Best Trade Schools in Reading, Pennsylvania (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Reading and Berks County. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Pennsylvania licensing basics[^1].

Top Trade Schools in Reading

School Program Length Highlights
Reading Area Community College (RACC) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years MSCHE accredited. HVAC, Welding, manufacturing, and technical programs; hybrid options[^2].
Berks Career & Technology Center – Adult Ed 6–12+ months Adult programs in Welding, HVAC, Electrical; evening options.
IBEW Local 743 – Electrical JATC (Reading) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom instruction.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 486/690 (regional) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR.

Licensing: Contractor licensing is local in PA; EPA 608 required for refrigerants[^5].

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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.