Best Trade Schools in Atlanta, Georgia (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Atlanta. This guide compares accredited options, program lengths, and specialties. It also summarizes Georgia licensing steps and where to train for top-paying trades. Atlanta’s growth keeps demand high for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers¹.

Top Trade Schools in Atlanta

All schools below hold recognized institutional accreditation. Program lengths are typical ranges; confirm current details with each school.

Tip: Visit each school’s “Gainful Employment” and accreditor pages to confirm current approvals, program lengths, and outcomes²³.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Work in construction, service, and industrial facilities. Many Atlanta electricians start as apprentices and move up to foreman or electrical contractor. National median pay was about 1,590 in 2023, with solid overtime potential¹. See training paths on our Electrician page.

• HVAC Technician

  • Install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Technicians with EPA 608 and strong diagnostics do well in Atlanta’s hot summers. National median pay was about 7,300 in 2023¹. Explore training and licensing on our HVAC page.

• Welder

  • Work spans construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and utilities. Certifications in structural and pipe welding boost pay. National median wage was about 8,940 in 2023¹. Learn more on our Welding page.

• Plumber

  • Install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems. Georgia licenses journeyman and master plumbers. National median pay was about 1,550 in 2023¹. See steps on our Plumbing page.

O*NET and BLS list these trades among fields with consistent employer demand and on-the-job training pathways¹⁴.

Licensing Requirements in Georgia

Licensing is managed by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board (via the Secretary of State). Always verify current rules before applying⁵.

• Electrical Contractor (statewide)

  • License types: Class I Restricted (single-phase up to 200A) and Class II Unrestricted.
  • Typical steps:
  • Gain at least 4 years of qualifying experience (education can substitute for part, per board rules).
  • Apply to the Electrical Contractors Division with work history and references.
  • Pass the PSI exam and meet board requirements for lawful presence and character.
  • Renew periodically with continuing education as required by the board⁵.
  • Note: Georgia does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license; many techs work under a licensed electrical contractor. Local jurisdictions may issue journeyman cards⁵.

• Low Voltage Contractor (Alarm, Telecommunications, General, or Unrestricted)

  • Apply to the Low Voltage Division, document experience, and pass the exam for your category⁵.

• HVAC: Conditioned Air Contractor

  • Classes: Class I (Restricted) and Class II (Unrestricted).
  • Steps:
  • Accumulate about 4 years of experience in installation/service (education may substitute for part).
  • Apply to the Conditioned Air Division and pass the exam.
  • Hold EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants⁵⁶.

• Plumbing

  • State licenses: Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber.
  • Steps:
  • Journeyman: Typically 3+ years of experience under a licensed master; apply and pass the exam.
  • Master: Additional experience (often 5+ years total) or time as a journeyman; apply and pass the exam⁵.
  • Some local jurisdictions require business licensing and permits for contractors.

• Welding

  • Georgia does not license welders. Employers often require AWS certifications (such as D1.1 structural steel or pipe codes) and OSHA-10/30 safety. Training programs and test labs in Atlanta can certify to AWS standards⁴.

• Apprenticeships

  • Many trades use registered apprenticeships pairing paid work with classroom instruction. Look for programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, local JATCs (IBEW Local 613 for electrical; UA Local 72 for plumbing/HVACR), and merit-shop associations. Program entry may include aptitude testing and interviews.

Online & Flexible Options

• Most skilled trades require hands-on labs. Atlanta-area technical colleges use hybrid formats: theory online, labs on campus. Evening and weekend cohorts are common for working adults.
• For exam prep and safety, many providers offer online courses: NEC code updates, OSHA-10/30, EPA 608 test prep (exam must be proctored by an approved provider)⁶.
• If you need maximum flexibility, start with short Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs) you can stack toward a diploma or associate degree at TCSG colleges.
• Ask schools about:
  • Night/weekend labs and accelerated terms.
  • Credit for prior learning and military experience.
  • Employer-sponsored apprenticeships or co-ops that reduce your out-of-pocket time in school.

Next Steps

• Compare programs and visit campuses. Start at our Georgia hub: Trade Schools in Georgia.
• Not sure which trade fits? Explore the Trades Hub for job duties, training paths, and certifications.
• New to training or switching careers? Read our Guides for choosing a school, financial aid, and apprenticeship tips.
• Ready to plan your path? Shortlist 2–3 schools above, request program sheets, confirm accreditation, and ask about placement support and apprenticeships.

Citations
Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers pay and outlook from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023¹.
Institutional accreditation and program listings via U.S. Department of Education College Navigator² and ACCSC³.
Georgia licensing rules via the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards Division⁵.
EPA Section 608 certification details via the U.S. EPA⁶.
Occupation skill and certification trends via O*NET OnLine⁴.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Electrician Schools in Georgia
• Best Trade Schools in Columbus, Georgia (2025 Guide)