Best Trade Schools in Ontario, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Ontario. This guide highlights accredited programs in and around the city, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. The Inland Empire job market supports steady demand in construction, logistics, and manufacturing1.

Top Trade Schools in Ontario

Accredited options in Ontario and nearby. Confirm program lists and campus locations prior to applying23.

School Program Length Highlights
American Career College – Ontario 9–24 months diplomas Career-focused allied health programs with labs and externships. See Navigator for accreditation/programs2.
UEI College – Ontario 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Medical Assistant. Frequent start dates3.
Chaffey College – Chino/ Rancho Cucamonga 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Automotive, industrial/manufacturing technology pathways. Regionally accredited2.
Summit College – Colton 9–12 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician, Welding. Skills-focused labs3.
San Bernardino Valley College (San Bernardino) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Electrical, Welding, Automotive, and machining. Employer links2.
Riverside City College (Riverside) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. HVAC-R, Welding, Electrical, and Automotive. Evening/hybrid options2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Warehousing and new construction sustain hiring; plan for DIR exam14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Hot summers and commercial refrigeration; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Structural and fabrication roles across the region value AWS quals16.
  • Plumber: Service and tenant improvements keep pipelines busy; CSLB license to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: DIR certification via approved training or apprenticeship; register as an Electrician Trainee if needed4.
  • HVAC: EPA 608 required; C-20 CSLB license to operate a business or bid jobs 00+57.
  • Plumbing: C-36 CSLB license for contracting 00+; employees may work under licensed contractors7.
  • Welding: No state license; employers may require AWS or local code tests6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid formats and evening cohorts available at many colleges and private schools23.
  • Ask about exam prep (EPA 608, OSHA-10/30, AWS) and employer partnerships.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Inland Empire data. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. ACCSC Directory. 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. 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.