Best Trade Schools in Reno, Nevada (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 Reno. This page helps you compare accredited programs, understand Nevada licensing, and choose a path with strong job demand. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to see steady opportunities and solid wages nationwide1.

Top Trade Schools in Reno

Below are accredited options in Reno/Sparks with hands-on training. Program lengths are typical full-time ranges.

School Program Length Highlights
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) – Pennington Applied Technology Center (Reno) 6–18 months certificates; 2 years AAS Public, regionally accredited programs in HVAC/R, Welding, Automotive, Diesel, Machining, Construction Tech. Strong labs and employer ties. Stackable certificates to AAS2.
Career College of Northern Nevada (Sparks) 9–18 months diplomas ACCSC-accredited career college with HVAC/R, Welding & Fabrication, Industrial Electronics, Facility Maintenance. Day/evening schedules; EPA 608 exam prep for HVAC3.
Carrington College – Reno 9–12 months certificates; 2 years associate options Accredited health-care training in Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Sterile Processing, Veterinary Assisting. Labs and clinical rotations arranged by campus2.
Paul Mitchell The School – Reno ~10–12 months (varies by schedule) Accredited cosmetology programs with studio salon experience. State Board exam preparation included for licensure as a cosmetologist in Nevada2.
Milan Institute – Reno ~8–12 months (varies by program) Accredited career training in fields like Massage Therapy and Esthetics. Focus on practical skills and industry certifications where applicable2.

Tip: Visit each school, ask about completion and placement data, certification pass rates, and employer partnerships. You can verify accreditation and program lists on U.S. Department of Education College Navigator2, and for ACCSC institutions on ACCSC’s directory3.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Reno’s construction and manufacturing base creates steady need for installation, service, and controls technicians. Expect a blend of commercial and residential work plus growing low-voltage and solar opportunities. Nationally, employment remains strong with solid median wages1. Start via an apprenticeship or school-based electrical foundations, then work under a licensed contractor.

  • HVAC/R Technician New construction, data centers, and retrofit work drive HVAC demand. Skills in heat pumps, automation, and refrigeration are valuable. Many entry-level jobs require EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants4. National outlook and pay remain favorable1.

  • Welder Fabrication, mining support, logistics, and construction all use welders in Northern Nevada. MIG, TIG, flux-core, and structural welding are useful pathways. Employers often look for test-based certifications (for example, AWS code tests) and clean, consistent welds. Related maintenance skills increase your value.

  • Plumber Water conservation, multi-family development, and commercial construction keep plumbers busy. Entry starts with apprenticeship or helper roles. Service plumbers with troubleshooting and customer skills do well. Contractor licensing is handled by the Nevada State Contractors Board when you’re ready to run your own business5.

Explore trade overviews: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Nevada

Nevada regulates contractors at the state level. Some worker credentials (like journeyman cards) are issued by local jurisdictions. Always confirm with your employer and local building department.

  • Electrical

    • Entry: Most electricians begin through a registered apprenticeship or supervised on-the-job training plus classroom instruction.
    • Journeyman: In Northern Nevada, journeyman cards are issued by local jurisdictions. Expect 4 years (8,000 hours) experience and an exam.
    • Contractor: To bid or contract work, obtain a Nevada State Contractors Board C-2 (Electrical) license. Requires experience verification, exams, background check, and bonding5.

  • HVAC/R

    • Certifications: EPA Section 608 is required to work with refrigerants4.
    • Contractor: Nevada C-21 (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) classification through NSCB. Demonstrate experience, pass exams, and meet financial/bonding requirements5.

  • Plumbing

    • Journeyman: Typically issued by local jurisdictions after apprenticeship and exam.
    • Contractor: Nevada C-1 (Plumbing) license through NSCB with verified experience and exams5.

  • Cosmetology/Barbering/Esthetics

    • Education: Complete an approved program with required hours.
    • Exams: Pass theory and practical exams, then apply to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology for licensure6.

  • Nursing Assistants (CNA)

    • Education: Complete a state-approved training program.
    • Exams: Pass the competency exam and apply for certification with the Nevada State Board of Nursing7.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Technical trades need hands-on labs, but many Reno programs offer online theory with on-campus labs (for example, safety, codes, electrical theory, HVAC fundamentals). Ask TMCC and CCNN about hybrid schedules.
  • Night and weekend classes: Several campuses run evening cohorts. This helps if you work during the day.
  • Short skills certificates: Welding processes, machining, and HVAC diagnostics often come in stackable certificates you can complete in a semester or two before adding advanced skills.
  • Exam prep: Look for EPA 608, OSHA-10/30, and certification prep embedded in courses. These credentials help you stand out.

Before enrolling, confirm:

  • Program accreditation and state approval (check College Navigator2 and NSCB for contractor requirements5).
  • Clinical or lab hour requirements and schedules.
  • Placement support, employer partners, and upcoming start dates.

Next Steps

Reno has credible training options and clear steps to licensure. Choose a school aligned with your trade, confirm requirements, and get hands-on experience that leads to a good job.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment data. ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management Requirements. ↩ ↩

  5. Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), Contractor Licensing Requirements and Classification Descriptions. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Nevada State Board of Cosmetology, Licensure Requirements. ↩

  7. Nevada State Board of Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements. ↩

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.