Best Trade Schools in Fullerton, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Fullerton. This guide highlights accredited programs in North Orange County, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. The area offers a practical mix of community colleges, private career schools, and apprenticeships1.

Top Trade Schools in Fullerton

Accredited options in Fullerton and nearby. Confirm current offerings and start dates before applying23.

School Program Length Highlights
Fullerton College (Fullerton) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. Automotive, construction/technical, and allied health programs2.
North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) – Anaheim Varies WASC-accredited continuing education with career pathway programs. Check specific trade offerings2.
Cypress College (Cypress) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Automotive, and technical trades2.
Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT) – Anaheim 9–24 months Electrical Technology, HVAC, Biomedical Equipment Tech. ACCSC-accredited3.
UEI College – Anaheim 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Medical Assistant. Frequent starts3.
Concorde Career College – Garden Grove 8–20 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. VN, Surgical Tech, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant3.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Residential/commercial projects and clean energy upgrades drive hiring; DIR certification required14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Year-round service and energy retrofits; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction across OC value AWS credentials16.
  • Plumber: New housing and service calls keep pipelines busy; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: State certification via DIR; register as an Electrician Trainee if not in apprenticeship4.
  • HVAC: EPA 608 required; CSLB C-20 license to operate a business or bid jobs 00+57.
  • Plumbing: CSLB C-36 required to contract 00+7.
  • Welding: No state license; employers may require AWS/code tests6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges: hybrid lecture + on-campus labs; evening/weekend cohorts2.
  • Private schools: accelerated programs and externships; multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Orange County/LA metro data. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. College Navigator — accreditation and programs. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. ACCSC Directory — accredited institutions. 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 — certifications. 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.