Best Trade Schools in Akron, Ohio (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Akron. This page highlights accredited options, apprenticeships, and the Ohio licensing steps you need to work. Akron-area employers hire electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers for construction, maintenance, and manufacturing roles1.

Top Trade Schools in Akron

Below are reputable, accredited schools and registered apprenticeship providers serving Akron and Summit County. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each provider for exact schedules23.

School Program Length Highlights
The University of Akron – Polsky/Workforce (Akron) 6–12+ months certificates; AAS ~2 years (varies) HLC accredited. Workforce and technical programs in manufacturing, HVAC, and related trades. Hybrid formats and employer ties2.
Stark State College (Canton, regional) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years HLC accredited. HVAC/R, Electrical, Welding, and maintenance programs with modern labs and evening options2.
Akron Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 306) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeships for Inside Wireman and Residential. Paid OJT + classroom instruction; strong placement.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 219 – JATC (Akron) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship with paid training in plumbing, pipefitting, and HVACR.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Commercial TI, plant maintenance, and service work. Apprenticeship is the fastest route to journeyperson and contractor paths1.
  • HVAC/R: Four-season climate drives steady install and service. EPA Section 608 required for refrigerants4.
  • Welding: Fabrication and structural roles across the Akron–Canton corridor. Multi-process qualifications boost mobility1.
  • Plumbing: Residential and commercial service with strong long-term outlook.

Licensing Requirements in Ohio

Ohio licenses contractors at the state level for core mechanical trades through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). Some cities may require local registration.

  • Electrical Contractor: Experience + OCILB exam, insurance, background check, and CE for renewal5.
  • HVAC Contractor: Experience + OCILB exam; EPA 608 required for refrigerants54.
  • Plumbing Contractor: Experience + OCILB exam; local registration may apply5.
  • Welding: No state license; employers require performance credentials as needed.
  • Apprenticeships: Paid OJT + classroom; completion supports contractor licensure experience requirements6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid formats at colleges (theory online, labs on campus).
  • Evening classroom for apprenticeships.
  • Short stackable credentials (OSHA-10/30, EPA 608) to accelerate hiring.

Next Steps

  • See statewide schools: /trade-school/ohio/
  • Explore trades and licensing: /trades/
  • National school hub: /trade-school/

Visit labs, confirm accreditation, and map your training to OCILB licensing requirements.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook (Electricians, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Welding). bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator ↩ ↩ ↩

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

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

  5. Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/ocilb ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Apprenticeship.gov — U.S. Department of Labor. apprenticeship.gov ↩

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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.