Best Trade Schools in Rancho Cucamonga, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Rancho Cucamonga. This guide highlights accredited programs nearby, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. The Inland Empire’s growth in construction, logistics, and manufacturing supports strong demand for skilled workers1.

Top Trade Schools in Rancho Cucamonga

Accredited programs in Rancho Cucamonga and nearby cities. Confirm current offerings, schedules, and campus locations before you enroll23.

School Program Length Highlights
Chaffey College – Rancho Cucamonga 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. Automotive, advanced manufacturing/industrial tech pathways. Regionally accredited2.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Rancho Cucamonga 9–18 months ACCSC-accredited. Automotive and Diesel Technology with OEM-aligned training3.
San Bernardino Valley College (San Bernardino) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Electrical Technology, Welding, Machining, Automotive. Strong employer links2.
Riverside City College (Riverside) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. HVAC-R, Welding, Automotive, Electrical. Hybrid/evening options2.
Summit College – Colton 9–12 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician, Welding. Skills-focused labs and flexible schedules3.
InterCoast Colleges – Riverside 9–12 months diplomas ACCET-accredited. HVAC Technician and Electrical Training. Blended learning; EPA 608 prep.
Baldy View ROP – Upland 6–12 months (varies) WASC-accredited ROP. Introductory and advanced classes in construction, welding, and HVAC basics.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Warehousing and new construction drive steady work; plan for DIR certification14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Hot summers and commercial refrigeration support year-round hiring; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Structural and manufacturing roles across the Inland Empire value AWS credentials16.
  • Plumber: Residential growth and TI jobs maintain reliable service demand1.

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 needed to contract jobs 00+57.
  • Plumbing: CSLB C-36 needed to bid 00+; employees can work under licensed contractors7.
  • Welding: No state license; AWS/code tests often required by employers6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges and private schools offer hybrid formats and evening cohorts23.
  • Ask about exam prep (EPA 608, OSHA, AWS) and employer partnerships.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metro 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.