Best Trade Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Shreveport. This guide shows accredited options, program length, and specialties. You will also see Louisiana licensing steps and which trades are hiring now. Data comes from the U.S. Department of Education, BLS, and state boards1234.

Top Trade Schools in Shreveport

Below are accredited community colleges and career schools serving the Shreveport–Bossier area. Program lengths are typical ranges for certificates or associate degrees. Always confirm start dates and details with the school.

School Program Length Highlights
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) – Bossier City 1–2 years Welding, HVAC-R, Industrial Technology, CNC/advanced manufacturing. Strong employer ties. Multiple short-term certificates and stackable pathways2.
Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) 1–2 years Aviation Maintenance Technology, Allied Health, EMT. Hands-on labs at local facilities. Pathways to FAA A&P exams in aviation maintenance preparation2.
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) – Shreveport area 9–24 months Welding, Automotive Technology, CDL, Practical Nursing. Fast-track certificates and daytime or evening cohorts at regional sites2.
Ayers Career College – Shreveport 9–12 months HVAC-R, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant. Accelerated training with certification prep and career services support2.
Remington College – Shreveport Campus 9–18 months HVAC, Facility Maintenance, Medical and Dental Assisting. Flexible scheduling and certification exam prep. ACCSC-accredited career school5.
Blue Cliff College – Shreveport 9–15 months Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy. Clinical externships and small class sizes. ACCSC-accredited5.
Diesel Driving Academy – Shreveport 4–20 weeks CDL Class A training with road time and test preparation. Day and evening options. Job placement assistance2.

Tip: Use College Navigator to verify programs, graduation rates, and accreditation before you enroll2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls. Many start as apprentices and earn while learning.
  • National demand remains steady through 2032 with thousands of openings every year1.
  • Common training path: pre-apprenticeship or community college basics, then a paid apprenticeship and licensing exam.

HVAC/R Technician

  • HVAC technicians service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in homes, hospitals, and industry.
  • Growth stays stable as buildings upgrade to efficient systems. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants16.
  • Training often takes 9–12 months for a certificate. Many techs add NATE or manufacturer credentials.

Welder

  • Welders work in fabrication, construction, shipyards, and energy. Skills in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW are valued.
  • Employers prefer industry credentials such as NCCER or AWS and strong test welds7.
  • Local programs emphasize plate and pipe welding with safety and blueprint reading.

Plumber

  • Plumbers install and repair piping, fixtures, and gas systems. Statewide journeyman and master licensing is required in Louisiana4.
  • Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of paid experience for journeyman eligibility4.
  • Steady demand continues as buildings age and codes evolve1.

Licensing Requirements in Louisiana

Electrician

  • Louisiana does not issue a statewide journeyman or master electrician card. Many cities and parishes issue their own journeyman/master credentials and use ICC-based exams. Check local rules.
  • To bid or contract electrical work of 0,000 or more, you need a Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) license with the proper Electrical Work classification3.
  • Typical path: complete an apprenticeship or equivalent training, pass any local journeyman exam if required, obtain contractor licensing for larger projects, and maintain any city permits or business licenses.

HVAC/R

  • There is no separate statewide technician license for HVAC. However, technicians who handle refrigerants must earn EPA Section 608 certification6.
  • Contractors who perform mechanical or HVAC work of 0,000 or more must be licensed by LSLBC under Mechanical Work or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning classifications3.
  • Many employers prefer additional certifications such as NATE. Local business and permit rules apply.

Plumbing

  • The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana licenses apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers statewide4.
  • Steps: register as an apprentice with the Board, complete approved training and 8,000 hours of experience, pass the journeyman exam, then qualify for the master exam after additional experience4.
  • Plumbing contractors also need an LSLBC license for jobs at or above the state threshold3.

Welding

  • No state welding license. Employers and unions set skill standards.
  • Credentials that help: NCCER Welding, AWS D1.1 or other code tests, OSHA 10/30, and site-specific certs. Many industrial sites require TWIC for access7.

Commercial Driving (CDL)

  • Complete ELDT-compliant training and pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests. Programs like Diesel Driving Academy cover ELDT and road hours2.
  • Additional endorsements such as Tanker, HazMat, or Doubles/Triples can improve job prospects.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community colleges in the area offer hybrid pathways. General education and theory often run online, with labs on campus or in employer labs. Ask BPCC, SUSLA, and NLTCC about night or weekend sections2.
  • Career schools like Remington College, Blue Cliff, and Ayers offer accelerated day or evening cohorts and frequent start dates. Expect in-person labs for HVAC, welding, dental, and medical classes25.
  • For HVAC, you can do online exam prep but must test in person for EPA 608 and complete hands-on labs for competency6.
  • For electricians and plumbers, most of the learning is hands-on. Online coursework can cover code, safety, and math. Practical training and supervised work hours are still required to qualify for exams and licensing34.
  • Working adults: ask about prior learning credit, competency-based assessments, and employer tuition benefits. Many schools have credit for industry certifications like NCCER or NATE7.

How to evaluate a program

  • Verify institutional accreditation and state approvals25.
  • Confirm lab hours, equipment, and instructor certifications.
  • Check exam pass rates and placement support for your trade.
  • Make sure the curriculum aligns to the license or certification you need in Louisiana346.

Next Steps

  • Compare all Louisiana options: visit the state hub at /trade-school/louisiana/
  • Explore trades and career paths: /trades/
  • See national trade school resources: /trade-school/
  • Want how-to guides on apprenticeships, licensing, and financial aid? Start here: /guides/

If you already know your trade, jump to these hubs:

  • Electrician: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC: /trades/hvac
  • Welding: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing

Sources
BLS job outlook and wages help you gauge demand and pay1. College Navigator confirms accreditation and programs for each school2. ACCSC listings verify accreditation for career colleges noted above5. Louisiana boards outline licensing requirements for contractors and plumbers34. EPA rules apply to refrigerants, and NCCER credentials are industry recognized67.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders, 2023–2032 projections. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, institutional profiles for BPCC, SUSLA, NLTCC, Ayers Career College, Remington College – Shreveport, Blue Cliff College – Shreveport, and Diesel Driving Academy. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), Contractor Licensing Classifications, Thresholds, and Application Requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBL), Apprentice Registration and Journeyman/Master Licensing Requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions, Remington College and Blue Cliff College. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification for Refrigerants. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Credentials and Craft Training for Construction Trades. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.