Best Trade Schools in Bryan, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Bryan. This guide highlights accredited options, the fastest paths to a career, and Texas licensing steps. Bryan–College Station has strong demand for skilled workers in electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, public safety, and healthcare1.

Top Trade Schools in Bryan

Below are accredited and state-approved schools in Bryan–College Station and nearby Waco/Temple. Program lengths are typical; confirm start dates and schedules with each school23.

Name Program Length Highlights
Blinn College – Bryan Campus Certificates: 1–2 semesters; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Hands-on labs for HVAC, Welding, Electrical, Automotive, Machining, CDL, and healthcare. Many programs align to industry credentials (EPA 608, NCCER, ASE). Strong employer ties in Brazos Valley2.
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) – RELLIS/College Station Academies 8–16 weeks; short courses 1–10 days State-approved training for Firefighter (TCFP/IFSAC/Pro Board), EMT (Texas DSHS), Electric Power Lineman, OSHA safety, utilities, water/wastewater. Intensive, job-focused training with modern facilities.
Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design – College Station Cosmetology 1,000 hours; Esthetics 750 hours NACCAS accredited. Salon-floor training, state board prep, day/evening schedules. Strong placement support in local salons and spas2.
Vogue College of Cosmetology – College Station Cosmetology 1,000 hours; Esthetics 750 hours NACCAS accredited. Pivot Point curriculum, bilingual instruction options, rolling class starts. Focus on practical services and licensure exam prep2.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Waco Certificates: 1 year; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Large technical programs: HVAC, Welding, Electrical Power & Controls, Instrumentation, Diesel, Aviation Maintenance. Strong job placement network statewide2.
Southern Careers Institute (SCI) – Waco 7–15 months typical ACCSC accredited. Career-focused programs in HVAC, Welding, Electrical Technician, Medical Assistant, and Business. Employer-driven curriculum and certification prep3.
McLennan Community College – Waco Certificates: 1–2 semesters; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Automotive, and health sciences. Stackable certificates; prep for EPA 608, NATE, NCCER, and ASE2.
Temple College – Temple Certificates: 1–2 semesters; AAS: ~2 years SACSCOC accredited. Trades and healthcare pathways include Welding, HVAC, Machining, Industrial Systems, CNA, and Phlebotomy. Flexible scheduling and dual credit options2.

Tip: Visit each school’s program page and ask about credential prep (EPA 608 for HVAC, AWS for welding, NCCER for construction). These help you get hired faster.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians keep homes, businesses, and plants running. Work includes wiring, panels, controls, and troubleshooting. Most start as apprentices, then test for a Journeyman license. Demand is steady with construction and grid upgrades1. Learn more on our Electrician hub.

  • HVAC Technician

    • HVAC techs install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Many jobs require EPA 608 to handle refrigerants. Texas summers drive service demand, and commercial projects add year-round work1. Explore HVAC licensing in Texas.

  • Welder

    • Welders work in fabrication, pipelines, refineries, and manufacturing across the Brazos Valley and the Gulf Coast. Certifications like AWS D1.1 or NCCER help you move up to better-paying roles1. See our Welding hub.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drain systems. Apprentices earn while they learn, then test for Tradesman or Journeyman licenses with the Texas board. Demand stays strong with residential and industrial projects1. Visit our Plumbing page.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electrician (TDLR)

  • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR and work under a licensed contractor.
  • Accumulate required experience:
    • Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours
    • Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours
    • Master Electrician: two years as Journeyman + total experience requirements
  • Apply, pass the state exam, and complete continuing education each renewal cycle4.

HVAC/Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (TDLR)

  • Work under a licensed ACR Contractor to gain at least 4 years of practical experience (or approved education + experience equivalent).
  • Pass the Texas ACR Contractor exam (Class A or Class B, Environmental Air or Commercial Refrigeration).
  • Register as a Technician while you train. Most techs also earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants45.

Plumber (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)

  • Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice and train under a licensed plumber.
  • Earn hours and pass exams for:
    • Tradesman-Limited: 4,000 hours + exam
    • Journeyman: 8,000 hours + exam
    • Master: additional experience + exam
  • Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) required to run a plumbing business. Annual continuing education required6.

Public Safety and Emergency Services

  • Firefighter: Complete a TCFP-approved academy (TEEX is widely used), pass TCFP exam, and meet medical/fitness standards7.
  • EMS: Complete state-approved EMT/Paramedic training and pass NREMT/Texas certification exams7.

Welding

  • Texas does not license welders statewide. Employers often require certifications such as AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, or NCCER credentials. Schools and training centers help you test for these credentials.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Blinn College offers hybrid options for some workforce courses and academic support online. Many trade courses still require in-person labs for safety and hands-on skills2.
  • TEEX delivers online OSHA safety, leadership, cybersecurity, utilities, and public works courses, plus short in-person skill labs. Blended formats are common for EMS, fire, and lineman prep7.
  • SCI and TSTC provide blended delivery in select programs. Ask admissions about evening or weekend cohorts23.
  • Credentials to stack:
    • EPA 608 (HVAC) — often completed during training or soon after5.
    • NCCER Core and craft modules (construction trades).
    • AWS welder performance qualifications (D1.1 structural, etc.).
    • OSHA 10/30 for construction or general industry.

Working adults: look for accelerated certificates (8–16 weeks) or night cohorts. Ask about prior learning credit if you already have field experience or military training.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and admissions dates on the Texas hub: Trade Schools in Texas.
  • Explore careers and certifications on our trade hub: All Trades.
  • Get advice on costs, aid, and apprenticeships: Guides.
  • Want options beyond Bryan? Start at the national hub: Trade Schools.

Choose two schools to tour. Bring questions about certification prep, labs, employer partners, placement rates, and class schedules. Get your application in early to reserve a seat.

Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional accreditation and programs). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited School Directory. ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Electrician and A/C & Refrigeration licensing. ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. ↩ ↩

  6. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) — Plumbing licensing and exams. ↩

  7. Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and TEEX program approvals and course catalogs. ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.