Here are the best schools in Cypress. This guide compares accredited programs near you, explains Texas licensing, and shows where the jobs are. Use it to choose a school and get licensed faster. Local and national data are sourced from government and accrediting bodies[^1][^2][^3].
Top Trade Schools in Cypress
Below are credible, accredited options within Cypress or a short commute. Confirm campus offerings and start dates with each school.
#1
Abilene Christian University
📍
Abilene, TX
•In-state option
Located in Abilene, TX Abilene Christian University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Entrepreneurship, and Graphic Design.
Located in San Antonio, TX Alamo Community College District Central Office is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.
Located in Alvin, TX Alvin Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Located in Amarillo, TX Amarillo College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Auto Body and Collision Repair, and Automotive Technician.
Located in Lufkin, TX Angelina College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Machining Technology.
Located in San Angelo, TX Angelo State University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Criminal Justice, and Cybersecurity.
Located in Arlington, TX Arlington Baptist University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.
Houston’s industrial, healthcare, and data center growth keeps demand steady for licensed electricians[^1]. Entry roles start as registered apprentices. Pay rises with each license level.
HVAC/R Technician
Texas heat means year-round service calls. Technicians with EPA Section 608 and strong troubleshooting skills are hired quickly. Commercial refrigeration adds higher earning potential[^1][^7].
Welder
The Houston area is a national hub for fabrication, energy, and shipyard work. Employers value AWS structural and pipe certifications plus solid layout/blueprint reading[^1].
Plumber
Residential growth around Cypress and ongoing commercial construction support stable work for licensed plumbers and apprentices[^1]. Backflow, medical gas, and commercial experience can boost pay.
National median wages in these trades are strong, and the Houston metro often runs higher due to industrial demand[^1]. Focus on stacking credentials and on-the-job hours to move up fast.
Explore trades in detail:
Electrician career path and training options: Electrician
Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Texas). Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.
Licensing Requirements in Texas
Electrician (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – TDLR)[^4]
Register as Electrician Apprentice with TDLR.
Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours of on-the-job training + exam.
Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours under a master electrician + exam.
Master Electrician: 2 years as a journeyman + exam.
4 hours of continuing education required for renewals.
To work under a contractor: register as an ACR Technician with TDLR.
To operate your own business: obtain an ACR Contractor License (Class A or B; Environmental Air or Commercial Refrigeration & Process Cooling/Heating). Requires verifiable experience (commonly 48 months under a licensed contractor, with possible education substitutions), passing the state exam, and liability insurance.
EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^7].
Plumbing (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners – TSBPE)[^5]
Register as Plumber’s Apprentice to start earning hours.
Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours + exam.
Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours + exam.
Master Plumber: hold Journeyman for required period (typically 4 years), meet experience criteria, and pass exam.
Additional endorsements (Medical Gas, Drain Cleaner) require extra training and testing.
Welding
No state license. Employers often require AWS certifications (e.g., D1.1 Structural, ASME Section IX for pipe). OSHA 10/30 safety cards are widely requested[^6].
Apprenticeship note
DOL-registered programs like IEC and ABC help you earn while you learn and log hours required for state licenses. Training follows NCCER standards used by many Texas contractors[^6].
Online & Flexible Options
Hybrid programs: Lone Star College and HCC deliver some lecture and safety coursework online, with required in-person labs for hands-on skills[^2].
Evening cohorts: IEC Texas Gulf Coast and ABC Greater Houston run evening apprenticeship classes so you can work full-time while training[^6].
Test prep: Many schools include EPA 608 prep for HVAC techs. You can also prepare online and test with an approved proctor[^7].
Accelerated diplomas: ACCSC-accredited career schools like MIAT/UTI, TWS, Fortis, and Houston School of Carpentry offer focused, short programs that lead to entry-level roles quickly[^3].
Pick the format that fits your schedule. Apprenticeships maximize paid experience. Short diplomas can help you switch careers fast. Community colleges offer stackable certificates that build toward an associate degree.
If you already know your trade, go to the program pages above and contact two or three schools. Ask about start dates, required tools, certification prep, and job placement. Then enroll and start logging the hours you need for your Texas license.
Sources
[^1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and Employment data for electricians, HVAC mechanics and installers, plumbers, and welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles for Texas public colleges. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
[^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited Institutions Directory. https://www.accsc.org/Directory/
[^4]: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), Electrician and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/
[^5]: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Licensing and Examination. https://tsbpe.texas.gov/
[^6]: NCCER, Accredited Training Sponsors and Curriculum Standards. https://www.nccer.org/
[^7]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608
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.
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