Best Trade Schools in Monroe, Louisiana (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Monroe. Use this guide to compare accredited options, see program lengths, and learn Louisiana licensing steps. Skilled trades like electrical, HVAC, welding, and plumbing remain in steady demand with solid wages1.

Top Trade Schools in Monroe

Below are accredited or state-approved schools within Monroe and nearby West Monroe, Ruston, Winnsboro, Bastrop, and Tallulah. Program availability varies by campus. Always confirm the latest offerings with the school.

School Program Length Highlights
Louisiana Delta Community College — Monroe Campus (LCTCS) 8–24 months (certificates, diplomas); 2 years (AAS) Institutionally accredited by SACSCOC. Welding with NCCER-aligned training. HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical, CDL, EMT, and Practical Nursing approved by LSBPNE. Strong employer ties and labs2.
Louisiana Delta Community College — West Monroe Campus 8–24 months SACSCOC-accredited as part of LDCC. Hands-on labs in Welding, Machining, Automotive, and manufacturing-related programs. Day and evening options for many tracks2.
Louisiana Delta Community College — Ruston Campus 8–24 months SACSCOC-accredited. Industrial technology options that may include Welding, Mechatronics, and Electrical systems. Small cohorts and local industry connections2.
Louisiana Delta Community College — Bastrop Campus 8–24 months SACSCOC-accredited. Common offerings include Welding, Practical Nursing, and allied health certificates. Community-focused support services2.
Louisiana Delta Community College — Winnsboro Campus 8–18 months SACSCOC-accredited. Technical diplomas and certificates. Typical options include Welding, Nurse Aide, and other short-term workforce training2.
Louisiana Delta Community College — Tallulah Campus 8–18 months SACSCOC-accredited. Workforce programs and short-term training tailored to local employers. Check for Welding and allied health options2.
Unitech Training Academy — West Monroe 9–12 months Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Focus on allied health such as Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, EKG/Phlebotomy. Externships and flexible scheduling. State approved2.
Coastal Truck Driving School — West Monroe 4–8 weeks FMCSA ELDT-compliant CDL training provider. Louisiana state-approved. Skills training for Class A, testing support, and job placement assistance for entry-level drivers34.

Tip: Visit each campus and ask about lab time, instructors’ industry experience, and employer partnerships. For more Louisiana options, see the state hub: /trade-school/louisiana/.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Work includes installing and servicing electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and plants. Many jobs in Northeast Louisiana support manufacturing and construction. National job growth is steady and wages are strong1. Start with an electrical technology program or apprenticeship.

  • HVAC Technician

    • Technicians install, service, and troubleshoot heating and cooling systems. Louisiana’s hot climate keeps year-round demand for maintenance and service calls. EPA 608 certification is required for work with refrigerants5. Employment growth is stable1.

  • Welder

    • Welding supports construction, fabrication, and industrial maintenance. Certifications from AWS or NCCER help you qualify for higher-paying roles and industrial turnarounds6. Entry programs can be completed in under a year2.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems. Louisiana requires a state journeyman license for independent work and a master license to supervise and contract7. Long-term prospects remain reliable with consistent replacement and remodel work1.

Typical U.S. median wages remain competitive in 2025: electricians and plumbers are in the low 0k range, HVAC in the upper 0k range, and welders near the upper 0k range, with higher pay in industrial settings1. Local pay varies by employer, overtime, and certifications.

Explore trade overviews and career paths:

Licensing Requirements in Louisiana

Here are the basic steps. Always confirm with the board or local permitting office before you test or apply.

  • Electrician

    • Train through a technical program or registered apprenticeship.
    • Apply for a local Journeyman Electrician exam through the city or parish permitting office. Many jurisdictions use ICC-based exams. Check with City of Monroe Permits and Inspections for local rules.
    • Upgrade to Master after required journeyman experience and exam, per local authority.
    • If you plan to contract or bid work, obtain the appropriate Electrical or Residential Specialty license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)8. You will need a business application, exam(s), and insurance.

  • HVAC/Mechanical

    • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants5.
    • Work under a licensed Mechanical contractor to gain experience.
    • To run your own HVAC business or pull permits as the contractor, obtain a Mechanical classification with the LSLBC8. Business registration, exams, and insurance are required.

  • Plumbing

    • Register as an Apprentice with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA) and work under a licensed plumber.
    • Complete required work experience and related training, then pass the Journeyman Plumber exam7.
    • After additional verified experience, test for Master Plumber.
    • To contract for plumbing work, obtain contractor licensing as required through the LSLBC8. Medical gas endorsements are available through SPBLA7.

  • Welding

    • No state welding license. Get employer-recognized certifications such as AWS D1.1 or NCCER performance verifications6.
    • Some industrial sites require TWIC cards for access.

  • Commercial Driving (CDL)

    • Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit, complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider, then pass the road/skills test with the Louisiana OMV34.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Louisiana Delta Community College offers hybrid and evening schedules for many technical diplomas and general education courses. Ask about online theory with on-campus labs.
  • Unitech Training Academy offers day and evening tracks with externships for health programs.
  • Many trades require hands-on labs. If you need flexibility, choose programs that combine online theory with scheduled shop time.
  • Review trade guides to see which parts of training can be online:

Next Steps

  • Compare programs across the state: /trade-school/louisiana/
  • Browse all trades and career paths: /trades/
  • Read how-to guides and checklists: /guides/
  • If you are ready to visit campuses, start with LDCC Monroe and West Monroe, then add a CDL or healthcare stop if those are your goals.

Have questions about a specific trade? Start with the trade pages above or the national hub: /trade-school/.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook (Electricians, HVAC Technicians, Welders, Plumbers). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional profiles for community and technical colleges and private career schools. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. FMCSA, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ ↩ ↩

  4. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Commercial Driver’s License. https://www.expresslane.org/driver-services/commercial-driver-license/ ↩ ↩

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

  6. NCCER, National Craft Certifications for construction and welding. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩

  7. State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Apprentice registration, journeyman and master licensing, and med gas. https://spbla.com/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  8. Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Licensing classifications, exams, and contractor requirements. https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.