Best Trade Schools in Torrance, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Torrance. This guide highlights accredited programs nearby, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. South Bay students benefit from strong labs, union apprenticeships, and access to LA County job sites1.

Top Trade Schools in Torrance

Accredited options in Torrance and nearby cities. Confirm current program lists and schedules before enrolling23.

School Program Length Highlights
El Camino College (Torrance) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Welding, Automotive, Electronics, and more2.
Los Angeles Harbor College (Wilmington) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Welding Technology and other CTE programs near the Port of LA2.
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 – Gardena 10–15 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC, Electrician Technician, Automotive, Medical Assistant3.
American Career College – Los Angeles/Orange County 9–24 months diplomas Allied health programs with labs and externships. See Navigator for campus options2.
Cerritos College (Norwalk) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. HVACR, Welding, Automotive, and manufacturing pathways2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Commercial TI and industrial projects across the South Bay sustain demand; DIR certification required14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Facilities, labs, and comfort cooling; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction near the ports value AWS-aligned skills16.
  • Plumber: Residential and commercial service and retrofits; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: DIR certification via approved training/apprenticeship; 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 license required to contract 00+7.
  • Welding: No state license; employers may require AWS/code tests6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges: hybrid theory + on-campus labs; evening/weekend cohorts2.
  • Private schools: accelerated programs and externships; multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + LA County/South Bay 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 ↩ ↩ ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.

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.