Best Trade Schools in Longview, Texas (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Longview. This guide compares accredited programs nearby, plus Texas licensing steps and growing trades. Use it to pick a program with strong job placement and hands-on labs. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in steady demand in Texas¹.

Top Trade Schools in Longview

All schools below are accredited colleges listed in College Navigator². Program lengths vary by certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Tip: Visit each school’s program page to confirm current start dates, required tools, and clinical or externship sites. For more options statewide, see the Texas hub at /trade-school/texas/.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Work includes wiring, panels, motor controls, and troubleshooting in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Texas construction and manufacturing keep demand steady¹.
  • Good path if you like problem-solving, math, and working with your hands. Many start as apprentices and progress to journeyman and master levels.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • Install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Texas climate and population growth drive year-round service needs¹.
  • Employers value EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling and strong electrical/mechanical fundamentals³.

• Welder and Fabricator

  • MIG, TIG, and stick welding across fabrication, pipelines, structural steel, and maintenance. East Texas energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors provide job opportunities¹.
  • Earning process-specific certs (such as AWS or NCCER credentials) helps you move up to higher-paying roles⁴.

• Plumber

  • Install and service water, drain, and gas systems. Licensed plumbers are essential on residential and commercial projects statewide¹.
  • Apprenticeship provides paid training while you log hours toward a license.

Explore these career paths in our trade hub: /trades/. Get details on training and certifications for:

• Electrician
• HVAC
• Welding
• Plumbing

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electricians (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation – TDLR)⁵

• Register as an Apprentice Electrician before working.
• Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours on-the-job and pass exam.
• Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours OJT under a licensed master and pass exam.
• Master Electrician: 12,000 hours OJT and hold a journeyman license for at least two years; pass exam.
• Electrical Contractor license is required to offer services to the public.

HVAC/Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (TDLR)⁶

• A/C Technician: register with TDLR; work under a licensed contractor.
• A/C Contractor license (Class A or B) requires 48 months of practical experience (education can substitute for part of this), pass exam, and maintain insurance.
• EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who services or purchases regulated refrigerants³.

Plumbers (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners – TSBPE)⁷

• Apprentice registration is required to begin work.
• Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours as an apprentice, required coursework, and pass exam.
• Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours as an apprentice and pass exam.
• Master Plumber: hold a journeyman license for at least one year and pass exam.
• Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) authorization is required to operate a plumbing business.

Welders

• Texas does not issue a state welder license. Employers and some jurisdictions may require certifications. Common credentials include AWS structural and pipe tests or NCCER performance verifications⁴.
• Many community colleges in East Texas offer plate and pipe test prep within welding certificates.

CDL (Commercial Driver)

• Training is offered locally through community colleges and private providers. Texas follows FMCSA ELDT rules. After training, test for your CDL at an approved site.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid formats: Schools like TSTC and TJC often deliver lecture content online, with labs on campus. This can reduce weekly commute time while keeping hands-on hours strong.
• Evening and weekend labs: Kilgore College and Panola College schedule some labs outside of typical daytime hours. Ask advisors for current night or weekend cohorts if you work full-time.
• Short-term certificates: Many welding, HVAC, and electrical certificates can be completed in 1–2 semesters. Stack these into an AAS later to boost advancement potential.
• Apprenticeship + college credit: Some programs award credit for apprenticeship classroom hours. Ask about credit-by-exam or prior-learning assessment to save time and tuition.
• General education online: Even when labs are in person, English, math, and technical electives are often available online, which can keep you on track if your work schedule changes.

If you need help comparing learning formats or verifying accreditation, start with our hubs:

• State schools: /trade-school/texas/
• All trades: /trades/
• How-to guides: /guides/

Next Steps

1) Shortlist 2–3 programs from the table above and schedule campus tours. Bring questions about certification pass rates, lab hours, and job placement. 2) Map your license path. If you plan to become an electrician, HVAC contractor, or plumber in Texas, review the steps and exams now. See our trade pages for checklists: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing. 3) Compare Texas options. If you may relocate or commute, explore the full Texas directory: /trade-school/texas/. 4) Get guidance. Visit our main hubs for planning tools and checklists: /trade-school/ and /guides/.

Start where you are. Choose a program that teaches to the certifications employers ask for, and confirms clinicals or labs before you enroll.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Trade Schools in Abilene, Texas (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Amarillo, Texas (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Arlington, Texas (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Austin, Texas (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Baytown, Texas (2025 Guide)