Best Trade Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Knoxville. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Tennessee licensing basics so you can train, test, and get hired1.

Top Trade Schools in Knoxville

Programs below serve the Knoxville metro. Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Pellissippi State Community College Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Welding, Electrical, Advanced Manufacturing, and HVAC-related training with modern labs2.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville Diplomas 9–16 months COE accredited. HVAC/R, Welding, Industrial Electricity, and more. Hands-on labs with day/evening options.
IBEW Local 270 – Electrical JATC (Oak Ridge) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom instruction; strong contractor network.
Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVACR UA Local 102 – Training (Knoxville) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR with paid training and certifications.

Licensing in Tennessee

  • Electrical: Municipalities often license electrical contractors; state Board for Licensing Contractors handles larger scopes. Journeyman recognition varies by locality. Verify local rules.
  • HVAC/Mechanical: State contractor licensing via the Board for Licensing Contractors for larger projects; EPA 608 required for refrigerants4.
  • Plumbing: Local licensing/registration common; state contractor license required above thresholds.
  • Welding: No state license; employers require performance qualifications.

Next Steps

  • Compare TN programs: /trade-school/tennessee/
  • Explore trades and credentials: /trades/
  • National guides: /trade-school/

Tour labs, confirm accreditation, and map training to Tennessee licensing and apprenticeships.

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

  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.