Trade Schools in Irving, Texas
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Irving, located in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, is one of the strongest mid-sized U.S. cities for trade students. It offers a dense mix of technical schools, career colleges, and apprenticeships that prepare students for high-demand jobs in HVAC, electrical work, welding, trucking, and healthcare.
This page covers:
- Accredited trade schools and career colleges in Irving
- Paid apprenticeships and union training nearby
- Local trade wages and career outlook
- Licensing steps in Texas for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs
- Financial aid and how to choose the right program
Why Irving Is Great for Trade Students
- High job availability. Irving ranks among the best U.S. cities for entry-level jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.
- Infrastructure. With quick access to Dallas and Fort Worth, students benefit from a dense training and employer network.
- Strong wages. Skilled trades in Irving pay above national averages, with electricians, HVAC techs, and diesel mechanics leading the way.
Top Trade Schools in Irving
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UTI Dallas/Fort Worth (5151 Regent Blvd., Irving) | Automotive Tech, Diesel Tech, Welding | 9–12 month programs, strong employer connections |
| Dallas College – North Lake Campus (5001 N MacArthur Blvd., Irving) | HVAC, Electrical, Construction, IT, Healthcare | Public college with affordable tuition and broad offerings |
| ATI Technical Training Center – Irving | HVAC, Automotive Service, Welding, CDL | Career-focused programs with quick start dates |
| UEI College – Dallas (near Irving) | HVAC, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant | Flexible schedules, accelerated completion |
| Lincoln Tech – Grand Prairie (short commute) | Diesel, Electrical, HVAC, Welding | Hands-on labs and NCCER-aligned programs |
Apprenticeships and Union Training Near Irving
- North Texas Electrical JATC (Garland): Electrician apprenticeship with paid training.
- UA Local 100 Plumbers & Pipefitters (Mesquite): Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships.
- Texas Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Programs: Search for approved Irving-area programs across multiple trades.
Trade Job Salaries in Irving (2025)
| Trade Career | Average Salary | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $59,500 | $59,300 |
| HVAC Technician | $56,000 | $54,000 |
| Welder | $51,000 | $49,500 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $58,500 | $56,000 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $60,200 | $58,000 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,800 | $38,200 |
Licensing Steps in Texas
- Electrician: Register as an apprentice, log 8,000 hours, pass the journeyman exam.
- HVAC: Start as a registered tech, then work toward contractor licensing with TDLR.
- Plumber: Register as apprentice, log 8,000 hours, pass journeyman exam, then progress to master.
- Healthcare (LVN): Graduate from an approved program and pass NCLEX-PN.
Financial Aid for Irving Students
- Federal Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid
- Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) for community colleges
- WIOA funding through Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
- Apprenticeships that cover tuition while paying wages
Irving is a smart choice for trade students. With its central location, strong wages, and access to schools, apprenticeships, and Texas licensing pathways, students can launch careers quickly and with confidence.
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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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