Best Trade Schools in Pine Bluff, Arkansas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Pine Bluff. This guide lists accredited programs, local licensing steps, and fast-growing trades. It’s built for recent grads and career changers who want clear answers.

Top Trade Schools in Pine Bluff

All schools below are institutionally accredited and within a reasonable drive of Pine Bluff.

School Program Length Highlights
Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) — Pine Bluff Certificates: 6–12 months; Diplomas/AAS: 1–2 years HLC-accredited. Hands-on labs for Welding, HVAC-R, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive, EMT/Paramedic, and Practical Nursing. Small class sizes, tutoring, and career services. Evening options available.1
UA–Pulaski Technical College — North Little Rock Certificates: 8–12 months; AAS: ~2 years HLC-accredited. Strong labs in HVAC, Welding, Automotive (ASE-aligned), Electrical, and Culinary. Multiple campuses and flexible scheduling for working adults.1
Arkansas Welding Academy (AWA) — Jacksonville 5–10 months (program-dependent) ACCSC-accredited welding school focused on structural and pipe. SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW processes with employer placement support and frequent start dates.2
South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk) — El Dorado Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years HLC-accredited. Programs in Process Technology, Instrumentation, Welding, Industrial Tech, EMT/Paramedic, and Health Sciences. Strong industry partnerships in regional manufacturing and energy.1
Arkansas State University Three Rivers (ASU Three Rivers) — Malvern Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years HLC-accredited. HVAC-R, Welding, Industrial Electricity, Automotive, and Cyber/IT. Prior-learning credit possible for industry certs like NCCER and OSHA.1
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) — Stuttgart Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years HLC-accredited. HVAC-R, Industrial Technology, Welding, and Allied Health pathways. Close-knit campus serving the Grand Prairie region.1
UAM College of Technology — McGehee Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years HLC-accredited. Programs in Welding, HVAC-R, Industrial Maintenance, and Allied Health with small cohorts and employer ties across Southeast Arkansas.1

Tip: Visit each program’s website to confirm current start dates, delivery format, and admission steps. For more Arkansas options, see the state hub: /trade-school/arkansas/.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians are needed across Arkansas for new construction, solar, and plant maintenance. Wages are solid and typically above the statewide median3. A school-based pre-apprenticeship or electrical fundamentals certificate can help you enter a registered apprenticeship.

HVAC-R Technician

  • Hot, humid summers and cool winters keep HVAC shops busy year-round. Employers value EPA 608 certification and hands-on lab experience. Nationally, HVAC employment is projected to remain steady, with technicians needed to replace retiring workers3.

Welder

  • Welding jobs in southeast Arkansas support manufacturing, paper and timber, ag equipment, and defense suppliers. Training that covers multiple processes and positions improves job options. Many employers prefer AWS certifications for structural or pipe work3.

Plumber

  • Plumbers and pipefitters remain in demand for residential, commercial, and industrial work. Apprentices earn while they learn and can progress to journeyman and master licensing. National outlook and wages are favorable compared to many entry-level careers3.

Explore career paths and salaries: /trades/

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Electrician (State-Licensed)

  • Board: Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners, Department of Labor & Licensing.
  • Steps:
    • Be 18+ and register as an apprentice with an approved program.
    • Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction (often ~576 hours).
    • Apply and pass the Arkansas Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • Upgrade to Master after required experience as a Journeyman and passing the Master exam.
    • Keep license current with required continuing education and renewals.
  • Helpful: School-based electrical fundamentals can shorten time to apprenticeship by building code and safety skills3.

HVAC-R (State-Licensed)

  • Board: Arkansas HVAC/R Licensing Board, Department of Labor & Licensing.
  • Steps:
    • Gain verifiable field experience (commonly 2+ years) or an approved education/experience combination.
    • Pass the state trade exam for the license class you seek (Class A Unlimited, or limited classes).
    • Hold required liability insurance per state rules.
    • Earn EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification.
    • Maintain license and any technician registrations with continuing education as required.

Plumber (State-Licensed)

  • Agency: Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section.
  • Steps:
    • Register as an apprentice and complete about 4 years (8,000 hours) OJT plus related instruction.
    • Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • After required experience as a Journeyman, pass the Master Plumber exam.
    • Add gas-fitting endorsements if your work includes natural gas piping.
    • Meet continuing education and renewal requirements.

Welder (No State License)

  • Arkansas does not issue a state welder license. Employers often require:
    • AWS performance qualifications (e.g., D1.1 structural, D1.3 sheet, or pipe procedures).
    • OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety card.
    • TWIC and/or DOT welding certifications for certain sites.
  • Formal training plus bend tests and employer-specific procedures are common hiring steps3.

See trade-specific roadmaps:

  • Electrician: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC-R: /trades/hvac
  • Welding: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many Arkansas community colleges deliver theory courses online (safety, code, electricity fundamentals, blueprint reading) and require in-person labs for hands-on competencies.
  • Evening/weekend cohorts: SEARK, UA–Pulaski Tech, and other colleges often run night or accelerated sections for working adults.
  • Certification prep online: OSHA 10/30, EPA 608 prep, and NCCER Core study materials are available online. Proctored exams may be required.
  • Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprentices combine paid OJT with one or two nights of related class per week. Check local JATCs and employer sponsors in Central and Southeast Arkansas.
  • Credit for prior learning: If you already hold certs (OSHA, NCCER, AWS), some colleges award advanced standing or electives.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and request info: /trade-school/arkansas/
  • Explore trades, salaries, and certifications: /trades/
  • Learn how to pay for school: /guides/financial-aid
  • Find an apprenticeship: /guides/apprenticeships
  • See flexible training paths: /guides/online-trade-programs
  • Or browse all state pages: /trade-school/

Start with two or three schools above. Visit labs, ask about licensure outcomes, graduation rates, and job placement. Pick the program that fits your schedule and gets you licensed fast.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional accreditation and program listings for Arkansas community and technical colleges. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Institutional accreditation status for Arkansas Welding Academy. ↩

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational data and job outlook for electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, and plumbers (accessed 2024–2025). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.