Best Trade Schools in Augusta, Georgia (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Augusta. This guide lists accredited options, apprenticeship centers, and Georgia licensing steps so you can train, test, and get to work. The Augusta metro shows steady demand for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers1.

Top Trade Schools in Augusta

These options serve Augusta and nearby communities. Program lengths are typical ranges; always confirm current details and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Augusta Technical College (Augusta) Certificates/Diplomas 6–18 months; AAS ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. HVAC, Welding, Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive, Practical Nursing. Multiple campuses; evening options2.
IBEW Local 1579 – JATC (Augusta) 3–5 years Registered electrical apprenticeship with paid OJT and classroom instruction. Strong contractor network and wage progression.
Aiken Technical College (Aiken, SC – regional) Certificates/Diplomas 6–18 months; AAS ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Nearby option for Welding, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, and related programs2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Commercial/industrial projects and residential growth support solid hiring. Apprenticeships build experience for contractor licensure1.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Four-season service work with strong demand in residential and light commercial. EPA 608 is required for refrigerants4.
  • Welder: Fabrication and maintenance roles across the CSRA. Multi-process skills and certs boost earnings15.
  • Plumber: New installs and service across the metro. Apprenticeships and state contractor licensing open higher-earning roles.

Licensing Requirements in Georgia

  • Electrician (State Construction Industry Licensing Board – Electrical Contractors): Georgia licenses Electrical Contractors (Class I/II). Meet experience requirements (often ~4 years), pass the exam, provide references/financial responsibility, and maintain CE6.
  • HVAC/Conditioned Air (Conditioned Air Contractors Division): Class I/II licenses; experience, exam, and CE required. EPA 608 is required for refrigerants64.
  • Plumbing (Board of Plumbers): Journeyman and Master licensing via exam after verified experience; CE required for renewal6.
  • Welding: No state welding license; employers and project owners require AWS/code-based qualifications5.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning for theory with on-campus labs for hands-on skills.
  • Evening/weekend cohorts at Augusta Tech and regional colleges.
  • Short credentials (OSHA-10/30, EPA 608) stack well with longer programs to speed hiring.

Next Steps

  • Compare statewide options: /trade-school/georgia/
  • Explore trade careers and credentials: /trades/
  • National resources and guides: /trade-school/

Tour labs, confirm accreditation, and ask how each program supports Georgia licensing and apprenticeships.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Welding). bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory. accsc.org ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  5. American Welding Society (AWS), Certification. aws.org/certification/ ↩ ↩

  6. Georgia Secretary of State — State Construction Industry Licensing Board. sos.ga.gov/licensing ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.