Best Trade Schools in Glendale, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Glendale. This guide highlights accredited programs near you, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. It’s built to help you choose a reputable program with the right labs, schedule, and employer connections. Glendale benefits from the wider Los Angeles metro’s strong demand for electricians, HVAC/R techs, welders, plumbers, and allied health roles1.

Top Trade Schools in Glendale

Accredited options in Glendale and nearby cities. Confirm current program availability and schedules before you apply23.

School Program Length Highlights
Glendale Community College (Glendale) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. Career education options with hands-on labs. Check College Navigator for programs and outcomes2.
Pasadena City College (Pasadena) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public, regionally accredited. Welding, Automotive, HVAC-related, and health programs. Strong transfer and employer links2.
Los Angeles Trade–Technical College (Los Angeles) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, and more. Large labs and union pathways2.
Los Angeles City College (Hollywood) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. Allied health, IT support, and other CTE options. Evening schedules available2.
East Los Angeles College (Monterey Park) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public, regionally accredited. Industrial and construction-related CTE pathways; check campus catalog2.
North-West College – Pasadena 8–20 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, VN. Externships with local clinics3.

Tip: Visit shops and labs before enrolling. Ask about equipment, safety practices, faculty industry experience, and recent placement results.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: LA metro projects, retrofits, and clean energy keep demand steady. Start as an Electrician Trainee or apprentice and plan for state certification14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Year-round service and energy-efficiency upgrades drive hiring. EPA 608 is required for refrigerant handling15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction across the metro rely on AWS-aligned skills in SMAW/GTAW/GMAW167.
  • Plumber: Residential/commercial builds and maintenance generate stable service work; contractor licensing is required to run a business18.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians (employee certification)

    • State certification through DIR/DAS. Common tracks: General (8,000 hrs), Residential (4,800–6,000), VDV Low Voltage (4,000), Fire/Life Safety (3,200–4,000) + exam4.
    • If not in apprenticeship, register as an Electrician Trainee to work under supervision4.

  • HVAC

    • EPA Section 608 required to handle refrigerants5.
    • To operate a business or bid jobs 00+, obtain CSLB C-20 contractor license (experience + exams + bonding)8.

  • Plumbing

    • Employees can work under a licensed contractor. For independent contracting (00+), hold CSLB C-36 license8.

  • Welding

    • No state license; employers often require AWS or code-specific performance qualifications. Structural work may require local approvals67.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges offer evening and hybrid CTE courses; hands-on labs remain in person2.
  • Private career schools run day/evening cohorts and accelerated schedules3.
  • Look for built-in prep for EPA 608, AWS, or other credentials.

Next Steps

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and metro employment data. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

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

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

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

  6. American Welding Society (AWS), certifications and code standards. https://www.aws.org ↩ ↩

  7. O*NET OnLine, Welders (51-4121.00) and related occupations. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-4121.00 ↩ ↩

  8. California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), classifications and 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.