Best Trade Schools in Bakersfield, California (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Bakersfield. This guide shows accredited options, what they teach, how long programs take, and the licenses you need in California. We also note job demand and pay using trusted labor data1. Verify accreditation and program details before you enroll23.

Top Trade Schools in Bakersfield

School Program Length Highlights
Bakersfield College (Public) 6–24 months (certificates); 2 years (A.S.) Welding, HVAC/R, Automotive, Industrial Automation. Hands-on labs. Regionally accredited. Strong employer ties in Kern County. Good transfer and apprenticeship pathways2.
San Joaquin Valley College – Bakersfield 7–20 months (diplomas/ A.S.) HVAC-R, Electrical Technology, Medical and business programs. Day and evening schedules. Externships and certification prep. Institutionally accredited2.
UEI College – Bakersfield ~10–12 months HVAC, Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant. ACCSC-accredited. Short, career-focused training. Externships and EPA 608 exam prep for HVAC3.
Milan Institute – Bakersfield ~9–12 months Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant. ACCSC-accredited. State board exam prep for cosmetology and dental assisting3.
Kern County Electrical Training Center (IBEW Local 428 JATC) 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) Inside Wireman and related tracks. Earn while you learn. State-registered apprenticeship. Classroom plus on-the-job training. Prepares for California Electrician certification4.
UA Local 460 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC (Bakersfield) ~5 years (paid apprenticeship) Plumbing, Pipefitting, HVAC-R service. Earn wages and benefits while training. Industry certifications along the way. State-approved program.
Bakersfield Adult School (Career Technical Education) 3–12 months (varies) Welding, Construction, Electrical basics, Healthcare office. WASC-accredited adult education. Evening options and short upskilling tracks2.
Kern High School District – Regional Occupational Center (ROC) Semester to year-long High school and adult CTE. Programs in Welding, Construction, Automotive, Logistics. Work-based learning with local employers. WASC-accredited2.

All entries above are accredited institutions or state-registered apprenticeship programs. Offerings and schedules vary by campus. Confirm availability and admissions requirements with each school234.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Steady new construction, solar, and industrial maintenance keep demand stable in Kern County. Nationally, electrician jobs are projected to grow faster than average through 2032, with strong opportunities for those holding certifications and apprenticeship experience1.
    • National 2023 median pay: about 1,5901.
    • Explore the career: Electrician trade overview.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Bakersfield’s hot summers and growing housing stock support year-round HVAC service work. Employers value EPA 608 certification and solid troubleshooting skills. National job growth is faster than average1.
    • National 2023 median pay: about 7,3001.
    • Learn more: HVAC training and licensing.

  • Welder

    • Fabrication, energy, ag equipment, and maintenance welding are active locally. Multi-process skills and safety credentials improve hire rates. Growth is modest nationally, but skilled welders remain essential across industries1.
    • National 2023 median pay: about 8,9401.
    • Dive in: Welding career guide.

  • Plumber and Pipefitter

    • Residential and commercial service work, plus industrial piping in energy and food processing, sustain demand. Contractor-licensing and safety credentials help you advance. National growth is steady1.
    • National 2023 median pay: about 1,5501.
    • Get details: Plumbing training path.

Licensing Requirements in California

Know the difference between being a technician and operating as a contractor. California regulates contractor business activity statewide. Some trades also require worker certifications.

  • Electricians (employees)

    • Most electricians working for a C‑10 contractor must hold California Electrician Certification through the DIR.
    • Choose the right classification: General Electrician, Residential, Voice Data Video, Fire/Life/Safety, or Nonresidential Lighting.
    • Steps: register as a trainee, complete required on‑the‑job hours and related instruction, pass the state exam, renew with continuing education4.
    • Many JATC programs meet the hour and classroom requirements.

  • HVAC

    • Technicians do not hold a state HVAC license. For jobs over 00, the business owner must have a C‑20 HVAC contractor license from CSLB (experience, exam, background check)5.
    • Anyone who services refrigerant systems must have EPA Section 608 certification6.
    • Local permits and city business licenses may also apply.

  • Plumbing

    • To contract over 00, you need a C‑36 Plumbing contractor license from CSLB (experience, exam, background check, bonding). California does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. Many plumbers train through a UA apprenticeship and work as employees until they qualify for the C‑36 exam5.

  • Welding

    • No statewide welder license. Employers may require AWS certifications appropriate to process and position. Structural welding on building projects may require city or special inspector approvals. Training often prepares you for common AWS tests.

  • CDL (Commercial Truck Driver)

    • Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered provider, earn a CLP, pass skills and road tests, and meet medical and background requirements through the California DMV7.

  • Cosmetology and Barbering

    • Complete a state-approved program, pass practical and written exams, and apply to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for licensure8.

For contractor licenses, verify application steps, fees, and experience rules with the California Contractors State License Board5.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning is common. Many Bakersfield programs deliver theory online and require on-campus labs for hands-on skills.
  • Evening and weekend schedules exist at several campuses, useful for working adults.
  • Test prep and short courses can be online:
    • EPA 608 exam prep and testing are offered by approved providers6.
    • OSHA 10/30 and basic safety training can be completed online with authorized trainers.
  • Apprenticeships blend paid job experience with scheduled classroom hours, often one or two evenings per week.

Ask each school about:

  • Lab requirements and attendance policy
  • Externship or apprenticeship placement support
  • Certification exam fees and scheduling
  • Transfer or credit-for-experience options

Next Steps

If you already know your trade, start with these pages:

Footnotes

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  4. California Department of Industrial Relations, Electrician Certification Program. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ecu/ElectricalCertification.html ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). https://www.cslb.ca.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  7. California DMV, Commercial Driver License. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/ ↩

  8. California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. https://www.barbercosmo.ca.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.