Best Trade Schools in Modesto, California (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Modesto. This guide shows accredited programs, what they teach, how long they take, and the steps to get licensed in California. You will also see which trades are hiring and where to start your training. Data comes from trusted sources like BLS, College Navigator, and state boards123.

Top Trade Schools in Modesto

All schools below are institutionally accredited or programmatically accredited. Verify current offerings and schedules with each campus24.

School Program Length Highlights
Modesto Junior College (MJC) Certificates: 6–12 months; A.S.: ~2 years Public community college. Career programs in Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Industrial Electronics, and Diesel. Strong labs and employer ties. ACCJC accredited2.
San Joaquin Valley College – Modesto Certificates: ~7–14 months; A.S.: ~15–20 months Career programs in HVAC-R, Electrical Technology, Medical Assisting, and more. Day and evening options. Prepares for industry certifications like EPA 608 where applicable2.
Institute of Technology – Modesto Certificates/Diplomas: ~9–18 months Programs in HVAC, Culinary, and allied health. Focus on hands-on labs and externships. Institutionally accredited and Title IV eligible2.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Modesto Certificates/Diplomas: ~9–24 months Allied health focus. Programs such as Vocational Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. ABHES accredited; clinical placements with local providers2.
Stellar Career College – Modesto Diplomas/Associate: ~12–24 months Imaging and technology programs, including MRI and Ultrasound. ACCSC accredited. Career services support and externships4.
Paul Mitchell The School Modesto 9–12 months (varies by program) Cosmetology and Barbering. State board exam prep for California licensure. NACCAS accredited. Strong salon partnership network2.

Tip: Apply early for FAFSA if you plan to use financial aid. Meet with each school’s admissions team to map your timeline and certification targets2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians keep power systems safe and reliable. Work includes installs, troubleshooting, and upgrades. Union and non-union paths are available. BLS projects steady demand driven by construction and clean energy upgrades1. See role details: Electrician.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Techs install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Many entry roles start within a year. EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerants. Growth is tied to energy efficiency and year-round climate needs1. Explore: HVAC.

  • Welder

    • Welders join and repair metal in shops and in the field. Certifications from AWS help you qualify for structural and pipe work. Manufacturing and infrastructure projects support demand1. Learn more: Welding.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers install and maintain piping and fixtures. California uses a contractor licensing model, with union apprenticeships common. Aging infrastructure and new builds sustain job openings1. Start here: Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in California

Most trades in California are regulated at the state level for contracting. Certification and exams vary by trade.

  • Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

    • Required for contracting on jobs of 00 or more (labor and materials).
    • HVAC contractors need C-20. Plumbers need C-36. Electrical contractors need C-10.
    • Steps: 4 years of journeyman/supervisory experience, pass law and trade exams, submit application, fingerprints, and bond3.

  • Electrician Certification (Employees of C-10 contractors)

    • Overseen by the California DIR, Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).
    • Choose one classification: General (8,000 hours), Residential (4,800), Fire/Life Safety (4,000), Voice Data Video (4,000), Nonresidential Lighting Technician (2,000).
    • Complete required on‑the‑job hours and related instruction or an approved apprenticeship, then pass the state exam. Renew every 3 years with continuing education5.

  • HVAC/R Technicians

    • No state technician license to be employed, but EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants.
    • To run your own jobs or advertise, you need the CSLB C-20 contractor license36.

  • Plumbers

    • No statewide journeyman license. Many plumbers train via apprenticeship and later become C-36 contractors through CSLB for independent work3.

  • Welders

    • No single state license. Employers and local building departments often require AWS structural certifications for code work. Training programs help prep for AWS D1.1 and related tests.

  • Cosmetology and Barbering

    • California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licenses practitioners. Complete required training hours at an approved school, then pass the written and practical exams before you start work in a shop or salon.

  • Healthcare and Allied Health

    • Credentials vary by role. Examples: Vocational Nurse (BVNPT license), Medical Assistant (employer preferred certifications), Imaging programs aligned to ARRT or ARDMS where applicable. Verify each program’s exam eligibility and clinical requirements.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid training

    • Many Modesto programs blend online theory with in‑person labs. This works well for HVAC, electrical theory, and allied health didactics. Hands-on skills and clinicals must be completed on campus or at approved sites.

  • Fully online

    • Good for general education, exam prep, or software-focused programs. Trades that require shop skills or clinical hours will still need in-person components.

  • What to check before you enroll

    • Accreditation status and exam eligibility for your target license or certification.
    • Whether night or weekend labs are available if you work full-time.
    • Employer partnerships, externships, and job placement support.

Use College Navigator to confirm accreditation and program lists. Check ACCSC’s directory for nationally accredited career schools24.

Next Steps

Local tip: If you plan to contract, map your training to CSLB experience verification and exam timing early. If you plan to work as an employee, target certifications that improve hireability, like EPA 608 for HVAC and AWS for welding.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook and OEWS data. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institution and program lookup. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Licensing classifications and exams. https://www.cslb.ca.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/schools/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Electrician Certification Program. https://www.dir.ca.gov/das/ElectricalTrade.html ↩

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

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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.