Best Trade Schools in Fresno, California (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Fresno. This guide lists accredited options, what each school does best, and how to get licensed in California. It also highlights which skilled trades are hiring in the Fresno area and where to train for them12.

Top Trade Schools in Fresno

Below are accredited schools in and near Fresno with strong hands-on programs. Program length is typical for certificates and diplomas. Associate degrees take about two years.

School Program Length Highlights
Fresno City College (SCCD) 6–12 months certificate, 2 years A.S. Public college with welding, HVAC-R, automotive, construction, industrial/electrical systems. ACCJC accredited. Strong labs and apprenticeships with local employers2.
Clovis Community College (SCCD) 6–12 months certificate, 2 years A.S. Mechatronics, manufacturing technology, information technology, water treatment. ACCJC accredited. Good for automation and maintenance tech careers2.
Reedley College (SCCD) 12–24 months Aviation Maintenance Technology, welding, heavy equipment, forestry equipment. ACCJC accredited. FAA-approved AMT program based near Fresno2.
San Joaquin Valley College – Fresno 7–14 months certificate, 2 years A.S. HVAC-R, Electrical Technology, medical and business programs. Private junior college. ACCJC accredited. Accelerated career-focused tracks2.
Institute of Technology – Clovis 9–12 months HVAC, industrial maintenance, medical, culinary. ACCSC accredited. Career services and day or evening schedules3.
UEI College – Fresno ~10 months HVAC, automotive, electrician technician, medical assistant. ACCSC accredited. Short-term, hands-on training with externships3.
Advanced Career Institute – Fresno 1–2 months CDL, ~9–12 months welding CDL truck driving and welding. ACCSC accredited. Fast-track CDL plus multi-process welding training3.
Milan Institute – Clovis 6–12 months Cosmetology, esthetician, massage therapy. ACCET accredited. State-board preparation and salon clinic experience2.

Notes:

  • ACCJC is the regional accreditor for California community colleges. ACCSC and ACCET are nationally recognized accreditors for career schools23.
  • Always confirm the specific program you want is offered at the Fresno or nearby campus, since offerings can change.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Fresno’s construction and industrial employers continue to hire entry-level and experienced electricians. BLS projects steady demand across California with replacement needs as older workers retire1. Schools above offer electrical fundamentals, and local apprenticeships add paid field hours.

HVAC-R Technician

  • Central Valley heat keeps HVAC busy year-round. Employers look for grads with refrigeration fundamentals and EPA 608 certification. Short programs at SJVC, UEI, and Institute of Technology can get you job-ready in months14.

Welder

  • Agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing drive steady welding work around Fresno. Training in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW is marketable. Many roles value AWS or NCCER credentials that verify your process skills15.

Plumber

  • Residential and commercial projects plus water infrastructure support plumbing careers. Start with a plumbing or pipefitting program or go straight into an apprenticeship and work toward a contractor license later16.

Licensing Requirements in California

Electricians

  • Oversight: California Department of Industrial Relations, Electrician Certification Program (DIR)
  • Steps7:
    • Choose classification: General, Residential, Fire/Life Safety, Voice Data Video, Nonresidential Lighting.
    • Register as an Electrician Trainee if you are not yet certified.
    • Complete required on-the-job hours and classroom hours. Hour requirements vary by classification.
    • Pass the state certification exam.
    • Renew every 3 years with continuing education.

HVAC Technicians and Contractors

  • EPA refrigerant requirement: EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants4.
  • Contractor license: C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to bid jobs over the legal threshold6.
  • Steps6:
    • Document 4 years of journeyman-level experience in the trade.
    • Apply with CSLB and pass trade and law-exam.
    • Provide fingerprints, bond, and insurance as required.

Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors

  • Contractor license: C-36 Plumbing through CSLB for contracting work above the threshold6.
  • Steps6:
    • Show 4 years of journeyman-level experience.
    • Pass trade and law exams.
    • Meet bond and insurance requirements.
  • Note: California does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. Many plumbers gain experience through apprenticeship and then pursue the C-36 contractor license.

Welders

  • No statewide welder license. Employers often require industry certifications that match the process and materials on the job, such as AWS D1.1 structural steel or pipe test qualifications. NCCER credentials are also recognized by many employers5.
  • Some cities and agencies may require additional approvals for specific work. Always confirm job specs.

Aviation Maintenance

  • Federal credential: FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) after completing an FAA-approved program or documented military/industry experience and passing FAA exams. Reedley College offers an AMT pathway.

Cosmetology and Barbering

  • Oversight: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
  • Steps: Complete approved hours in a licensed school, pass the state exam, and apply for licensure.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many Fresno programs deliver theory online with labs on campus. This works well for HVAC, welding theory, electrical code, and safety.
  • Evenings and weekends: Career schools like UEI, Institute of Technology, and ACI offer flexible schedules for working adults.
  • Accelerated certificates: Private career schools often finish in under a year. Community colleges offer stackable certificates that build toward an associate degree.
  • Test-ready prep: Look for programs that include EPA 608, OSHA 10, NCCER, or state-exam prep built into the coursework45.

Next Steps

If you already know your trade, learn the path from training to license and employment:

  • Electrician career path and licensing: Electrician
  • HVAC training and certifications: HVAC
  • Welding processes and certs: Welding
  • Plumbing apprenticeship to contractor steps: Plumbing

Footnotes and sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections and Occupational Outlook data for Construction and Extraction, Installation and Maintenance, and Production occupations. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator – accreditation and program listings for Fresno-area institutions. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) – directory of accredited institutions. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Section 608 Technician Certification for refrigerant handling. ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. NCCER – nationally recognized credentials for welding and other construction trades. ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) – C-20 HVAC and C-36 Plumbing licensing requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. California Department of Industrial Relations, Electrician Certification Program – classifications, hours, exam, and renewal. ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.

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.