Best Trade Schools in Phoenix, Arizona (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Phoenix. This page cuts through the noise with accredited options, program lengths, Arizona licensing steps, and which trades are hiring. It’s built for high school grads and career changers who want fast, job-ready training and clear next steps.

If you are comparing other cities, start at the Arizona hub: Trade Schools in Arizona.

Top Trade Schools in Phoenix

Below are accredited trade schools and training centers serving Phoenix and the West Valley. Program lengths are typical ranges; check each school for current start dates and schedules123.

School Program Length Highlights
The Refrigeration School (RSI) – Phoenix 6–15 months Focus on HVAC/R, electrical, and welding; day/evening schedules; ACCSC accredited2.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Avondale 9–18 months Automotive, diesel, and welding; manufacturer-specific training; ACCSC accredited2.
GateWay Community College (Maricopa) – Phoenix Certificates 6–24 months; AAS ~2 years HVAC, welding, industrial and electrical technologies, automotive; apprenticeships and stackable certificates; regionally accredited1.
Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) – Glendale 10–13 months Automotive service, diesel/heavy truck, combination welding, HVAC & basic refrigeration; ACCSC accredited2.
UEI College – Phoenix ~10 months HVAC and automotive technician programs with hands-on labs; ACCSC accredited2.
Pima Medical Institute – Phoenix 8–24 months Medical assisting, dental assisting, pharmacy tech, respiratory therapy (AAS); ABHES accredited3.
Carrington College – Phoenix North 9–24 months HVAC-R (campus dependent) and allied health programs; institutionally accredited; strong student services1.
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) – Mesa Adult programs ~6–12 months Public CTE center; HVAC/R, welding, electrical; daytime and select evening options; serves Phoenix metro1.

Pro tip: Visit each campus, see the labs, and ask about externships, certification pass rates, and placement support. Then compare with our statewide list: Arizona Trade Schools.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Phoenix continues to add housing, data centers, and manufacturing, creating steady demand for skilled labor4.

  • Electrician

    • Work includes installing and troubleshooting residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
    • National growth is faster than average, and construction in Arizona keeps crews busy year-round4.
    • Many start as apprentices and move into foreman or contractor roles.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • HVAC techs are essential in Phoenix’s extreme heat. Service demand peaks in summer, but commercial maintenance is year-round.
    • EPA Section 608 certification is required if you handle refrigerants5.
    • Techs can specialize in residential service, light commercial, or controls.

  • Welder

    • Structural, pipe, and fabrication welding are tied to construction and manufacturing.
    • Employers value AWS certifications and clean weld tests. Good welders can move quickly into higher-paying pipe and industrial roles4.

  • Plumber

    • New build and tenant improvement work remain steady across the Valley.
    • Contractor licensing is through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)6.
    • Many plumbers train via registered apprenticeships and earn while they learn.

Explore each trade path, training, and certifications:

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Arizona licensing focuses on contractors. Most individual technicians can work under a licensed contractor while they gain experience. Always verify current rules with the state.

  • Electricians

    • No statewide journeyman license. To run your own business or contract work, apply with the Arizona ROC for Electrical (C-11 commercial, R-11 residential, CR-11 dual)6.
    • Typical steps: meet experience requirements (often ~4 years), pass trade and business exams, provide bonding and insurance, and submit background disclosures6.
    • Many electricians complete a registered apprenticeship first and then pursue contractor licensing.

  • HVAC/R Technicians

    • EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling5.
    • To contract independently, obtain Air Conditioning & Refrigeration licenses (C-39 commercial, R-39 residential, CR-39 dual) from the ROC; experience, exams, and bonding are required6.
    • Techs working for a licensed company generally do not need an individual state license.

  • Plumbers

    • Contractor licenses available through the ROC: C-37 (commercial), R-37 (residential), CR-37 (dual)6.
    • Requirements include verified experience, exams, bonding/insurance, and business entity registration as applicable6.

  • Welders

    • No Arizona state license for welders. Employers and project owners often require AWS or similar code certifications based on the work (structural, pipe, pressure vessel)4.
    • Many welding programs align training with common AWS tests; confirm which codes you will be ready to attempt.

  • Apprenticeships

    • Registered apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and are recognized by employers statewide.
    • Check Phoenix-area programs through local trade associations and union training centers, then confirm their registration status with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Tip: The ROC recognizes experience from apprenticeships, military service, and supervised employment. Keep detailed records of hours, duties, and supervisors to support your application6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many Phoenix schools blend online theory with in-person labs. This can reduce commute time while keeping hands-on practice.
  • Evening or weekend schedules: RSI, UTI, and community colleges often offer multiple shifts so you can work while training12.
  • Short, stackable credentials: Start with an entry certificate in 6–10 months, then add advanced certificates or an AAS later for promotions.
  • Exam prep included: Look for programs that embed EPA 608, OSHA-10/30, NCCER modules, or AWS test prep, so you graduate ready for certifications5.

If you must stay fully online, focus on theory or test prep and plan separate in-person labs or an employer sponsor. Hands-on time is essential for HVAC, electrical, welding, and plumbing.

Next Steps

Then visit 2–3 campuses. Bring a list of questions about schedules, certs included, placement help, and employer partners. Pick the program that fits your timeline, budget, and career goals.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. School profiles and accreditation status. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  3. ABHES, Accredited Institutions Directory (Pima Medical Institute and other allied health schools). https://directory.abhes.org/ ↩ ↩

  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC/R Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, Welders), job outlook and employment trends. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification for HVAC/R. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), License classifications, requirements, and exams. https://roc.az.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.

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.