Best Trade Schools in Winston–Salem, North Carolina (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Winston–Salem. This guide compares accredited programs, program lengths, and specialties. It also explains North Carolina licensing steps for popular trades. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers will stay in demand through the decade1. Use this page to plan training and get licensed in North Carolina.

Top Trade Schools in Winston–Salem

All schools below are accredited. Program lengths are typical estimates. Check each school for current schedules and start dates23.

School Program Length Highlights
Forsyth Technical Community College (Winston–Salem) Certificate: 6–12 months; Diploma: 12–18 months; AAS: 2 years HVAC/R, Electrical Systems, Welding Technology, Plumbing, Automotive Systems; modern labs; regional apprenticeship partners; accredited by SACSCOC2
Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown/Greensboro) Certificate: 1 semester; Diploma: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Aviation Maintenance, Welding, HVAC, Electrical Systems, Advanced Manufacturing; multiple campuses; accredited by SACSCOC2
Davidson–Davie Community College (Thomasville) Certificate: 6–12 months; Diploma: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Electrical Systems, HVAC, Welding, Industrial Systems, Mechatronics; evening options; accredited by SACSCOC2
Surry Community College (Dobson) Certificate: 6–12 months; Diploma: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Mechatronics; small class sizes; accredited by SACSCOC2
Randolph Community College (Asheboro) Certificate: 6–12 months; Diploma: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Electrical, HVAC, Welding, Automotive, Machining; employer partnerships; accredited by SACSCOC2
Rockingham Community College (Wentworth) Certificate: 6–12 months; Diploma: ~1 year; AAS: 2 years Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Industrial Systems; work-based learning; accredited by SACSCOC2
NASCAR Technical Institute (UTI) – Mooresville 10–15 months (varies by program) Automotive and manufacturer-specific training; NASCAR-focused electives; ACCSC accredited3

Tip: Community colleges often let you stack a short certificate into a longer diploma or AAS. That helps you enter the workforce fast and upskill over time2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians wire, install, and maintain electrical systems in homes and businesses. BLS projects steady job growth through 2032, with strong replacement needs as many retire1. Winston–Salem contractors report consistent demand for service and construction work. If you enjoy problem-solving and safety-focused work, start with an electrical systems certificate and move into an apprenticeship. See the electrician path and certifications: Electrician Careers.

HVAC/R Technician

  • HVAC techs install and service heating and cooling systems. Demand rises with new construction and system replacements. Employers value EPA Section 608 certification and hands-on experience14. Many local programs offer night labs and fieldwork. Learn about credentials and career steps: HVAC Careers.

Welder

  • Welders work in fabrication, construction, and maintenance. Skills in MIG, TIG, and flux-core processes travel well across industries. AWS and NCCER credentials can boost job options. BLS expects continued openings due to manufacturing activity and retirements15. Explore processes and certifications: Welding Careers.

Plumber

  • Plumbers install and repair piping systems. In North Carolina, licensing goes through the state plumbing and heating board. Work is steady across residential, commercial, and service. Apprenticeships help you earn while you learn. See training routes and license steps: Plumbing Careers.

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Electrician (Contracting)

  • Board: North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)6.
  • Steps:
    • Get classroom training and on-the-job experience (apprenticeship or supervised work).
    • Choose a license classification (Limited, Intermediate, Unlimited) based on experience and financial limits.
    • Apply to the Board, document qualifying experience, and schedule your exam.
    • Pass the exam and maintain required financial responsibility.
    • Complete continuing education annually to renew.

Notes: North Carolina licenses electrical contractors. Many electricians work under a licensed contractor while gaining experience for their own license.

HVAC (Heating) and Plumbing

  • Board: NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors7.
  • Heating license groups: H1 (water-based heating), H2 (commercial air systems), H3 Class I/II (residential air systems).
  • Plumbing license classes include P-I and P-II.
  • Steps:
    • Complete training and supervised experience per the license category.
    • Apply to sit for the state exam and pass the trade and business portions.
    • Keep up with continuing education for renewal.

Refrigeration (HVAC – Cooling)

  • Board: NC State Board of Refrigeration Examiners8.
  • Steps:
    • Gain experience with commercial refrigeration systems.
    • Pass the state refrigeration exam and meet board requirements.
    • Hold EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling4.

EPA Section 608 (Refrigerants)

  • Federal requirement to service systems with controlled refrigerants. Most HVAC students test for Type II or Universal certification during training4.

Welding

  • North Carolina has no statewide welder license. Employers may require process-specific certifications such as AWS D1.1 or NCCER Performance verifications5.

Always verify current requirements with the state boards before you test or apply. Rules can change.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many local colleges deliver safety, code, and theory online, with labs on campus nights or weekends. Ask about hybrid sections for electrical, HVAC, and welding.
  • Short certificates: Entry certificates (often 1–2 semesters) can lead to entry-level work fast. Stack into a diploma or AAS while working.
  • Credit for experience: Some programs award credit for industry certifications or employer training.
  • Exam prep: Schools and local associations often host exam prep for NC electrical, plumbing, heating, and refrigeration licenses. EPA 608 test sessions are usually offered on campus or online proctored4.

If you need fully online options, focus on foundational courses and general education. Hands-on lab work is still required for most trade credentials.

Next Steps

Apply to at least two programs to secure a seat. Ask about start dates, lab schedules, required tools, and exam pass rates. Then line up an apprenticeship or entry role to build hours while you study.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment and wage trends for construction and mechanical trades. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, institutional profiles and accreditation. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

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

  5. NCCER, industry-recognized construction credentials. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩

  6. North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC), licensing classifications and exams. https://www.ncbeec.org/ ↩

  7. NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors, licensing and continuing education. https://www.nclicensing.org/ ↩

  8. North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Examiners, refrigeration contractor licensing. https://www.refrigerationboard.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.