Best Trade Schools in Sunnyvale, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Sunnyvale. This guide highlights accredited programs across Silicon Valley, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. The South Bay’s construction, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and healthcare systems create steady opportunities for skilled workers1.

Top Trade Schools in Sunnyvale

Accredited options in Sunnyvale and nearby South Bay cities. Confirm current programs and schedules before you enroll23.

School Program Length Highlights
Foothill College (Los Altos Hills) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. CTE in construction/engineering tech, biotech, and health programs2.
De Anza College (Cupertino) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Automotive Technology, manufacturing/engineering tech courses, and health programs2.
San José City College (San Jose) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, and allied health pathways2.
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) – San Jose 6–12 months (varies) Regional technical education center with adult programs in selected pathways. Verify availability2.
Carrington College – San Jose 9–24 months diplomas/associate Allied health programs with externships. See Navigator for institutional accreditation2.
Center for Employment Training (CET) – San Jose 8–12 months diplomas Nonprofit career training. HVAC/green construction at some sites; check current offerings2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Data centers, biotech, and tenant improvements drive demand; DIR certification required for most roles14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Labs and server rooms need precise climate control; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction across the South Bay value AWS-aligned skills16.
  • Plumber: Commercial retrofits and service calls remain steady; 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 to contract 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 with multiple start dates23.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara 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.