Best Trade Schools in Santa Ana, California (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Santa Ana. This page lists accredited programs and apprenticeships in and near the city, explains California licensing, and shows where the jobs are in 2025. Skilled trades like electrician, HVAC, plumbing, and welding continue to see steady demand across California¹.

Top Trade Schools in Santa Ana

All schools below are institutionally accredited or part of the California Community Colleges system. Program lengths are typical; check each school for current details²³.

School	Program Length	Highlights
Santa Ana College (Santa Ana)	Certificates: ~6–12 months; A.S.: ~2 years	Public community college. Welding Technology (AWS-aligned labs), Manufacturing/CNC, Automotive Technology, Diesel fundamentals, Electrical/Electronics courses. Strong local employer ties and career services².
Orange Coast College (Costa Mesa)	Certificates: ~6–18 months; A.S.: ~2 years	HVAC/R, Welding, Automotive Technology, Electronics. Modern labs, evening options, and stackable certificates. Part of the Coast Community College District².
Cypress College (Cypress)	Certificates: ~9–18 months; A.S.: ~2 years	Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC), Automotive Technology, Aviation maintenance basics. Hands-on training with industry equipment².
Fullerton College (Fullerton)	Certificates: ~6–18 months; A.S.: ~2 years	Welding Technology, Machine Technology (CNC, machining), Electronics. Industry-recognized skill prep and internship support².
Santiago Canyon College (Orange)	Certificates: ~6–18 months; A.S.: ~2 years	Construction, Land Surveying/Geomatics, Water Utility Science (treatment, distribution). Strong pathway to municipal utilities and construction careers².
InterCoast Colleges – Anaheim (Anaheim)	Diploma: ~40–50 weeks	Electrical Training Program focused on California General Electrician exam prep. Day and evening schedules; externship support. Institutionally accredited².
UEI College – Garden Grove (Garden Grove)	Diploma: ~10 months	HVAC program with EPA 608 prep, hands-on labs, and career assistance. Accredited by ACCSC³.
North-West College – Santa Ana (Santa Ana)	Diplomas: ~8–12 months	Healthcare trades like Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Pharmacy Tech. ACCSC-accredited campus serving Santa Ana and central OC³.

Tip: Visit College Navigator to confirm majors and outcomes for each campus². For private career schools, check the ACCSC directory for current accreditation status³.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician
- Electricians keep homes and businesses powered. Work includes installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting wiring, panels, and controls. Demand is steady, driven by construction, tenant improvements, and electrification projects¹. In Orange County, many contractors hire year-round, and apprentices earn while they learn.
HVAC/R Technician
- HVAC techs install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Growth is supported by new construction, energy efficiency retrofits, and heat pump adoption. EPA Section 608 certification is essential for handling refrigerants¹.
Welder
- Welders work in fabrication, construction, and maintenance. Skills in GTAW/TIG, SMAW/Stick, and GMAW/MIG translate across industries from manufacturing to infrastructure. Certifications boost pay and job options¹.
Plumber
- Plumbers install and repair piping, fixtures, and gas systems. Commercial TI, multifamily builds, and ongoing maintenance keep demand stable in the Anaheim–Santa Ana–Irvine area¹.

Explore more careers: Trades hub. Deep dives: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in California

Electricians (California DIR)
- Individuals must be certified by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to work as electricians for C-10 contractors.
- Common classifications and experience:
- General Electrician: 8,000 hours
- Residential Electrician: 4,800 hours
- Voice Data Video (VDV): 4,000 hours
- Fire/Life Safety Technician: 4,000 hours
- Nonresidential Lighting Technician: 2,000 hours
- Steps: 1) Register as an Electrician Trainee or enter a state-approved apprenticeship. 2) Accumulate required on-the-job hours and related instruction. 3) Apply and pass the state exam (administered for DIR). 4) Renew every 3 years with approved continuing education⁴.
HVAC Contractors (CSLB)
- To run an HVAC business or advertise, you need a C-20 contractor license from the California State License Board (CSLB).
- Requirements:
- 4 years of journeyman-level experience (or equivalent) in the last 10 years.
- Pass two exams: Trade (C-20) + Law & Business.
- Submit application, fingerprints/background check, and contractor bond⁵.
- HVAC technicians do not need a state license to work under a licensed contractor, but most employers require EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants⁶.
Plumbing Contractors (CSLB)
- To contract independently, obtain a C-36 Plumbing license.
- Requirements mirror C-20: 4 years verified experience, pass trade + law/business exams, background check, and bond⁵.
- California does not issue a statewide “journeyman plumber” license. Many employers prefer completion of a UA Local apprenticeship or equivalent training.
Welders
- California has no statewide welder license. Employers commonly look for AWS certifications (for example, D1.1 Structural Steel). Certain jurisdictions specify additional approvals for structural work. Training programs and apprenticeships help you prepare for industry tests¹.

Apprenticeships near Santa Ana

IBEW Local 441 / Orange County Electrical Training Center: State-registered electrician apprenticeship with paid on‑the‑job training and classroom instruction, preparing for the California General Electrician exam (Orange County; serves Santa Ana).
UA Local 582 Plumbers & Steamfitters: State-registered plumbing/pipefitting apprenticeship covering piping systems, welding, and safety, with progressive wage increases (Orange County; serves Santa Ana).

These programs are registered with the state apprenticeship system and align with California licensing and certification pathways⁴.

Online & Flexible Options

Community colleges like Santa Ana College, Orange Coast College, and Fullerton College offer evening or hybrid options for many CTE courses. Hands-on labs are still required for welding, HVAC, and electrical.
Private career schools (InterCoast, UEI, North‑West College) often run morning, afternoon, and evening cohorts to fit work schedules.
Contractors: Many candidates use flexible exam prep for CSLB trade and Law & Business exams. You can pair online study with your documented work experience before testing⁵.
HVAC: Study materials to prepare for the EPA 608 exam are widely available; testing is offered by approved providers⁶.

Next Steps

Compare programs and plan your timeline: California Trade School Hub and the national Trade School hub.
Learn about specific careers and training paths: visit the Trades hub or go straight to Electrician, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing.
New to licensing? See our latest resources in Guides, then contact schools to confirm start dates, accreditation, and placement support.

Santa Ana is a strong place to start a hands-on career. Pick a program, confirm your licensing path, and get on a schedule that works for you.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC/R, Plumbers/Pipefitters/Steamfitters, Welders). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) – Electrician Certification Program. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ECU/ECU.html ↩ ↩
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) – License classifications, exams, and applications. https://www.cslb.ca.gov ↩ ↩ ↩
U.S. EPA – Section 608 Technician Certification for handling refrigerants. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

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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.