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

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Greensboro. This page makes it easy to compare accredited programs, training length, and what to expect after graduation. You will also see North Carolina licensing steps for popular trades. Skilled trades continue to see strong demand and solid pay1.

Top Trade Schools in Greensboro

These schools are accredited and train for high-demand jobs. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each campus for current schedules2.

School Program Length Highlights
Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) – Jamestown/Greensboro Certificate: 3–12 months; Diploma: ~1 year; AAS: ~2 years HVAC, Electrical Systems, Welding, Aviation Maintenance, Automotive, Mechatronics, Truck Driver Training, Healthcare. Institutionally accredited by SACSCOC2. Aviation programs taught at dedicated facilities near PTI.
GTCC Aviation Campus (Greensboro) Diploma/AAS: ~18–24 months Airframe and Powerplant coursework with hangar labs at Piedmont Triad International Airport. FAA Part 147-approved training that prepares you for A&P testing. Accredited through GTCC’s SACSCOC status2.
Forsyth Technical Community College (Winston-Salem) Certificate/Diploma: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Electrical, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing, Advanced Manufacturing, Diesel. Strong lab spaces and employer partnerships. SACSCOC accredited2. About 30 minutes from Greensboro.
Alamance Community College (Graham/Burlington) Certificate/Diploma: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years HVACR, Welding Technology, Mechatronics, Automotive Systems, Industrial Systems. SACSCOC accredited2. Easy commute from east Greensboro.
Randolph Community College (Asheboro) Certificate/Diploma: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Electrical Systems, Welding Technology, Automotive Systems, Industrial Maintenance. SACSCOC accredited2. South of Greensboro with flexible schedules.
Davidson-Davie Community College (Thomasville) Certificate/Diploma: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Electrical, Welding, CNC/Machining, Industrial Systems, Building and Construction trades. SACSCOC accredited2. West of Greensboro in the Triad.
Leon’s Beauty School (Greensboro) Cosmetology: ~12–15 months full-time Cosmetology training with client clinic floor. State board exam prep. Accredited by NACCAS and listed on College Navigator2.
Paul Mitchell The School Greensboro Cosmetology: ~10–12 months day; longer evening options Cosmetology and esthetics programs. Strong salon partnerships and state exam prep. Accredited by NACCAS and listed on College Navigator2.

Tip: Visit each campus, ask about lab time, externships, and employer connections. Use College Navigator to confirm program offerings and accreditation2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep homes, schools, and factories running. Work includes wiring, service calls, and controls. Employers in the Triad hire year-round. The BLS reports steady national demand and competitive wages for electricians1.

  • HVAC Technician HVAC techs install and maintain heating and cooling systems. Work is hands-on and outdoors. EPA 608 is required for refrigerant handling. Demand stays strong due to retrofits and energy upgrades1.

  • Welder Welders build, repair, and fabricate metal structures. Triad manufacturers value MIG, TIG, and stick. AWS certifications help you move up. BLS shows consistent openings across fabrication and construction1.

  • Plumber Plumbers install and service water, gas, and drain systems. This trade offers a clear path from helper to licensed contractor. Service companies and mechanical contractors compete for talent1.

Other strong options around Greensboro include CDL trucking, medical assisting, and industrial maintenance.

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Here are the general steps. Always verify with the state board before you apply.

  • Electrician licensing

    • Board: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)3
    • Steps: Choose license classification. Document verified experience. Apply, pass the exam, and maintain liability coverage as required. City permits require a licensed contractor on most jobs.

  • HVAC contractor licensing

    • Board: NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (PH&FSC)4
    • Steps: Select H1/H2/H3 classification. Meet experience requirements. Apply and pass the board exam. Obtain EPA 608 if you handle refrigerants5.

  • Plumbing contractor licensing

    • Board: NC PH&FSC Board4
    • Steps: Meet experience requirements. Apply for the plumbing license class that fits your scope. Pass the exam and follow continuing requirements.

  • Welding

    • North Carolina does not require a state welder license. Employers often require AWS D1.1 or similar code tests. Many programs include test prep and booth time.

  • CDL truck driver

    • Agency: NCDMV6
    • Steps: Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training at an approved provider. Get your CLP, pass knowledge and skills tests, then add endorsements as needed.

  • Cosmetology and barbering

    • Boards: NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and NC Board of Barber Examiners78
    • Steps: Complete required training hours at a licensed school. Pass written and practical exams. Apply for your state license and renew on schedule.

  • Aviation maintenance

    • Complete FAA-approved Part 147 training. Pass A&P written, oral, and practical exams to earn your mechanic certificate.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Many trade programs blend online theory with on-campus labs. This is common for HVAC, electrical, welding safety, and industrial systems.
  • Medical billing, coding, and some healthcare admin tracks can be fully online.
  • CDL programs offer flexible scheduling for working adults. Skills and road time must be in person under FMCSA rules.
  • Some schools use evening or weekend cohorts. Ask about hybrid options and accelerated terms.

If you work full-time, ask each campus about:

  • Night or weekend labs
  • Credit for prior learning or military training
  • Stackable certificates that build toward an associate degree

Next Steps

  • Compare all North Carolina schools: /trade-school/north-carolina/
  • Explore all trades: /trades/
  • How-to guides for career changers: /guides/
  • Learn each trade:
    • Electrician: /trades/electrician
    • HVAC: /trades/hvac
    • Welding: /trades/welding
    • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing
    • CDL Trucking: /trades/cdl
    • Medical Assistant: /trades/medical-assistant
  • Back to the main school hub: /trade-school/

Visit campuses, talk to instructors, and ask employers what certifications they value. Pick the program that fits your schedule and the license you want to earn.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook and Employment Projections. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles and accreditation details. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, licensing classifications and exam requirements. ↩

  4. North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors, licensing requirements. ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. ↩

  6. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), Commercial Driver License requirements. ↩

  7. North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, licensing requirements. ↩

  8. North Carolina Board of Barber Examiners, licensing requirements. ↩

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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.