Trade Schools in Anaheim, California
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Anaheim, in the heart of Orange County, is more than just theme parks and tourism. It's also a strong hub for skilled trades training in construction, healthcare, HVAC, and automotive. Students here benefit from proximity to Los Angeles' massive job market while accessing trade schools and apprenticeships right in Orange County.
Top Trade Schools in Anaheim
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Orange County ROP (Regional Occupational Program) | Welding, Construction, HVAC, Automotive, Health Careers | Affordable hands-on training with strong local employer ties |
| UEI College – Anaheim | HVAC, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant | Short-term, career-focused programs |
| Summit College – Anaheim | Welding, HVAC, Electrician, Medical Assistant | Accredited private career school with employer partnerships |
| North-West College – Anaheim | Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, LVN | Longstanding healthcare career programs |
| Anaheim Union Adult School | ESL + career pathways, healthcare certificates | Adult education programs with trade connections |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI – Long Beach, near Anaheim) | Automotive, Diesel, Welding, Motorcycle | National brand with accelerated technical programs |
Apprenticeships in Anaheim
- IBEW Local 441 Electrical Apprenticeship (Santa Ana) — Paid electrical training with classroom and on-the-job hours.
- UA Local 582 Plumbers & Steamfitters (Santa Ana) — Apprenticeships in plumbing, HVACR, and pipefitting.
- Southern California Carpenters Training Fund (Anaheim) — Paid carpentry apprenticeships in multiple specializations.
- Operating Engineers Local 12 (Orange County) — Heavy equipment apprenticeships with paid training.
Trade Job Salaries in Anaheim (2025)
| Trade Career | Entry-Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $22/hr ($46k) | $31/hr ($65k) | $40/hr ($83k) |
| HVAC Technician | $21/hr ($44k) | $29/hr ($60k) | $37/hr ($77k) |
| Welder | $19/hr ($39k) | $26/hr ($54k) | $34/hr ($71k) |
| CDL Truck Driver | $22/hr ($46k) | $29/hr ($60k) | $37/hr ($77k) |
| Diesel Mechanic | $23/hr ($48k) | $30/hr ($62k) | $38/hr ($79k) |
| Medical Assistant | $16/hr ($34k) | $20/hr ($42k) | $25/hr ($52k) |
(Source: BLS, California EDD, 2025)
Licensing Steps in California
Electricians
- Register as a trainee → Complete apprenticeship or trade program → Pass state certification exam.
HVAC
- No state license for technicians, but C-20 HVAC Contractor license required to operate independently.
Plumbers
- Complete apprenticeship or trade program → Apply for CSLB C-36 Plumbing license for contracting.
Healthcare (LVN)
- Graduate from BVNPT-approved program → Pass NCLEX-PN → Apply for licensure.
Why Anaheim Works for Trade Students
- Proximity to LA & Orange County jobs. Students can work in two major job markets.
- Healthcare growth. Hospitals like Anaheim Regional Medical Center drive allied health hiring.
- Union opportunities. Strong apprenticeship presence in Orange County.
- Construction demand. Residential and commercial projects create steady work for electricians, HVAC, and plumbers.
Financial Aid in Anaheim
- California College Promise Grant (free tuition for eligible community college students)
- Pell Grants and FAFSA for Title IV schools like Summit and UEI
- WIOA funding through Orange County Workforce Development Board
- Paid apprenticeships that offset tuition costs
FAQs
What's the fastest trade to learn in Anaheim?
HVAC, welding, and medical assisting programs can be finished in under 12 months.
Which trades pay the most in Anaheim?
Electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators often exceed $80k with experience.
Do I need a license in California to work trades?
Yes for electricians and contractors; apprentices and trainees may work under supervision.
Anaheim offers students a balance of affordable schools, strong apprenticeships, and access to Orange County + LA job markets. For vocational students, it's one of the most practical places in California to start a career.
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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.
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