Best Trade Schools in Del Rio, Texas (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Del Rio. This guide compares accredited programs, typical program lengths, and the steps to get licensed in Texas. It also points you to flexible options and local demand for top trades. Texas continues to add skilled construction and maintenance jobs, and Del Rio students can train locally or nearby to step into these roles¹.

Top Trade Schools in Del Rio

All schools below are institutionally accredited public colleges that serve Del Rio residents. Program availability varies by campus and term. Always confirm current offerings with the school. Accreditation and program info verified via U.S. Department of Education College Navigator².

Tip: If you plan to work while training, ask about evening cohorts, block scheduling, or hybrid formats. Many programs offer night labs or weekend options.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Electricians keep homes, businesses, and infrastructure running. Texas’ growth supports steady demand for installation and maintenance work¹. Entry begins with an apprenticeship or an approved school plus on‑the‑job training. Many graduates start as apprentices or electrical helpers while logging hours toward state licensure.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • Heat and air systems need year-round service in Texas. Technicians with EPA 608 certification and strong troubleshooting skills are valued by local contractors, property managers, and facility teams¹. Training blends electrical, refrigeration, and customer service skills.

• Welder

  • Welding offers fast entry from certificate programs. Skills transfer across fabrication, pipelines, manufacturing, and maintenance. Certifications from AWS help you move up to higher-paid processes and materials¹.

• Plumber

  • Licensed plumbers handle water, sewer, and gas systems in homes and commercial buildings. Texas requires a registered apprenticeship path with exams at each level¹. Many students start as plumbing apprentices while completing evening classes.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electrician licensing (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, TDLR)³:

• Register as an Electrical Apprentice before you begin paid work.
• Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours under a licensed master or contractor and pass the exam.
• Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours under a master electrician and pass the exam.
• Master Electrician: 12,000 hours and at least 2 years as a journeyman, then pass the exam.
• Renew with continuing education each year.

HVAC/R licensing (TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)⁴:

• Register as an ACR Technician if you work under a licensed contractor.
• EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants⁵.
• ACR Contractor License: usually 4 years of practical experience in the past 6 years or an approved combination of education and experience, pass the exam, and carry required insurance.
• Annual renewal and continuing education apply.

Plumbing licensing (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, TSBPE)⁶:

• Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice.
• Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours under a licensed plumber and pass the exam.
• Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours and pass the exam.
• Master Plumber: hold journeyman for at least 1 year, meet experience criteria, and pass the exam.
• Backflow, medical gas, and other endorsements are available.

Welding in Texas:

• No state welding license. Employers commonly require American Welding Society certifications aligned to your process (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW) and position. Schools prepare you for AWS tests and OSHA safety training.

Want a deeper dive into each trade? Start here:

• Electrician career path and licensing: Explore electrician training
• HVAC training and EPA 608: Explore HVAC licensing in Texas
• Welding programs and AWS certs: Explore welding
• Plumbing apprenticeships and exams: Explore plumbing

Online & Flexible Options

You can complete classroom theory online for many trades, then attend scheduled labs to build hands-on skills.

• Community colleges near Del Rio, including SWTJC and Alamo Colleges, offer hybrid sections for general education and some trade theory. Welding, HVAC, automotive, and EMS still require in-person labs or clinicals.
• Texas State Technical College provides online coursework for some programs with required on-campus intensives. This helps working adults keep a full-time job while training.
• EPA Section 608 exam prep, OSHA 10/30, basic electrical theory, blueprint reading, and safety courses are widely available online. Use them to get job-ready faster and strengthen your apprenticeship resume⁵.

Always confirm:

• Which courses are fully online vs. hybrid.
• Required lab hours, clinical hours, or ride-alongs.
• Campus location for labs and testing.
• Evening or weekend lab options.

Next Steps

• Compare Texas schools and programs: Texas trade school hub
• See all trade career paths: Trades overview
• New to training? Read our guides:
  • How to choose a trade school
  • Financial aid and FAFSA basics
  • Find and qualify for apprenticeships

If you live in Del Rio, start with Southwest Texas Junior College in Del Rio for the shortest commute. If your program is not offered this term, look at SWTJC Uvalde or Eagle Pass. For broader choices, check St. Philip’s in San Antonio or Laredo College. Then map your Texas license steps and get your EPA or AWS certifications where needed.

Looking beyond Del Rio? Explore more options on our statewide hub: All Texas trade schools or return to the main trade school directory.

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