Best Trade Schools in Pomona, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Pomona. This guide highlights accredited programs nearby, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. The East San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire offer strong options across community colleges, private career schools, and apprenticeships1.

Top Trade Schools in Pomona

Accredited options in Pomona and nearby. Confirm current program lists and campus locations before enrolling23.

School Program Length Highlights
Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. CTE pathways in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Welding, Electronics, and Automotive2.
Chaffey College – Chino/Rancho Cucamonga 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Automotive and industrial/manufacturing technology pathways2.
American Career College – Ontario 9–24 months diplomas Allied health programs with labs and externships. See Navigator for details2.
UEI College – Ontario 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Medical Assistant3.
North-West College – Pomona 9–24 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, VN. Externships and job placement assistance3.
Los Angeles Trade–Technical College (Los Angeles) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Electrical, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing labs; employer connections2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Construction and logistics growth support steady demand; DIR certification required14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Hot summers and commercial refrigeration; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction roles value AWS credentials16.
  • Plumber: New housing and TI work support reliable hiring; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: State certification via DIR; register as an Electrician Trainee if not in apprenticeship4.
  • 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 diplomas, externships, multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + LA/Inland Empire 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.