Best Trade Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Tulsa. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Oklahoma licensing steps so you can train, test, and get hired. Tulsa’s employers keep hiring electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers across energy, manufacturing, and construction1.

Top Trade Schools in Tulsa

Program lengths are typical ranges. Confirm current details, accreditation, and schedules with each provider23.

School Program Length Highlights
Tulsa Community College Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years HLC accredited. HVAC, Manufacturing, Welding, and technical programs. Multiple campuses with hybrid options2.
Tulsa Tech (CareerTech – Adult Education) 6–12+ months State-recognized adult programs with labs in Electrical, HVAC, Welding, and more. Multiple start dates; evening options.
ABC Oklahoma – Apprenticeship 4–5 years Merit-shop apprenticeship in Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC. Paid OJT plus classroom instruction aligned to industry standards.
IBEW Local 584 – Electrical JATC (Tulsa) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeship for Inside Wireman/Residential. Paid training with strong contractor network.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Commercial/industrial work and maintenance keep demand steady. Apprenticeships lead to journeyperson status and contractor licensing1.
  • HVAC/R: Four-season climate means consistent install and service work. EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerants4.
  • Welding: Fabrication and structural jobs across energy and manufacturing. Multi-process credentials boost employability1.
  • Plumbing: Residential/commercial projects across the metro. Apprenticeships provide a pathway to licensing and higher wages.

Licensing Requirements in Oklahoma

Oklahoma licenses Electrical, Mechanical (HVAC), and Plumbing trades at the state level through the Construction Industries Board. Always verify current rules.

  • Electrical: Apprentice → Residential/Unlimited journeyman → Contractor via documented hours and exams. Contractor licensing is required to run a business.
  • Mechanical (HVAC): Document experience, pass the state exam, and maintain CE for renewal. EPA 608 is required for refrigerants4.
  • Plumbing: Apprentice → Journeyman → Contractor with verified hours and state exams.
  • Welding: No state license. Employers set performance test requirements.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid community college programs (theory online, labs on campus).
  • Evening/weekend cohorts at CareerTech and apprenticeship centers.
  • Short credentials (OSHA-10/30, EPA 608) that stack with longer programs.

Next Steps

  • Compare statewide options: /trade-school/oklahoma/
  • Explore careers and credentials: /trades/
  • National guides and school hub: /trade-school/

Visit labs, confirm accreditation, and ask how the program maps to Oklahoma licensing and apprenticeships.

  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 ↩ ↩

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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.