Best Trade Schools in Orange, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Orange. This guide highlights accredited programs in Orange County, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. Construction, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing support strong local demand1.

Top Trade Schools in Orange

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

School Program Length Highlights
Santiago Canyon College (Orange) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college in Orange. Construction/technical and allied health offerings; check Navigator2.
Cypress College (Cypress) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Automotive, and technical trades2.
Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Aviation Maintenance, Welding, Automotive, Marine-related labs. Public, regionally accredited2.
Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT) – Anaheim 9–24 months Electrical Technology, HVAC, Biomedical Equipment Tech. ACCSC-accredited3.
Concorde Career College – Garden Grove 8–20 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. VN, Surgical Tech, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant3.
American Career College – Orange County (Anaheim) 9–24 months diplomas Allied health programs with externships. Verify campus offerings on Navigator2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Residential/commercial projects and EV/solar integration; plan for DIR certification14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Year-round service and energy retrofits; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction across OC value AWS credentials16.
  • Plumber: New housing, TI work, and service calls; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: DIR certification via approved training/apprenticeship; ET registration if needed4.
  • 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 + in-person labs; evening/weekend cohorts2.
  • Private schools: accelerated programs and externships; multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Orange County 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.