Trade Schools in Garland, Texas
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Garland, located northeast of Dallas, has become one of the best mid-sized cities in Texas for trade school students. Its strong manufacturing base, access to union apprenticeship programs, and community-college training make it a reliable choice for those who want to enter the workforce quickly without a four-year degree.
This page covers:
- Accredited schools and career programs in Garland
- Apprenticeships and union training options
- Local trade wages and job outlook
- Texas licensing steps for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs
- Financial aid and decision-making tips
Why Garland Is Great for Trade Students
- Proximity to Dallas. Students in Garland can access both local campuses and the wider Dallas–Fort Worth job market.
- Manufacturing and logistics hub. Employers in Garland regularly hire welders, machinists, CDL drivers, and HVAC techs.
- Training access. With Dallas College campuses nearby and union apprenticeship centers within commuting distance, Garland students have multiple pathways.
Top Trade Schools in Garland
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas College – Richland Campus (close to Garland) | Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Construction, IT | Affordable public training with strong local reputation |
| North Texas Electrical JATC – Garland | Inside Wireman (Electrician) Apprenticeship | Earn while you learn with IBEW/NECA |
| ATI Technical Training Center (nearby in Irving) | Automotive, HVAC, Welding, CDL | Short-term vocational programs |
| Lincoln Tech – Grand Prairie (short commute) | Welding, Diesel, HVAC, Electrical | NCCER-aligned programs with employer partners |
| Concorde Career College – Dallas | Allied Health: Medical Assistant, Surgical Tech, PTA | Focused healthcare programs |
Apprenticeships and Union Training Near Garland
- North Texas Electrical JATC (Garland): One of the region’s best electrician apprenticeship programs. Paid, multi-year training with classroom instruction.
- UA Local 100 Plumbers & Pipefitters (Mesquite): Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships available within commuting range.
- North Texas Job Corps: Construction trades and safety training programs designed as pre-apprenticeship tracks.
Trade Job Salaries in Garland (2025)
| Trade Career | Average Salary | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $59,200 | $59,300 |
| HVAC Technician | $55,800 | $54,000 |
| Welder | $50,800 | $49,500 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $58,000 | $56,000 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $60,000 | $58,000 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,500 | $38,200 |
Texas Licensing Steps for Garland Students
- Electrician: Apprentice registration → 8,000 hours → Journeyman exam → Master path.
- HVAC: Begin as a registered tech with TDLR → progress to contractor license with required experience.
- Plumber: Apprentice registration → 8,000 hours → Journeyman → Master Plumber.
- LVN (Nursing): Graduate from approved program → Pass NCLEX-PN → Apply to Texas Board of Nursing.
Financial Aid for Garland Students
- Federal aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at accredited programs
- Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) at community colleges
- WIOA funds available through Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
- Apprenticeship wages that offset tuition and provide experience
Garland offers students the best of both worlds: affordable public training options and access to high-quality union apprenticeships. With strong local demand in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, it’s a practical and rewarding place to start a skilled trade career.
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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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