Best Trade Schools in Corona, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Corona. This guide highlights accredited programs, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. Corona students benefit from proximity to Norco, Riverside, and the wider Inland Empire job market1.

Top Trade Schools in Corona

Accredited options in Corona and nearby cities. Confirm program availability and schedules before you enroll23.

School Program Length Highlights
Norco College (Norco) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Tech, Electrician/Instrumentation, Automotive. Work-based learning2.
Riverside City College (Riverside) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. HVAC-R, Welding, Electrical, Automotive. Hybrid/evening options2.
UEI College – Riverside 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Medical Assistant. Frequent starts3.
InterCoast Colleges – Riverside 9–12 months diplomas ACCET-accredited. HVAC Technician and Electrical Training. Blended learning; EPA 608 prep.
Summit College – Colton 9–12 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician, Welding. Skills-focused labs and employer links3.
Chaffey College – Rancho Cucamonga 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Automotive and advanced manufacturing/industrial pathways2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Logistics, warehousing, and construction projects sustain demand; DIR exam required14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Hot summers and refrigeration service; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction roles value AWS-aligned performance quals16.
  • Plumber: Service and new construction support steady employment; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: Register as an Electrician Trainee (if needed), complete hours, pass state exam via DIR/DAS4.
  • HVAC: EPA 608 required; CSLB C-20 to operate a business or bid 00+57.
  • Plumbing: CSLB C-36 required for contracting 00+7.
  • Welding: No state license; employers may require AWS/code tests6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges: hybrid formats and evening cohorts; labs on campus2.
  • Private schools: accelerated diplomas and externships; multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Inland Empire employment data. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. ACCSC Directory. https://www.accsc.org/Directory/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. California DIR — Electrician Certification. https://www.dir.ca.gov/das/ElectricalTrade.html ↩ ↩

  5. EPA Section 608 Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. American Welding Society. https://www.aws.org ↩ ↩

  7. California CSLB — contractor licensing. https://www.cslb.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.