Best Trade Schools in Columbus, Ohio (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Columbus. This page highlights accredited options, apprenticeship programs, and the Ohio licensing steps you need to work. Columbus employers continue to hire electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers, and pay is competitive for skilled workers1.

Top Trade Schools in Columbus

Below are reputable, accredited schools and registered apprenticeship providers in the Columbus area. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current schedules.

School Program Length Highlights
Columbus State Community College (CSCC) 1–2 years Community college with modern labs. Certificates and associate degrees in HVAC, Welding, Electrical, Automotive, Construction. Apprenticeship pathways.
Columbus Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 683) 3–5 years Paid registered apprenticeships for Inside Wireman (5 years) and Residential (3 years). Classroom and on-the-job training. Strong job placement.
UA Local 189 Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC/R JATC 5 years Paid apprenticeships in Plumbing, Pipefitting, HVAC/R, and Welding. Earn industry welding quals. Excellent benefits during training.
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools (Adult Workforce) 6–12 months Adult programs in Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance. Evening options; short-term certificates stacked toward employment.
Delaware Area Career Center (Adult Education) 6–12 months Welding, Electrical, Facilities Maintenance, Building Trades. Industry-aligned credentials and employer partnerships.
Tolles Career & Technical Center (Adult Education) 6–12 months Welding and Manufacturing programs with hands-on labs. Maintenance and safety training aligned to industry needs.
Fortis College – Columbus 9–18 months HVAC/R diploma with hands-on refrigeration and controls training. Day and evening cohorts. Institutionally accredited and approved in Ohio2.
ABC Central Ohio Apprenticeship 4–5 years Merit-shop registered apprenticeships in Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. Earn while you learn. NCCER-aligned curriculum and safety training.

Tip: Confirm institutional accreditation and program approvals through College Navigator or the school’s accreditor23.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Demand stays steady as construction and maintenance continue year-round. Experienced electricians and contractors command premium rates on complex projects1. Explore the career path: Electrician.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • HVAC techs keep buildings comfortable and efficient. In Ohio’s four-season climate, heating and cooling work is consistent. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerants. Employers value troubleshooting skills and customer service1. Learn more: HVAC.

  • Plumber and Pipefitter

    • Plumbers and pipefitters work on water, drain, gas, and process piping. Large commercial and industrial projects in Central Ohio create steady demand. Many pros advance to foreman or licensed contractor roles1. Career overview: Plumbing.

  • Welder

    • Welders work in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. Certifications in processes like SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW boost pay. Structural and pipe welding remain in demand statewide1. Get the basics: Welding.

Licensing Requirements in Ohio

Ohio licenses contractors at the state level for the core mechanical trades through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). Some cities or counties may also require local registration for contractors and installers. Here are the basics:

  • Electrician (Contractor)

    • Board: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB).
    • Steps:
    • Meet experience requirements (typically several years in the trade or equivalent).
    • Apply to sit for the exam and pass the state contractor exam.
    • Provide proof of liability insurance and complete a background check.
    • Maintain continuing education for renewal4.
    • Note: Ohio does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license. Many installers gain experience via apprenticeship and work under a licensed contractor. Local registration may be required.

  • HVAC (Contractor)

    • Board: OCILB.
    • Steps:
    • Meet experience requirements and pass the state contractor exam.
    • Provide insurance and background check.
    • Keep up with continuing education for renewals4.
    • EPA certification: Technicians who handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification5.

  • Plumbing (Contractor)

    • Board: OCILB.
    • Steps:
    • Meet experience requirements and pass the contractor exam.
    • Provide insurance and background check.
    • Complete continuing education for renewals4.
    • Related: Backflow tester certification is regulated by the Ohio EPA; many municipalities require approved testers for cross-connection control.

  • Welding

    • No state license is required to work as a welder.
    • Employers or project owners may require American Welding Society (AWS) certifications specific to the process and code used.

  • Apprenticeships

    • Ohio apprenticeships are often registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Expect paid on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction. Completion can count toward contractor experience requirements6.

Before you apply for permits or start work in Columbus, verify local contractor registration and permit rules with city authorities. Requirements can differ by municipality.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning at community colleges

    • CSCC offers general education online and many technical courses in hybrid formats with required lab time on campus. This works well if you need to balance work and school.

  • Apprenticeships with evening classes

    • The Columbus Electrical JATC, UA Local 189, and ABC Central Ohio schedule related instruction in the evenings so you can work full-time during the day. You earn a wage while advancing toward journey-level status6.

  • Short, stackable certificates

    • Adult career centers like Eastland-Fairfield, Delaware Area Career Center, and Tolles run short programs that build into longer credentials. Many modules align with industry certifications (e.g., OSHA-10/30, NCCER, EPA 608)5.

  • Test-prep and credentials

    • Many local providers offer EPA 608 exam prep, OSHA safety training, and welding test preparation. These add quick value to your resume.

If you need a fully online trade program, focus on theory courses and credential prep. Hands-on labs are still required for most skilled trades.

Next Steps

  • Compare more schools and trades at our main hub: Trade Schools.
  • See statewide options and licensing updates: Ohio Trade Schools.
  • Explore career pages for top trades: Electrician, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding.
  • Plan your path with checklists and how-tos: Guides.
  • Not sure where to start? Read about programs, certifications, and job paths in our Trades hub, then contact 2–3 schools above to compare schedules and start dates.

Columbus has strong apprenticeship networks and solid campus labs. Pick a path, confirm licensing steps, and get hands-on training that leads to a reliable paycheck.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC/R Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers/Pipefitters/Steamfitters, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers), 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. Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) – Ohio Department of Commerce, com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/ocilb ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  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.