Trade Schools in Los Angeles, California
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Los Angeles is one of the top U.S. cities for trade students, with hundreds of training providers and high demand in construction, healthcare, logistics, and green energy. Students here benefit from California’s licensing system, apprenticeship opportunities, and wages that often exceed national averages.
Top Trade Schools in Los Angeles
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Trade–Technical College (LATTC) | HVAC, Electrical, Automotive, Culinary, Nursing, Welding | One of the largest trade colleges in California |
| UEI College – Los Angeles | HVAC, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Business | Career-focused, short program lengths |
| North-West College – Los Angeles | Allied Health: Dental Assistant, LVN, Medical Billing | Longstanding healthcare training provider |
| Universal Technical Institute (UTI – Long Beach campus near LA) | Automotive, Diesel, Welding, Motorcycle | Employer-aligned hands-on labs |
| Angeles Institute (nearby in Artesia) | LVN, Medical Assistant, CNA | Healthcare-focused with NCLEX pass prep |
| Job Corps – Los Angeles | Welding, Culinary, Healthcare, IT | Tuition-free for eligible youth ages 16–24 |
Apprenticeships in Los Angeles
- IBEW Local 11 Electrical Training Institute — Paid electrical apprenticeship with classroom + fieldwork.
- UA Local 250 Pipefitters (Gardena) — Apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, HVACR.
- Southern California Carpenters Training Committee — Carpentry, drywall, flooring apprenticeships.
- Operating Engineers Local 12 — Apprenticeships in heavy equipment and crane operation.
Trade Job Salaries in Los Angeles (2025)
| Trade Career | Entry-Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $23/hr ($48k) | $32/hr ($66k) | $42/hr ($88k) |
| HVAC Technician | $22/hr ($46k) | $30/hr ($62k) | $39/hr ($81k) |
| Welder | $20/hr ($42k) | $28/hr ($58k) | $36/hr ($75k) |
| CDL Truck Driver | $23/hr ($48k) | $30/hr ($62k) | $38/hr ($79k) |
| Diesel Mechanic | $24/hr ($50k) | $31/hr ($65k) | $40/hr ($83k) |
| Medical Assistant | $17/hr ($35k) | $21/hr ($44k) | $26/hr ($54k) |
Licensing Steps in California
Electricians
- Register as a trainee → Complete program or apprenticeship → Pass California certification exam.
HVAC
- No state license for techs, but contractors must be licensed by CSLB (C-20).
Plumbers
- Apprenticeship or trade program → Work experience → Apply for CSLB C-36 Plumbing license if contracting.
Healthcare (LVN)
- Graduate from BVNPT-approved program → Pass NCLEX-PN → Apply for state licensure.
Why Los Angeles Works for Trade Students
- Sheer scale. Over 10 million residents in LA County means massive job demand.
- Healthcare hub. Dozens of hospitals and clinics create steady hiring pipelines.
- Green energy growth. California leads in solar and EV infrastructure, fueling electrician demand.
- Union strength. Multiple trade unions in LA run paid apprenticeships.
Financial Aid in Los Angeles
- Pell Grants and FAFSA for Title IV schools
- California College Promise Grant (fee waivers at community colleges)
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for eligible jobseekers
- Apprenticeships that cover tuition and pay wages
FAQs
What’s the fastest trade to learn in Los Angeles?
HVAC, welding, and medical assisting programs can be completed in under 1 year.
Which trade pays best in Los Angeles?
Electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators often earn $80k+ with overtime.
Do I need a license to work trades in California?
Yes for contractors and state-certified electricians; apprentices and trainees can work under supervision.
Los Angeles offers more trade schools and apprenticeships than any city in California, with salaries and demand that make it one of the best places in the nation to start a skilled trade career.
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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.
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