Best Trade Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska (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 Lincoln. This page highlights accredited programs, local training paths, and Nebraska licensing. If you want a faster, hands-on career, these Lincoln options can help you move into work with strong job demand and solid wages1.

Top Trade Schools in Lincoln

School Program Length Highlights
Southeast Community College (SCC) — Lincoln Campus 1–2 years (Diploma, AAS) HLC accredited; strong labs; programs in Automotive Technology and Auto Collision Repair; evening and daytime options; transfer and workforce pathways2.
Southeast Community College (SCC) — Milford Campus 1–2 years (Diploma, AAS) HLC accredited; SCC’s primary skilled-trades campus near Lincoln; programs in Electrical Technology, HVAC Technology, Welding, Building Construction, Diesel, Precision Machining, and Mechatronics2.
Bryan College of Health Sciences — Lincoln 12–24 months (certificates/diplomas); 2–4 years (degrees) HLC accredited; clinical partnerships with Bryan Health; programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiography, and Nursing pathways; small cohorts and strong placement2.
College of Hair Design — Lincoln 12–18 months Accredited program in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology; student salon for real client experience; state board prep built in2.
Myotherapy Institute — Lincoln About 12 months ACCSC-accredited; comprehensive Massage Therapy program; on-site student clinic; day and evening cohorts available3.
Lincoln Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 265) 5 years (apprenticeship) Registered electrical apprenticeship; paid on-the-job training plus classroom; prepares for Nebraska Journeyman Electrician exam and licensing4.

Notes:

  • SCC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program availability may differ by campus2.
  • Apprenticeships combine paid employment with classroom instruction. They meet state exam requirements where applicable45.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Lincoln and the surrounding region continue to add commercial and residential projects. Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot power and controls. Nebraska median pay is competitive, with experienced electricians earning well above entry levels1. Training routes include SCC technical programs or a registered apprenticeship, leading to journeyman and contractor licensing4.

HVAC Technician

  • HVAC technicians in Lincoln work year-round due to heating and cooling needs. Employers value grads who can diagnose, braze, and handle refrigerants with EPA Section 608 certification. Nebraska HVAC techs earn steady wages with overtime opportunities in peak seasons16. Many local roles prefer NCCER or equivalent lab experience.

Welder

  • Welders support construction, ag equipment, manufacturing, and repair shops around Lancaster County. MIG, TIG, and stick skills are in demand. Nebraska welding wages rise with process certifications and ability to read prints, fit, and pass position tests1. AWS certifications are a common requirement for higher-paid shop and field roles.

Plumber

  • Plumbers and pipefitters see steady work from new builds and service calls. Nebraska median wages are strong, and licensed journeymen can advance to master and contractor roles15. Apprenticeship is the standard entry route, paired with classroom instruction.

Tip: BLS data shows stable to growing employment for these trades in Nebraska, with median pay levels that can beat many four-year paths, especially after a few years of experience1.

Licensing Requirements in Nebraska

Electrician

  • Oversight: Nebraska State Electrical Board (NSEB)4.
  • Steps:
    • Register as an Apprentice with NSEB and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Complete about 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction.
    • Apply and pass the Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • Advance to Electrical Contractor or Master license after required experience. Provide insurance and pass the exam.
    • Pull permits and schedule inspections for covered work.

HVAC

  • Oversight: No single statewide HVAC license. Local licensing applies. In Lincoln, mechanical licensing is handled by the City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department7.
  • Steps:
    • Complete formal HVAC training or apprenticeship.
    • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants6.
    • For work within Lincoln, obtain the proper Mechanical Contractor or Installer license through the city, pass exams if required, and follow local permitting and inspection rules7.

Plumbing

  • Oversight: Nebraska State Plumbing Board5.
  • Steps:
    • Register as a Plumbing Apprentice.
    • Complete about 7,500 hours of supervised experience and required classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Qualify for Master Plumber after additional verified experience and pass the master exam.
    • Follow local permit and inspection processes for jobs in Lincoln.

Welding

  • Oversight: No state welder license.
  • Steps:
    • Complete formal training or on-the-job learning.
    • Earn industry certifications as required by the job or code, such as AWS D1.1 structural or pipe procedures.
    • Keep OSHA safety cards current and refresh certifications as procedures change8.

Always confirm the latest rules with the relevant board or the City of Lincoln before you enroll or test. Requirements can change.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning at SCC: Many technical programs blend online theory with hands-on labs on campus. This helps working students manage schedules2.
  • Healthcare theory online: Bryan College of Health Sciences uses online coursework for some didactic portions, with clinicals in Lincoln hospitals and clinics2.
  • Exam prep online:
    • EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling study and testing options are widely available6.
    • NEC code update and journeyman exam prep can be completed online, then tested in person with the state board4.
  • Apprenticeships: Paid, work-based pathways with evening classes remain one of the most flexible ways to break into the trades while earning45.

Next Steps

Start by shortlisting two programs in Lincoln. Visit each campus, ask about hands-on hours, certifications included, and hiring partners. Then pick the fastest path that matches your goals.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Nebraska state data, May 2023. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles for listed schools. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), accredited school directory. ↩

  4. Nebraska State Electrical Board, licensing and exam requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. Nebraska State Plumbing Board, apprentice, journeyman, and master licensing. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  7. City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department, mechanical licensing and permitting. ↩ ↩

  8. O*NET Resource Center, occupation details and typical credentials for welders. ↩

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.