Best Trade Schools in Durham, North Carolina (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Durham. This guide compares accredited programs, typical program lengths, and specialties. It also explains North Carolina licensing for electricians, HVAC, plumbing, and related trades. Use it to plan your next step into a well paid skilled trade career12.

Top Trade Schools in Durham

All schools below are accredited and serve Durham or the nearby Triangle. Program length is typical for North Carolina community colleges and career schools.

School Program Length Highlights
Durham Technical Community College (Durham and Orange County Campus) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years HVACR labs, Welding Technology at Orange County Campus, Biomedical Equipment Technology, facilities and maintenance pathways. Day and evening options. SACSCOC accredited2.
Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years Electrical Systems, Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration, Welding, Plumbing, Automotive Systems, Building Automation. Large employer network. SACSCOC accredited2.
Alamance Community College (Graham) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years HVACR, Welding Technology, Automotive Systems, Mechatronics. Hands on training close to west Durham. SACSCOC accredited2.
Piedmont Community College (Roxboro and Yanceyville) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years Electrical Systems, Welding Technology, HVACR, Building Construction related courses. Small class sizes. SACSCOC accredited2.
Vance-Granville Community College (Henderson, Franklinton, Louisburg) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years Electrical Systems, HVACR, Welding, Automotive Systems. Multiple campuses north of Durham. SACSCOC accredited2.
Central Carolina Community College (Sanford, Harnett, Chatham) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years HVACR, Electrical Systems, Plumbing, Welding, Industrial Maintenance. Hybrid course options. SACSCOC accredited2.
Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown) Certificate 4–12 months; Diploma ~1 year; AAS 2 years Welding, HVACR, Electrical Systems, Aviation Maintenance, Advanced Manufacturing. Strong employer ties in the Triad. SACSCOC accredited2.
Miller-Motte College – Raleigh Certificate and Diploma options often 9–18 months Career-focused programs such as CDL Truck Driving and allied trades. ACCSC accredited institution3.

Tip: Compare each program’s lab hours, evening and weekend availability, and industry certifications included. For HVAC, look for EPA 608 exam prep. For welding, ask about AWS D1.1 or similar test options.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Commercial and industrial facilities across Durham, RTP, and health systems need installation and maintenance electricians. National median pay is about 1,590 and demand remains steady as infrastructure upgrades continue1. See training paths on our electrician hub: Electrician careers.

  • HVAC Technician

    • Growth in biotech labs, universities, and new residential builds drives HVAC hiring across the Triangle. Many entry roles start with a diploma or certificate, then move up with experience and EPA 608 certification. National median pay is about 7,3001. Explore options: HVAC training and careers.

  • Welder

    • Fabrication, construction, and maintenance employers along I-85 and in nearby manufacturing centers hire welders who can pass code tests. National median pay is about 8,940. Multi process skills in FCAW, GMAW, GTAW improve job options1. Learn more: Welding jobs and training.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers support new construction, service, and specialized builds like hospitals and labs. National median pay is about 1,550 with stable demand1. Pathways and licenses: Plumbing careers.

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

North Carolina licenses contractors at the state level. Some trades do not require an individual technician license to work under a properly licensed contractor. Always confirm local permitting rules.

  • Electricians

    • Licensing board: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)4.
    • Steps:
    • Get hands-on experience through apprenticeship or supervised work.
    • Choose license classification if you plan to contract for work. Options include Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited, plus specialties.
    • Apply to the Board, document experience and education, pass the exam.
    • Pull permits only under an active license. Complete required continuing education to renew.

  • HVAC

    • Licensing board: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (NC PHSP)5.
    • Steps:
    • Work under a licensed HVAC contractor to gain experience.
    • Choose classification based on scope. Heating Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 (H3-I and H3-II) cover different systems.
    • Apply and pass the Board exam for your classification.
    • If you handle refrigerants, earn EPA Section 608 certification6.
    • Maintain continuing education and renew on time.

  • Plumbing

    • Licensing board: NC PHSP Board5.
    • Steps:
    • Train through a diploma or apprenticeship and work under a licensed plumber.
    • Select category such as Plumbing Class I or Class II based on scope.
    • Apply, pass the exam, and work under your license classification.
    • Maintain CE and renew.

  • General Contractor

    • For projects costing 0,000 or more, a North Carolina General Contractor license is required7.
    • Steps: Choose limitation level, document experience and financial responsibility, pass the exam, and maintain the license.

  • Welding

    • North Carolina does not issue a state welder license.
    • Employers and DOT work often require certification to AWS, ASME, or similar codes. Many schools align training with AWS standards. NCCER credentials are used by some employers8.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning

    • Many Triangle community colleges run lecture content online with labs on campus. Look for evening or weekend lab blocks if you work during the day.

  • Short certificates

    • Schools often offer stackable certificates. Example: basic electricity or HVAC fundamentals first, then advanced troubleshooting, controls, or system design. This helps you earn credentials as you work.

  • Exam prep

    • EPA 608 and OSHA 10/30 prep are often offered in short, flexible formats. EPA 608 testing is available through approved providers6.

  • IT and technical trades

    • If you want a faster path into tech support or cybersecurity, licensed career schools in Raleigh offer accelerated programs. Check schedules and placement support before you enroll23.

Next Steps

Choose two or three programs to visit. Ask about lab hours, certifications included, employer partners, and job placement services. Your best fit is the school that offers strong hands-on training and a clear path to the North Carolina license you need.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians, HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers Pipefitters and Steamfitters, and Welders Cutters Solderers and Brazers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. School profiles for North Carolina community colleges and programs. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  4. North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Licensing and classifications. https://www.ncbeec.org ↩

  5. North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Licensure info and exams. https://www.nclicensing.org ↩ ↩

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

  7. North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. https://nclbgc.org ↩

  8. NCCER, Industry Recognized Construction Credentials. 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.