 608 online, then complete in-person assessments.

Tip: Ask each school about clock hours, instructor-to-student ratios in labs, industry certifications embedded in the program, and employer partnerships. Confirm accreditation and outcomes on College Navigator² and, for career schools, in ACCSC disclosures when applicable³.

Next Steps

• Compare more options: Visit the Arizona state hub at /trade-school/arizona/ and the national hub at /trade-school/.
• Learn the trades: Explore career paths and licenses at our trade hub /trades/, including:
  • Electrician
  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • Plumbing
• Get ready: See planning resources in our /guides/ section, including choosing a program, financial aid basics, and exam prep.

Start by touring two or three campuses near Gilbert. Bring your questions, ask about lab time and certifications, and compare program length to your budget and schedule. A focused certificate can put you on a job site in months, with room to grow into higher pay and Arizona contractor licensing as you gain experience.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Electrician Schools in Arizona
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• Best Trade Schools in Mesa, Arizona (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Phoenix, Arizona (2025 Guide)