Best Trade Schools in Pasadena, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Pasadena. This guide compares accredited programs nearby, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. Pasadena students benefit from strong community colleges, healthcare training providers, and union apprenticeships across LA County1.

Top Trade Schools in Pasadena

Accredited options in Pasadena and nearby communities. Confirm current program lists and campus locations before applying23.

School Program Length Highlights
Pasadena City College (Pasadena) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. Welding, Automotive, construction-related, and allied health programs2.
North-West College – Pasadena 8–20 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, VN with externships3.
Glendale Community College (Glendale) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. CTE programs and allied health; check Navigator2.
Los Angeles Trade–Technical College (Los Angeles) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding. Large labs and employer links2.
UEI College – El Monte/West Covina (nearby) 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Medical Assistant. Frequent starts3.
Citrus College (Glendora) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Automotive, construction-related, and technical programs2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Commercial TI, retrofits, and clean energy create steady jobs; DIR certification required14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Climate control and energy upgrades support hiring; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction across LA County value AWS credentials16.
  • Plumber: Residential/commercial service and TI work; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: State certification via DIR; register as an Electrician Trainee 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 + on-campus labs; evening/weekend cohorts2.
  • Private schools: accelerated programs, externships, multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + LA 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.