Best Trade Schools in Baytown, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Baytown. This guide compares accredited programs, highlights in-demand trades, and explains Texas licensing. Baytown sits in the Houston Ship Channel industrial corridor, so skilled workers are needed in electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, instrumentation, and process technology1.

Top Trade Schools in Baytown

Below are accredited colleges and approved apprenticeship providers that serve Baytown and the East Houston area. Program length is typical for full-time students or apprentices.

School Program Length Highlights
Lee College (Baytown) 1–2 years (certificates and AAS) SACSCOC-accredited public college. Programs in Process Technology, Instrumentation, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Welding, and Maritime. Strong ties to Baytown petrochemical employers2.
San Jacinto College – North Campus (Houston) 1–2 years SACSCOC-accredited. Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Pipefitting, and Industrial Maintenance. Multiple certificates and AAS pathways; day/evening scheduling2.
Tulsa Welding School – Houston 7–14 months ACCSC-accredited welding specialist training. Hands-on plate and pipe welding with structural, flux core, and TIG focus. Fast-track options for entry-level welders3.
College of the Mainland (Texas City) 1–2 years SACSCOC-accredited. Process Technology, Welding, HVAC, Electrical, and Industrial careers. Popular with Ship Channel employers2.
Lamar Institute of Technology (Beaumont) 1–2 years SACSCOC-accredited technical college. Instrumentation, Process Operating, Electrical, HVAC, Welding, and Diesel Systems. Strong lab facilities2.
IEC Houston (Independent Electrical Contractors) 4-year apprenticeship DOL-registered apprenticeship and TDLR-recognized electrical training. Paid on-the-job experience plus related classroom instruction leading toward Journeyman licensure4.
Plumbers Local 68 JATC (Houston) 5-year apprenticeship TSBPE-registered apprenticeship. Paid training in plumbing and pipefitting with classroom and on-the-job hours leading to Journeyman/Master pathways5.
ABC Greater Houston – Construction Craft Training 2–4 years (varies by craft) NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor. Evening classes for working adults. Crafts include multiple construction trades such as electrical and pipefitting; industry-recognized credentials6.

Tip: Community colleges above offer academic advising and support services. Apprenticeship providers combine paid work with classroom learning, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Baytown refineries, chemical plants, warehouses, and new construction drive steady electrical work. Apprentices can earn while they learn. Graduates often move into industrial maintenance or controls. Nationally, electricians have stable long-term demand and above-average wages compared to many occupations1. Explore electrician training and licensing steps.

  • HVAC/R Texas heat keeps HVAC companies busy year-round. Employers look for EPA 608 certification and strong troubleshooting skills. Industrial refrigeration and controls are valuable add-ons. Technicians often start as registered ACR technicians and work up to contractor status78. Explore HVAC licensing in Texas.

  • Welding The Houston Ship Channel region is a welding hub for fabrication, maintenance turnarounds, ship repair, and pipelines. Pipe welding and structural certifications can lead to higher pay. Many employers recognize NCCER and AWS performance qualifications6. Compare welding career paths.

  • Plumbing Residential and commercial growth plus industrial maintenance support strong plumbing demand. Apprentices earn hours toward Tradesman or Journeyman licenses with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners5. See plumbing careers and training.

BLS data shows continued need for construction and maintenance trades nationally, with Houston-area pay influenced by strong industrial demand1.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electrician (TDLR)4

  • Register as an apprentice and work under a licensed contractor or master electrician.
  • Accumulate required experience: Residential Wireman (4,000 hours), Journeyman (8,000 hours), Master Electrician (12,000 hours including Journeyman experience).
  • Pass the state exam for your license level.
  • Complete required continuing education to renew annually.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – HVAC (TDLR)7

  • Start as a Registered ACR Technician working under a licensed A/C contractor.
  • To become a licensed A/C Contractor, document 48 months of practical experience (education may substitute for part) and pass the TDLR exam; maintain liability insurance.
  • Federal EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants8.
  • Continuing education required for renewal.

Plumbing (TSBPE)5

  • Register as a Plumbing Apprentice under a licensed plumber.
  • Earn hours and advance: Tradesman Limited (4,000 hours + approved course), Journeyman (8,000 hours + exam), Master (additional experience + exam).
  • Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) credential required to operate a plumbing business.
  • Continuing education required for renewal.

Welding

  • No state license required. Employers often require performance qualifications (AWS or NCCER) aligned to specific codes and processes6.
  • Site-specific safety credentials are common for industrial facilities.

Always confirm the latest requirements with the state boards before you enroll or apply for exams.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid community college programs: Lee College, San Jacinto, and College of the Mainland often offer lecture content online with required labs on campus. This helps working adults balance schedules2.
  • Evening apprenticeships: IEC Houston, ABC Greater Houston, and Local 68 run classes at night so you can work full time while training.
  • Short, stackable certificates: Many colleges let you earn a Level 1 certificate in two semesters, then stack to Level 2 or an AAS. This can get you hired faster and keep you moving toward higher credentials.
  • Exam prep and safety: Many providers offer online OSHA, basic safety, code, or exam prep modules that complement hands-on training.

Ask each school about:

  • Class schedules (day/evening/weekend)
  • Start dates and cohort options
  • Credit for prior learning or work experience
  • Career services and employer partnerships

Next Steps

If you already know your trade, jump into a program that lines up with Texas licensing. If not, tour a few campuses in Baytown and East Houston, talk with instructors, and pick the schedule and credential that fit your goals.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and Employment Projections; May 2023 wage data and 2022–2032 growth projections. ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator profiles for Lee College, San Jacinto College, College of the Mainland, and Lamar Institute of Technology. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Directory; Tulsa Welding School – Houston accreditation status. ↩

  4. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), Electrical Licensing and Apprentice Registration. ↩ ↩

  5. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Apprentice Registration and Licensing Pathways. ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Accredited Training Sponsor/Assessment Center standards and craft credentials. ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Licensing. ↩ ↩

  8. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification for handling refrigerants. ↩ ↩

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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.