Best Trade Schools in Tempe, Arizona (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Tempe. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Arizona licensing basics. The Phoenix metro hires electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers across construction, semi/advanced manufacturing, and service1.

Top Trade Schools in Tempe

All options below serve Tempe and the East Valley. Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Maricopa Community Colleges (Mesa/Chandler/Gateway) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years HLC accredited. HVAC, Electrical, Welding, and manufacturing programs across multiple campuses2.
East Valley Institute of Technology – Adult Education 6–12+ months Adult training in Welding, HVAC, Electrical, and related trades with hands-on labs; evening options.
IBEW Local 640 – Electrical JATC (Phoenix) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeship for Inside Wireman/Residential. Paid OJT + classroom with strong contractor network.
UA Local 469 – Training Center (Phoenix) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR. Paid training, certifications, and employer connections.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Large-scale projects (data centers, fabs, commercial builds). Apprenticeships lead to journeyperson status and contractor licensing1.
  • HVAC/R: Year-round service demand in Arizona’s climate. EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerants; contractors must be licensed45.
  • Welding: Construction and manufacturing roles; multi-process quals improve pay and mobility1.
  • Plumbing: Residential/commercial service and construction across the metro.

Licensing in Arizona

  • Electrical & Mechanical Contracting: Licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Document experience, pass exams, and provide bonding/insurance as required.
  • HVAC Technicians: No separate state tech license; EPA 608 required for refrigerants4. Work under a licensed contractor until you qualify for your own license.
  • Plumbing: Contractor licenses via ROC with exams and experience.
  • Welding: No state license; employers/jurisdictions require performance quals as needed.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs for theory with on-campus labs.
  • Evening cohorts at apprenticeship and career centers.
  • Short stackable credentials (OSHA-10/30, EPA 608).

Next Steps

  • Compare statewide options: /trade-school/arizona/
  • Explore careers and credentials: /trades/
  • National guides and hub: /trade-school/

Tour labs, confirm accreditation, and ask how programs align to ROC licensing and apprenticeships.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook (Electricians, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Welding). bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩

  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 ↩ ↩

  5. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). 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.