Best Trade Schools in Lexington, Kentucky (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Lexington. This guide compares accredited programs, typical program lengths, and what each school does well. You will also see Kentucky licensing steps and quick links to top trades. Use this to plan your training and get job ready in 12 to 24 months or less12.

Top Trade Schools in Lexington

School Program Length Highlights
Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) – Lexington Certificates 4–12 months; Diplomas 12–18 months; AAS ~2 years Regionally accredited (SACSCOC). Strong trades: Electrical Technology, HVAC, Welding, Automotive, CDL through Workforce Solutions. Aviation Maintenance Technology at Blue Grass Airport prepares for FAA A&P exams. Multiple campuses and evening options2.
College for Technical Education (CTE) – Lexington Diplomas ~9–12 months Institutionally accredited (COE). Hands-on HVAC, Building/Facilities Maintenance, Medical Assisting, and Early Childhood programs. Career services and employer partnerships in Central Kentucky2.
MedQuest College – Lexington Diplomas/Certificates ~9–12 months; some programs up to 18 months Institutionally accredited (ABHES). Focused healthcare training: Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Limited Medical Radiography, Phlebotomy. Small cohorts and externships with local clinics2.
Paul Mitchell The School Lexington 750–1,500 hours NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology and Esthetics training that prepares for Kentucky licensure exams. Strong salon business training and guest services experience2.
The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Lexington 600–1,500 hours NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Tech. Redken-partner education and student salon services for real client practice2.
Lexington Healing Arts Academy ~9–12 months (Massage Therapy) ACCET-accredited. Massage Therapy program meets Kentucky licensing education requirements. On-site student clinic and holistic health focus. Day and evening schedules available.
Barrett & Company School of Hair Design (Nicholasville) 300–1,500 hours NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology and Nail Technology close to south Lexington. Practical training in a working student salon with board exam prep2.

Notes:

  • Program lengths are typical. Check each school for start dates and formats. Some offer accelerated or evening tracks2.
  • Aviation Maintenance at BCTC is FAA Part 147 approved. Graduates are eligible for FAA Airframe and Powerplant exams.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Construction and advanced manufacturing in Central Kentucky keep electrician jobs steady. Apprentices often start earning while they learn. The role offers clear steps from apprentice to journeyman to master with wages that rise at each stage1.

HVAC

  • Heating, cooling, and refrigeration techs are essential for homes, hospitals, and industry. Year-round service work and retrofits create stable demand. EPA 608 certification is required for refrigerants1.

Welding

  • Fabrication, maintenance, and construction projects across the region use welders with solid stick, MIG, and TIG skills. Employers value AWS certifications and multi-process proficiency1.

Plumbing

  • Plumbers are needed for new builds and service work. Licensed journeymen and masters can advance into inspection or contracting. Apprenticeship is a reliable entry path with strong local employers1.

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Electrician (Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction – Electrical)

  • Register as an apprentice with a sponsor.
  • Complete about 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
  • Apply and pass the Electrician exam. Work under your license for required time.
  • Apply for Master Electrician after meeting experience and exam requirements.
  • Electrical contractors must hold the appropriate contractor license and insurance3.

HVAC (Kentucky HBC – HVAC)

  • Register as an HVAC Apprentice under a licensed contractor.
  • Gain required experience to sit for the Journeyman HVAC Mechanic exam.
  • Pass the exam and obtain the Journeyman credential.
  • Apply for Master HVAC Contractor after meeting experience and business requirements.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants45.

Plumbing (Kentucky HBC – Division of Plumbing)

  • Register as a Plumbing Apprentice.
  • Complete required apprenticeship experience.
  • Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam and obtain licensure.
  • Qualify and test for Master Plumber after journeyman experience.
  • Contractors must hold the appropriate business license and insurance6.

Cosmetology and Esthetics (Kentucky Board of Cosmetology)

  • Cosmetologist: 1,500 hours of approved training. Pass theory and practical exams.
  • Esthetician: 750 hours. Pass state exams.
  • Nail Technician: 600 hours. Pass state exams.
  • Maintain license with continuing education if required by the board7.

Massage Therapy (KY Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy)

  • Complete at least 600 hours in an approved massage therapy program.
  • Pass the MBLEx exam and complete background checks.
  • Apply for state licensure and renew per board rules8.

Welding

  • Kentucky does not issue a state welder license. Employers or code work may require AWS or other process-specific certifications. Building and pressure work often requires additional procedure qualifications1.

CDL Drivers (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet)

  • Earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit, complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training, pass skills testing, and meet medical and background requirements to secure a Class A or B CDL9.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning is common. Schools often deliver safety, code, and theory online, with labs and assessments on campus.
  • BCTC offers many gen ed and some technical theory courses online. Hands-on labs for trades like HVAC, welding, and electrical are in person.
  • Healthcare programs at MedQuest often blend online coursework with on-site labs and clinical externships.
  • Cosmetology, esthetics, and massage require in-person practice to meet Kentucky hour and competency requirements, but some programs offer evening or part-time tracks.
  • If you need maximum flexibility, compare program schedules, externship hours, and exam prep support. Ask schools about credit for prior learning, military experience, and employer-sponsored training2.

Next Steps

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and OEWS data for Electricians, HVAC/R Technicians, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. School profiles and accreditation details. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction – Electrical Licensing. https://dhbc.ky.gov/electrical/ ↩

  4. Kentucky HBC – HVAC Licensing. https://dhbc.ky.gov/hvac/ ↩

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

  6. Kentucky HBC – Division of Plumbing. https://dhbc.ky.gov/plumbing/ ↩

  7. Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. https://kbc.ky.gov/ ↩

  8. Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy. https://bmt.ky.gov/ ↩

  9. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet – Commercial Driver Licensing. https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Commercial-Driver-Licensing.aspx ↩

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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.