Best Trade Schools in Glendale, Arizona (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Glendale. This guide compares accredited programs, shows which trades are in demand, and explains Arizona licensing. Use it to choose a program and plan your next steps. Glendale is part of the growing Phoenix metro, which continues to add skilled trade jobs in construction, manufacturing, health, and building services1.

Top Trade Schools in Glendale

Below are reputable, accredited, or state-registered options close to Glendale. Program lengths are typical ranges. Always confirm current details with the school. Program and accreditation info verified with U.S. Department of Education and recognized accrediting agencies23.

School Program Length Highlights
Arizona Automotive Institute (Glendale) 9–18 months ACCSC-accredited. Hands-on training in Automotive Service, Diesel/Heavy Truck, Combination Welding, and HVAC & Basic Refrigeration. Test prep for ASE and EPA 608 where applicable3.
Glendale Community College (Maricopa) 1–2 years (cert), 2 years (AAS) Public college. Automotive Technology (ASE-aligned), EMT/Fire Science, Cybersecurity, Networking. Strong student support and transfer pathways2.
Arizona College – Glendale 8–20 months (diplomas); 2–3 years (selected degrees) Allied health focus. Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Healthcare Administration. Day and evening scheduling for adult learners2.
West-MEC – Aviation Technology (Glendale Municipal Airport) ~12–24 months FAA Part 147 A&P training site. Airframe and Powerplant maintenance with extensive hangar lab time. Adult and high school tracks.
The Refrigeration School (RSI) – Phoenix 6–15 months ACCSC-accredited. HVAC/R, Electro-Mechanical, and Welding programs with fast start dates. EPA 608 exam prep included in HVAC tracks3.
GateWay Community College – Phoenix 10–24 months (cert), 2 years (AAS) HVAC/R, Welding, Manufacturing/Automation, Water Resources. Employer partnerships and evening cohorts on select programs2.
Phoenix Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 640) 4–5 years Registered apprenticeship. Inside Wireman and Sound & Communication. Earn wages while you train; related instruction + thousands of paid OJT hours4.
Arizona Pipe Trades 469 JATC – Phoenix 4–5 years Registered apprenticeship in Plumbing, Pipefitting, and HVACR Service. Paid OJT with classroom instruction; industry-recognized credentials45.

Tip: Tour the labs before you enroll. Ask about instructor credentials, certification pass rates, and employer placement partners.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. The occupation has steady demand nationally and across fast-growing metros like Phoenix1. Apprenticeships are the standard entry route, with paid training and wage increases over time4. Explore tasks, tools, and pathways on our Electrician Training Guide.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • HVAC techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Work is year-round in Arizona’s climate. Employers prefer grads who can pass EPA Section 608 and show strong troubleshooting skills6. See training options and certs on our HVAC page.

  • Welder

    • Welders support construction, fabrication, aerospace, utilities, and defense contractors across the Valley. Versatile welders with solid safety habits and multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW) are sought by employers1. Learn processes and cert paths on our Welding careers page.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers and pipefitters install and maintain piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Arizona contractors report ongoing demand tied to construction and semiconductor supply chain projects1. See training and apprenticeship steps on our Plumbing guide.

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Arizona keeps licensing focused on contractors. Individuals often work toward apprenticeship completion or industry certifications. Here is what to know:

  • Electrician

    • No statewide journeyman/master electrician license. To operate a business or bid work, you need an Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) license under electrical classifications (e.g., C-11/CR-11/R-11)7.
    • Typical path: pre-apprenticeship or entry-level school, registered apprenticeship with paid OJT and related instruction, then qualify for contractor licensure when ready4.
    • Many employers value NCCER, OSHA-10/30, and manufacturer training5.

  • HVAC/R

    • No state license for individual technicians. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants6.
    • To contract, obtain AZ ROC Air Conditioning and Refrigeration classification (commercial, residential, or dual, as applicable). You must document experience, pass required exams, and meet bonding/financial requirements7.

  • Plumbing

    • No state journeyman license. To contract, qualify under AZ ROC Plumbing classifications (commercial, residential, or dual)7.
    • Apprenticeship (like UA Local 469) provides a direct route to competency with paid hours and classroom learning4.

  • Welding

    • No state welding license. Employers commonly require performance qualifications (e.g., AWS D1.1/D17.1) or NCCER welding credentials. Schools and apprenticeships help you test to code5.

Always confirm the latest classification lists, experience requirements, and exam details with AZ ROC before you apply7.

Online & Flexible Options

Many Glendale-area programs offer flexible schedules:

  • Hybrid training: Schools like RSI and community colleges blend online theory with required, in-person lab time. Hands-on labs are essential for HVAC, welding, and electrical.
  • Evenings/weekends: Public colleges and JATCs run evening cohorts to support working adults.
  • Short-term certificates: Stack smaller certs first (e.g., basic HVAC, intro welding), then return for advanced skills once employed.
  • Test prep: Look for EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, and NCCER-aligned training integrated into coursework.

If you need maximum flexibility, ask about:

  • Rolling start dates and modular classes.
  • Skill demonstrations to earn credit for prior experience.
  • Employer-sponsored upskilling and apprenticeship tuition support.

Next Steps

  • Compare all Arizona options on our state hub: Arizona Trade Schools.
  • Explore careers and certifications across trades: Skilled Trades Hub.
  • New to this? Read step-by-step planning guides: Career Guides.
  • Ready to act? Shortlist 2–3 schools above. Tour a lab, meet instructors, and ask about placement support. Then enroll in the next start you can commit to.

Looking beyond Glendale? See our national directory: Trade School Finder.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (construction and mechanical trades job outlook and wages). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional profiles and programs). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Directory of Accredited Institutions. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. O*NET OnLine (typical education and training pathways; apprenticeships). https://www.onetonline.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. NCCER (industry-recognized construction craft credentials and curricula). https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program (certification rules for HVAC/R). https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  7. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (licensing classifications, exams, and requirements). https://roc.az.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.