Best Trade Schools in Columbus, Georgia (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Columbus, Georgia. This guide lists accredited options, program lengths, and what each campus does best. You’ll also see Georgia licensing steps and which trades are hiring in 2025.

Top Trade Schools in Columbus

These schools are accredited or state-recognized and offer hands-on programs that lead to jobs. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current start dates and schedules.

School Program Length Highlights
Columbus Technical College (Columbus) Certificates: 6–12 months; Diplomas: 12–18 months; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Strong options in Welding, HVAC, Electrical Systems, Automotive, and Practical Nursing. Day/evening availability; career services and employer ties in the Chattahoochee Valley1.
Miller-Motte College – Columbus Diplomas: ~9–18 months; Associate: ~18–24 months ACCSC accredited. Career-focused programs such as Medical Assistant and other technical tracks; blended learning and employer-aligned labs; fast program starts2.
Southeastern Beauty School – Columbus Cosmetology: 1,500 hours (~12–14 months full-time) NACCAS accredited. Prepares for Georgia Cosmetology licensing exams. Client clinic offers real-world experience; evening options may be available3.
Georgia Driving Academy – Columbus CDL-A: ~4–8 weeks; CDL-B: ~2–4 weeks State-licensed CDL provider. ELDT-compliant training, test prep, and job placement assistance with regional carriers; GI Bill friendly1.
West Georgia Technical College – LaGrange (near Columbus) Certificates/Diplomas: 6–18 months; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Short-drive option for Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Systems, HVAC, and Practical Nursing. Flexible scheduling and strong employer partnerships1.
South Georgia Technical College – Americus (regional) Certificates/Diplomas: 8–18 months; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Notable for FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance, plus Welding, HVAC, and Diesel. On-campus housing and active apprenticeship links1.
Southern Union State Community College – Opelika, AL (regional) Short Certificates: ~1 year; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Solid Welding, HVACR, Automotive, and Industrial Electricity. An out-of-state option within an easy commute of Columbus1.

Tip: Start at Columbus Technical College if you want the broadest choice of trades and close employer connections. Use regional campuses for niche programs like Aviation Maintenance or when a specific schedule fits you better.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians are needed for new housing, plant maintenance, and base-adjacent work in the Columbus metro. Georgia electricians earn solid middle-income wages and steady overtime opportunities4. Many students start as helpers, then move into apprenticeship and contractor licensure.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • HVAC techs are essential in Georgia’s climate. Work spans residential change-outs, commercial service, and controls. EPA 608 certification is standard, and Georgia contractor licensing unlocks higher-paying service and install roles45.

  • Welder

    • Welding supports manufacturing, fabrication, and maintenance across the valley. Structural and pipe welding skills travel well. Employers often seek AWS certifications for hiring and pay bumps46.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers handle construction, service, and industrial piping. Georgia licenses both journeyman and master plumbers. Experience plus exam prep from a local program is the fastest route to better pay4.

BLS data shows stable to above-average demand for these trades through the decade, with competitive wages and strong replacement needs as experienced workers retire4.

Licensing Requirements in Georgia

Here are the basics for the most common trades. Always confirm details with the state before you test or apply.

  • Electrician (State Construction Industry Licensing Board – Electrical Contractors)

    • Georgia licenses Electrical Contractors, not a statewide journeyman.
    • Class I (Restricted) and Class II (Unrestricted) contractor licenses are available.
    • Typical steps:
    • Gain ~4 years verifiable experience (with supervisory/responsible roles for contractor licensure).
    • Apply, get approved, and pass the state contractor exam.
    • Provide references and financial responsibility documentation.
    • Maintain license with continuing education as required7.

  • HVAC/Conditioned Air (Conditioned Air Contractors Division)

    • Class I (Restricted) and Class II (Unrestricted) licenses.
    • Typical steps:
    • Earn work experience under a licensed contractor (often 4+ years total).
    • Hold EPA Section 608 for refrigerants (required for handling refrigerants).
    • Apply and pass the state exam.
    • Keep up with CE to renew75.

  • Plumbing (Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers)

    • Georgia licenses Journeyman and Master Plumbers.
    • Typical steps:
    • Journeyman: ~3 years experience, apply, and pass exam.
    • Master: Additional experience (or supervisory role), apply, and pass exam.
    • Renewal requires CE hours7.

  • Welding

    • No state welding license. Employers often require AWS certifications (e.g., D1.1 structural, pipe procedures).
    • Schools and test facilities offer performance qualification tests; renew per employer or code requirements6.

  • Cosmetology (Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers)

    • Complete 1,500 training hours at an approved school, pass the state theory and practical exams, then renew with CE1.

  • Commercial Driver (CDL)

    • Meet FMCSA ELDT rules, obtain a CLP, complete training with a registered provider, pass skills tests with Georgia DDS, and clear medical/drug-screen requirements1.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Blended and hybrid labs: Many technical programs in Georgia front-load online theory and use scheduled lab blocks for hands-on skills. This works well for HVAC, Welding safety, and Electrical code.
  • Evening/weekend sections: Columbus Technical College and regional TCSG campuses regularly run night cohorts for working adults.
  • Short-term certificates: Stack microcredentials (e.g., Welding SMAW, EPA 608, OSHA 10) to boost employability while you work toward a diploma.
  • Exam prep online: Contractor and journeyman test prep for Georgia trades is widely available. Pair it with documented field hours to qualify for state exams.
  • Military-friendly: Columbus-area schools routinely support GI Bill and Army Credentialing Assistance for Fort Moore service members and spouses.

Next Steps

  • Compare more schools by region: visit the Georgia state hub: /trade-school/georgia/
  • Explore all trades and career paths: /trades/
  • Start with foundational guides on funding, fast programs, and apprenticeships: /guides/
  • Ready to pick a path? See trade-specific pages:
    • Electrician: /trades/electrician
    • HVAC: /trades/hvac
    • Welding: /trades/welding
    • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing
  • Or return to the national school hub to scan other cities: /trade-school/

Choosing a trade is easier when you match your timeline, licensing plan, and local employer demand. Tour a campus, ask about placement partners, and confirm your state licensing steps before you enroll.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institution profiles for Columbus Technical College, West Georgia Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, and Georgia Driving Academy). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Directory – Miller-Motte College campuses. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩

  3. National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) – Accredited Schools Directory. https://naccas.org/ ↩

  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, Welders). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. American Welding Society (AWS) Certification and Qualifications. https://www.aws.org/ ↩ ↩

  7. Georgia Secretary of State, State Construction Industry Licensing Board (Electrical, Conditioned Air, and Plumbing). https://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.