Best Trade Schools in Elk Grove, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Elk Grove. This guide highlights accredited programs in the greater Sacramento area, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. Regional demand is strong in construction, healthcare, logistics, and utilities1.

Top Trade Schools in Elk Grove

Accredited options in Elk Grove and nearby Sacramento. Confirm campus program lists and schedules before you apply23.

School Program Length Highlights
Cosumnes River College (Sacramento/Elk Grove area) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college serving Elk Grove. Technical and health programs; see Navigator2.
Sacramento City College (Sacramento) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Welding, Automotive, HVAC-related, and allied health options2.
American River College (Sacramento) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Manufacturing/industrial tech coursework, automotive, and more2.
UEI College – Sacramento 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Medical Assistant. Frequent starts3.
Carrington College – Sacramento 9–24 months diplomas/associate Allied health programs with externships. See Navigator for institutional accreditation2.
Center for Employment Training (CET) – Sacramento 8–12 months diplomas Nonprofit career training. Check current program availability2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Utility upgrades and construction keep hiring steady; plan for DIR certification14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Hot summers and retrofits; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction roles prefer AWS-aligned credentials16.
  • Plumber: Residential and commercial service demand; CSLB C-36 needed to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: Register as an Electrician Trainee (if not in apprenticeship), complete hours, pass exam4.
  • HVAC: EPA 608 required; CSLB C-20 license for contracting or running a business57.
  • Plumbing: CSLB C-36 license to bid 00+7.
  • Welding: No state license; employers may require AWS/code tests6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges: hybrid lecture + on-campus labs, evening cohorts2.
  • Private schools: accelerated schedules, externships, multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Sacramento metro 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.