Best Trade Schools in Gulfport, Mississippi (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Gulfport. Use this list to compare accredited programs, program length, specialties, and flexible options. We also cover Mississippi licensing so you know the steps to get certified and hired. Skilled trades like electrician, HVAC, plumbing, and welding remain in steady demand on the Gulf Coast1.

Top Trade Schools in Gulfport

The schools below are accredited or state-authorized career colleges and community colleges serving Gulfport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Program length is typical; check each school for current cohorts and start dates23.

School Program Length Highlights
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) – Harrison County Campus (Gulfport) 1–2 years (AAS, technical certificates); 8–16 weeks (select workforce courses) SACSCOC-accredited; labs for Welding, HVAC, Electrical Technology, Diesel, and Practical Nursing; strong employer ties along the Coast2.
MGCCC – West Harrison County Center (Gulf Coast) 8–16 weeks (workforce); 1 year (certificates) Utility Lineworker, Commercial Truck Driving, Welding and other short-term workforce training; evening and accelerated options2.
Fortis College – Gulfport 9–18 months (diplomas/certificates) HVAC/R, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting; hands-on labs; institutionally accredited; day/evening schedules; career services support2.
Blue Cliff College – Gulfport 9–15 months Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy; ACCSC-accredited; small class sizes and externships3.
Pearl River Community College (PRCC) – Hancock Campus (Waveland) 1–2 years (AAS, technical certificates) SACSCOC-accredited; Welding, HVAC, Practical Nursing; convenient to Gulfport–Biloxi employers2.
Day Spa Career College – Ocean Springs (near Gulfport) 9–12 months Cosmetology, Esthetics, Manicuring; state board preparation; nationally accredited career school; multiple start dates2.

Tip: Always confirm program accreditation and state authorization before enrolling. Use College Navigator and the accreditor directory to verify current status23.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Coastal commercial builds, casinos, shipyards, and hospitals keep electricians busy year-round. Many jobs value NCCER or apprenticeship credentials and experience pulling wire, installing panels, and reading prints. National outlook is steady with replacement needs and new construction1. Explore the career path on our hub: Electrician.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Heat, humidity, and salt air on the Coast create constant demand for HVAC installation and service. Employers look for EPA 608 plus solid troubleshooting and customer skills. New energy-efficient systems and IAQ upgrades add work1. Learn more: HVAC.

  • Welder

    • Gulf Coast fabrication shops, ports, and shipbuilding need welders with strong FCAW/GMAW/SMAW skills and structural standards knowledge. NCCER or AWS credentials help you stand out1. Start here: Welding.

  • Plumber

    • Residential service, multifamily, and commercial projects all require plumbers for rough-in, finish, and service work. Apprenticeships provide paid training leading to contractor licensing opportunities1. See the path: Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

Mississippi licenses contractors at the state level. Many journeyman cards are local. Plan your training and exams in this order.

  • Electrician

    • Work as an apprentice/trainee under a licensed contractor while you log experience (often 4–5 years/8,000 hours).
    • Some cities/counties issue journeyman/master cards; check Gulfport/Harrison County permitting offices.
    • To run your own business or bid jobs at or above state thresholds, get an Electrical Contractor license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). You’ll submit experience, pass trade and business/law exams, and provide insurance4.
    • Keep permits current and follow local code enforcement on every job.

  • HVAC/R

    • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants; most employers require it5.
    • For contracting at or above state thresholds, obtain a Mechanical Contractor license through MSBOC (trade exam, business/law, insurance)4.
    • Some jurisdictions may require local registrations or cards for technicians.

  • Plumbing

    • Train through an apprenticeship or formal school plus supervised work hours.
    • Plumbing Contractors must hold an MSBOC license for projects meeting state thresholds (trade and business/law exams, insurance)4.
    • Local journeyman/master cards may be required depending on city/county.

  • Welding

    • No state license for welders. Employers commonly require performance qualifications to code (e.g., AWS D1.1) and/or NCCER credentials for site access and pay progression6.
    • Complete employer- or school-administered weld tests for the specific processes and positions you will use on the job.

Notes:

  • MSBOC handles state contractor licensing, reciprocity, and classifications. Review current thresholds, classifications, and exam providers before you apply4.
  • Always confirm local permits and inspections with the City of Gulfport and Harrison County building departments.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid community college programs
    • MGCCC and PRCC offer evening, hybrid, and short-term workforce classes. General education and some theory are online. Labs and competency checks remain in person for HVAC, welding, electrical, and health programs2.
  • Career colleges with multiple schedules
    • Fortis College and Blue Cliff College run day and evening cohorts with frequent starts. Expect hands-on labs weekly and externships near the end of training23.
  • What can be online
    • Safety, math, electrical theory, blueprint reading, and code review adapt well to online modules.
    • Skills like welding beads, pipefitting, brazing, and HVAC diagnostics require in-person labs.
  • Certifications to complete alongside school
    • EPA 608 (HVAC), OSHA 10/30, and NCCER module testing can align with coursework and boost employability56.

Next Steps

Have questions about Gulfport programs or licensing? Start with a program info session, confirm accreditation, and map your exam timeline before enrolling.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (school listings, accreditation, and program details). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions. https://www.accsc.org/Directory-of-Schools/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), Licensing and Classifications. https://www.msboc.us/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  6. NCCER, Craft Credentials and Assessment. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩

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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.