Best Trade Schools in Fort Wayne, Indiana (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 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 Fort Wayne. This guide lists accredited options, program lengths, and what each school does well. It also explains Indiana licensing and which trades are hiring in 2025. Fort Wayne employers continue to need electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers1.

Top Trade Schools in Fort Wayne

Below are credible, accredited options in the Fort Wayne area. Program lengths are typical ranges. Always confirm current offerings and schedules with the school.

Name Program Length Highlights
Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne 8 months to 2 years Public, HLC-accredited. Certificates and AAS in HVAC, Welding, Industrial Technology, CNC, Diesel, and Practical Nursing. Strong employer ties and labs. Noncredit CDL and workforce bootcamps available2.
Fortis College – Fort Wayne 9 to 24 months ACCSC-accredited. Career programs in Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting. Day/evening schedules and clinical partnerships3.
Ross Medical Education Center – Fort Wayne 6 to 12 months ABHES-accredited. Fast-track Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Medical Billing/Insurance. Small classes and externships2.
Ravenscroft Beauty College (Fort Wayne) 10 to 18 months (schedule dependent) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology and instructor training. Hands-on salon floor experience with guest services2.
International Business College – Fort Wayne 9 to 24 months ACCSC-accredited. Career-focused diplomas and AAS options such as Medical Assisting, Veterinary Technology, and Business. Cohort-style labs and externships3.
IBEW Local 305/NECA Electrical JATC (Fort Wayne) 5 years USDOL-registered apprenticeship. Paid on-the-job training plus classes to journeyman wireman. Strong contractor network and safety training4.
Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 JATC (Fort Wayne) 4 to 5 years USDOL-registered apprenticeship. Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVACR service training. Earn industry credentials while you work4.
Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Training Center – Fort Wayne 4 to 5 years USDOL-registered apprenticeship. Sheet metal fabrication, HVAC install/service, TAB. Paid training, benefits, and certifications4.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician
    • New construction and plant maintenance drive steady hiring. Structured apprenticeships lead to journeyman status and higher pay over time1.
  • HVAC Technician
    • Replacement of aging systems and building efficiency upgrades keep technicians busy year-round. EPA 608 certification is standard for handling refrigerants15.
  • Welder
    • Fabrication, defense suppliers, and transportation manufacturing in Northeast Indiana need welders who can read blueprints and pass code tests1.
  • Plumber and Pipefitter
    • Service work, medical facilities, and industrial piping maintain strong demand. Apprenticeships offer paid training and benefits1.

Tip: Compare hands-on lab time, employer partnerships, and certification prep. For trade overviews, see our trade hub: Explore skilled trades.

Licensing Requirements in Indiana

Licensing is different by trade. Indiana has a mix of state and local rules. Use the steps below as a quick checklist, then verify with the proper board or local building department.

  • Electrician
    • Indiana does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license. Most licensing is local. In Allen County and Fort Wayne, contractor and supervising electrician credentials are handled through local authorities.
    • Typical path: approved apprenticeship or equivalent experience, pass the local exam, obtain contractor registration if you plan to run jobs, maintain any required continuing education1.
  • HVAC Technician
    • No statewide HVAC technician license. Local contractor licensing or registration may apply. EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who services or disposes of equipment with refrigerants5.
    • Recommended path: complete an accredited HVAC program or apprenticeship, earn EPA 608, add NATE or manufacturer credentials as you advance.
  • Plumber
    • State licensing through the Indiana Plumbing Commission (Indiana Professional Licensing Agency).
    • Steps:
    • Register as an apprentice or document equivalent verified experience.
    • Complete an approved apprenticeship or 4+ years of related experience.
    • Apply and pass the state journeyman exam.
    • Upgrade to a plumbing contractor license if you plan to own or operate a business6.
  • Cosmetology and Barber
    • Licensed by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (IPLA).
    • Cosmetology: 1500 hours in a state-approved school, then pass exams.
    • Esthetics: 700 hours. Barber: 1500 hours. Instructor licenses require additional hours and experience7.
  • CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
    • Complete FMCSA-compliant Entry-Level Driver Training with an approved provider, then pass knowledge and skills tests through the Indiana BMV8.
  • Welding
    • Indiana does not require a state license for welders. Employers may require AWS performance qualifications to specific codes. School labs and apprenticeships often include test prep1.

If you plan to work as a contractor, check Fort Wayne and Allen County requirements for business registration, bonds, and permits.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid community college pathways
    • Ivy Tech offers online general education and lecture courses with in-person labs for trades like HVAC, Welding, and Industrial Technology. Many programs run in 8-week terms with evening labs for working adults2.
  • Blended allied health programs
    • Fortis and Ross deliver some theory online with on-campus labs and clinical rotations for hands-on skills. Day and evening cohorts help balance work and school23.
  • Apprenticeships with night classes
    • JATC programs combine full-time paid job experience with 1–2 nights per week of classroom training. This can be the most affordable route since you earn while you learn4.
  • Short workforce bootcamps
    • Noncredit options like CDL prep, MSSC, or OSHA training run as accelerated courses through local colleges or training centers. These can help you upskill fast.

When comparing flexible formats, confirm that online components still meet certification or board requirements, especially for healthcare, electrical, and cosmetology.

Next Steps

Have questions about a license or school? Start with the state board sites linked in the citations, then call the school’s admissions office to confirm start dates, schedules, and exam pass rates.

Citations

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook and wage data, Electricians, HVACR Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders, 2023-2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles for Ivy Tech Community College and Ross Education campuses. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory listings for Fortis College and International Business College. https://www.accsc.org ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship – Registered Apprenticeship program information and sponsor listings. https://www.apprenticeship.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Management, technician certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) – Indiana Plumbing Commission, licensing requirements and applications. https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/plumbing-commission/ ↩

  7. Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (IPLA), program hours and licensing. https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-examiners/ ↩

  8. Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), CDL requirements and testing. https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/commercial-drivers-license-cdl/ ↩

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.