Best Trade Schools in Fredericksburg, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Fredericksburg. Use this list to compare accredited programs nearby, understand Texas licensing, and target trades that are hiring in the Hill Country. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to see steady demand and solid pay in Texas1.

Top Trade Schools in Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg area leans on strong regional colleges and accredited career schools within a reasonable drive. All options below are institutionally accredited and offer hands-on labs and industry certifications23.

School Program Length Highlights
St. Philip’s College (San Antonio) 6–12 months (certificates); ~2 years (AAS) SACSCOC-accredited public college; welding, HVAC, diesel, and automotive labs; EPA 608 prep in HVAC; day and evening options2
Austin Community College (Austin) 6–12 months (certificates); ~2 years (AAS) SACSCOC-accredited; Welding Technology, HVAC, Building Construction; multi-campus labs; employer partnerships2
Southern Careers Institute — Austin ~7–10 months (diplomas) ACCSC-accredited; HVAC and Electrical Technician programs; hands-on training; career services and employer network3
Austin Career Institute (Austin) ~7–10 months (diplomas) ACCSC-accredited; HVAC and Electrical Technician; EPA 608 and OSHA-10 prep; day/evening schedules3
Ranger College — Marble Falls 9–12 months (certificate); ~2 years (AAS) SACSCOC-accredited; Welding Technology with AWS-focused curriculum; evening classes at the Marble Falls center2
Southwest Texas Junior College (Uvalde) ~1 year (certificates); ~2 years (AAS) SACSCOC-accredited; Air Conditioning & Refrigeration and Welding; regional workforce partnerships2
Texas State Technical College — East Williamson County (Hutto) ~1 year (certificates); ~2 years (AAS) SACSCOC-accredited; HVAC and Welding Technology; strong job placement support statewide2

Tip: Visit program pages and ask about cohort start dates, lab hours, and embedded certifications (EPA 608, OSHA-10, NCCER, AWS).

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Work includes installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites.
  • Apprentices start earning while they train. National median pay is above 0,000, with strong demand across Texas1.
  • Pathways near Fredericksburg include college pre-apprenticeship, employer apprenticeships, and union JATCs. See our electrician overview: Electrician.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration)

  • Techs service and install comfort systems and refrigeration equipment. Year-round work in Texas heat.
  • BLS projects faster-than-average growth, and EPA 608 certification is a must for refrigerants1.
  • Local colleges offer HVAC certificates that stack to an AAS. Learn more: HVAC.

Welding

  • Core skills in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW open doors in fabrication, construction, and pipeline work.
  • Certifications through AWS can boost pay and mobility. Employers value hands-on hours in school labs.
  • Programs nearby align to common AWS codes. See our welding guide: Welding.

Plumbing

  • Plumbers install and repair piping, fixtures, and gas systems. Residential service and commercial construction both hire.
  • Apprentices learn on the job and in related training. Journeyman and Master licenses lead to higher pay and independence1.
  • How it works in Texas is below. Explore the trade: Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electricians (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation – TDLR)

  • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR.
  • Accumulate required hours under supervision:
    • Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours
    • Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours
    • Master Electrician: 12,000 hours and hold Journeyman for 2 years
  • Pass the applicable TDLR exam and renew with continuing education (4 hours each year)4.

HVAC/ACR (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration – TDLR)

  • Work under a licensed ACR contractor while you train.
  • Many employers want you to hold an ACR Technician Registration with TDLR.
  • To become a licensed ACR Contractor (Class A or B): show 48 months of practical experience (or qualifying education + experience), pass the TDLR exam, and carry required insurance.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for handling refrigerants56.

Plumbing (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners – TSBPE)

  • Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice.
  • Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours + exam (residential focus).
  • Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours + exam.
  • Master Plumber: hold Journeyman at least 1 year and pass Master exam.
  • Additional endorsements exist for Medical Gas, Water Supply Protection Specialist, and Residential Utilities Installer7.

Welding (Texas)

  • No state license required.
  • Employers often require performance qualifications to AWS codes (for example, AWS D1.1). Many schools arrange bend tests or refer to accredited test facilities8.

Always confirm current requirements with the state boards before you apply or test.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Local colleges like Austin Community College and St. Philip’s College offer some lecture online with required in-person labs for welding and HVAC. This can reduce commute time without losing hands-on training2.
  • Accelerated schedules: ACCSC-accredited schools such as Southern Careers Institute and Austin Career Institute run daytime and evening cohorts that finish in about 7–10 months3.
  • Certification prep online: OSHA-10/30 and EPA 608 exam prep can be completed online, then you sit for your proctored test locally6.
  • Apprenticeship classroom hours: Some apprenticeship providers offer night classes that fit full-time work.

Hands-on labs are essential for trades. If you study online theory, plan for in-person skills assessments and externships.

Next Steps

Talk to at least two schools. Ask about start dates, lab capacity, certification pass rates, and job placement help. If you plan to get licensed, confirm your program meets Texas requirements for that license.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, accessed 2025. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, institutional profiles and accreditation listings, accessed 2025. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), accredited school directory, accessed 2025. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), Electricians Program (licensing, exams, CE), accessed 2025. ↩

  5. Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor requirements, accessed 2025. ↩

  6. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification for Refrigerants, accessed 2025. ↩ ↩

  7. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Licensing and Examination Requirements, accessed 2025. ↩

  8. American Welding Society (AWS), Certifications and codes (D1.1 and others), accessed 2025. ↩

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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.