Best Trade Schools in Salem, Oregon (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Salem. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Oregon licensing basics for core trades1.

Top Trade Schools in Salem

Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Chemeketa Community College (Salem) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years NWCCU accredited. HVAC, Welding, Automotive, and manufacturing programs; hybrid and evening options2.
IBEW Local 280 – Electrical JATC (regional) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeship for Inside Wireman/Residential. Paid OJT + classroom; strong contractor network.
UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 290 – Training (regional) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR. Paid training and certifications.

Licensing in Oregon

  • Electrical: Oregon BCD licenses electricians via apprenticeship, exams, and continuing education; contractors licensed through CCB.
  • HVAC/Mechanical: Contractors licensed through Oregon CCB; EPA 608 required for refrigerants4.
  • Plumbing: Licensed by Oregon BCD via apprenticeship and exams; contractor licensing via CCB.
  • Welding: No general state license; employers/jurisdictions require performance testing.

Next Steps

  • Compare OR programs: /trade-school/oregon/
  • Explore trades and credentials: /trades/
  • National guides: /trade-school/

Visit labs, confirm accreditation, and map your training to Oregon licensing and apprenticeships.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salem, OR Metro. bls.gov/oes ↩

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

  3. 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.