Best Trade Schools in Visalia, California (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Visalia. This guide highlights accredited programs in the Central Valley, explains California licensing, and shows which trades are hiring. Agriculture, food logistics, healthcare, and construction support steady demand for skilled workers1.

Top Trade Schools in Visalia

Accredited options in Visalia and nearby communities. Confirm current offerings and schedules before you apply23.

School Program Length Highlights
College of the Sequoias (Visalia) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public community college. CTE in Welding, Automotive, Construction-related, and health programs2.
San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) – Visalia 10–24 months certificates/associate Career-focused technical and healthcare programs. See Navigator for accreditation details2.
Milan Institute – Visalia 9–12 months diplomas NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology/esthetics; verify current offerings on Navigator2.
Institute of Technology (IOT) – Clovis (regional) 9–12 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited. HVAC/R and Industrial Maintenance at selected campuses3.
Fresno City College (Fresno) 6–24 months certificates; ~2 years associate Public. Welding, Automotive, and technical programs with strong labs2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Food processing and logistics support steady work; plan for DIR certification14.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Hot summers and commercial refrigeration; EPA 608 required15.
  • Welder: Fabrication and construction across the Valley value AWS credentials16.
  • Plumber: Residential/commercial service and retrofits; C-36 to contract 00+7.

Licensing Requirements in California

  • Electricians: DIR certification via approved training/apprenticeship; ET registration if needed4.
  • 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 + in-person labs; evening/weekend cohorts2.
  • Private schools: accelerated programs and externships; multiple start dates3.

Next Steps

  1. BLS Occupational Outlook + Central Valley 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.