Best Trade Schools in Memphis, Tennessee (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Memphis. This guide compares accredited programs, explains Tennessee licensing, and points you to careers that hire. It’s built for Memphis-area career changers and high school grads who want fast, hands-on training with strong job demand12.

Top Trade Schools in Memphis

School Program Length Highlights
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Memphis 8–20 months (program dependent) COE-accredited public trade school. Popular programs: Welding, HVAC, Industrial Electricity, Machine Tool, Practical Nursing, and Aviation Maintenance (A&P prep). Strong employer ties and day/evening options2.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Certificates: 1–3 semesters; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC-accredited. Certificates and AAS in HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Engineering Tech, Mechatronics, EMT/Paramedic. Hands-on labs and internship pathways2.
William R. Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech) Diploma: ~12 months; AAS: ~2 years COE-accredited. Focused trades: Welding/Metal Fabrication, Industrial Electricity, Machining, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration. Small classes, job placement support, NCCER-aligned skills23.
Concorde Career College – Memphis 8–20 months (diplomas); 18–24 months (associate) ACCSC-accredited. Allied health programs: Dental Hygiene, Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Assisting, and more. Accelerated schedules and career services4.
Tennessee Academy of Cosmetology (Memphis) 6–14 months (program dependent) Accredited cosmetology school. Cosmetology, Esthetics, and related specialties. State board prep and strong clinic hours for real client practice2.
Gould’s Academy – Memphis 6–12 months (program dependent) Accredited cosmetology and esthetics programs with salon-based training. Tennessee state board exam preparation built in2.
TCAT – Covington (near Memphis) 12–20 months (program dependent) COE-accredited. Welding Technology, HVAC/Refrigeration, Industrial Maintenance, and Practical Nursing. Short commute from north Shelby County2.

Tip: Always confirm program accreditation and any specialized approvals (for example, FAA Part 147 for aviation, CODA for dental hygiene) on the school’s site and with College Navigator2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep Memphis industry, logistics centers, and new builds running. Work includes installation, troubleshooting, and controls. Demand is steady across Tennessee and wages grow with licensing and experience1. Learn more about the career path here: Electrician.

  • HVAC Technician HVAC pros install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration in homes, hospitals, and warehouses. Memphis has year-round service needs and many commercial systems. EPA Section 608 certification is required if you handle refrigerants15. Explore the field: HVAC.

  • Welder Memphis has manufacturing, river-related work, and job shops that hire welders. Certifications (AWS/NCCER) help you advance. The work is hands-on, technical, and in demand for fabrication and maintenance13. Learn more: Welding.

  • Plumber Plumbers serve residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Growth is driven by construction and maintenance across Shelby County. Licensing and apprenticeship matter for advancement and higher pay1. See the path: Plumbing.

O*NET outlines the core skills, tools, and tasks for these trades so you know what to expect day to day6.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Licensing can vary by city and county. In Memphis and Shelby County, local licenses for journeyman and master levels are issued by the Office of Construction Code Enforcement7. State contractor licenses are handled by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for larger projects8.

  • Electrician (Memphis/Shelby County)

    • Start with an approved training program or apprenticeship.
    • Log required on-the-job hours under a licensed contractor.
    • Pass local Journeyman exam, then Master Electrician when eligible (Memphis/Shelby County Code Enforcement)7.
    • For projects of 5,000 or more, obtain a Tennessee Electrical Contractor license through the state board (classification CE)8.

  • HVAC/Mechanical

    • Complete an HVAC program or apprenticeship.
    • Earn EPA Section 608 technician certification to handle refrigerants5.
    • Memphis/Shelby County issues local journeyman/master mechanical licenses for permit work7.
    • For jobs at 5,000 or more, the state requires a contractor license (CMC or CMC-C classifications)8.

  • Plumbing

    • Train through a plumbing program or apprenticeship.
    • Obtain local Journeyman and later Master Plumber credentials through Memphis/Shelby County exams7.
    • For projects of 5,000 or more, apply for a Tennessee contractor license with plumbing classification (CMC-A)8.

  • Welding

    • No Tennessee state license for welders.
    • Employers commonly require AWS or NCCER certifications matched to the work (structural, pipe, process)3.
    • Many programs prepare you for these performance tests.

Always verify current rules before you enroll or test. Local ordinances and state requirements change.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid trade programs

    • Schools like Southwest Tennessee Community College and Moore Tech offer some classroom theory online with labs on campus. This saves commute time while keeping hands-on learning intact2.

  • Short industry certifications

    • EPA Section 608 exam prep can be studied online; approved proctors offer remote or in-person testing5.
    • NCCER modules are available through approved providers and employers, with performance tests completed in labs or on the job3.

  • Apprenticeship + night classes

    • Many students work during the day and take evening labs or related technical instruction. Ask each school about night/weekend cohorts and accelerated terms.

  • Allied health options

    • Concorde provides accelerated, structured schedules with some blended learning in certain courses. Clinicals and labs remain in person due to licensing and accreditation standards4.

How to Choose a Memphis Trade Program

  • Confirm accreditation and program approvals on College Navigator and accreditor sites24.
  • Ask about pass rates for state, EPA, or industry exams.
  • Compare lab hours, equipment, and class size.
  • Check employer partnerships, internships, or co-ops.
  • Verify schedules: day, evening, or hybrid.
  • Map the full path: school → apprenticeship or entry-level job → license/contractor card.

Next Steps

Memphis has strong employers, major construction, and year-round service work. Pick a program that fits your schedule, earns key certifications, and leads to the license you need. You can be job-ready in months, not years.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders employment and outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional accreditation and program information for Tennessee public and private schools. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), industry-recognized credentials and training modules. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. Concorde Career College – Memphis accreditation status. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification for HVAC refrigerants. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. O*NET OnLine, occupational knowledge, skills, and tasks for major trades. https://www.onetonline.org/ ↩

  7. Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement, licensing and permitting for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades. https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  8. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, Licensing classifications and requirements for contractors (CE, CMC, CMC-C, CMC-A). https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.