Best Trade Schools in Mission, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Mission. This page shows accredited options nearby, the trades hiring in 2025, and the steps to get licensed in Texas. You will also find flexible paths if you work full time. Job outlook and wage data reference trusted sources like BLS and state licensing boards.1

Top Trade Schools in Mission

Below are accredited schools within an easy drive of Mission. Program lengths are typical for certificates and associate degrees. Always confirm current availability and schedules with the school. Accreditation status can be verified on College Navigator.2

School Program Length Highlights
South Texas College – Technology Campus (McAllen) Certificate: 8–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Public community college. SACSCOC accredited via US Dept. of Education listings.2 Offers HVAC-R, Welding, Automotive, Precision Manufacturing, and Electrician technology. Day and evening options. Prep for EPA 608 and NCCER credentials.
Texas State Technical College (Harlingen) Certificate: 9–20 months; AAS: ~2 years Public technical college. Programs include HVAC Technology, Welding Technology, Diesel Equipment, Precision Machining, and Aircraft A&P. Strong employer ties and hands-on labs.2
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (Weslaco) Diplomas: ~7–12 months Institutionally accredited career school listed in College Navigator.2 Skilled-trade programs include HVAC and Welding. Small cohorts and career services support.
Texas Southmost College (Brownsville) Certificate: 1 year; AAS: ~2 years Public community college.2 Programs in Welding, HVAC/R, Automotive, and Construction trades. Modern labs and stackable certificates.
Rio Grande Valley College (Pharr) Diplomas/Associate: program-dependent Institutionally accredited allied health career college.2 Good option if you want a fast path into high-demand healthcare technician roles in the Valley.

Tip: If you plan to work while you study, ask about evening or hybrid labs. Many local programs run cohorts starting each term and offer credit for prior learning.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Construction and logistics growth in the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission area keeps electrical work steady. Entry starts with an apprenticeship or a wiring certificate, then on-the-job hours toward a license.1 Learn more: Electrician career guide.

  • HVAC Technician

    • The Rio Grande Valley’s heat drives year-round demand for A/C service. Techs with EPA 608 and solid troubleshooting skills get hired quickly. Employers value grads who can handle residential change-outs and light commercial work.1 Learn more: HVAC licensing in Texas.

  • Welder

    • Fabrication, transportation, and construction firms need welders who can pass code tests. Local programs aligned to NCCER and AWS standards help you qualify for shop and field roles.1 Learn more: Welding careers.

  • Plumber

    • New housing and commercial build-outs keep plumbers busy. The state requires an apprenticeship path with documented hours before you test for your license.1 Learn more: Plumbing careers.

Median wages for these trades in Texas remain competitive compared with many service jobs, and experience plus specialty certifications can increase pay.1

Licensing Requirements in Texas

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

  • Register as an Apprentice Electrician with TDLR. Work under a licensed electrician.
  • Residential Wireman license: 4,000 hours of on-the-job training + exam.
  • Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours as an apprentice + exam.
  • Master Electrician: 12,000 hours + required time as a journeyman + exam.
  • Most cities require permits and a licensed contractor to pull them.

HVAC (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, TDLR)4

  • Get hired and register as an ACR Technician with TDLR.
  • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to work with refrigerants (required).5
  • ACR Contractor License: typically 48 months of practical experience in the past 72 months under a licensed contractor, or an approved training/experience combination, plus exam and insurance.4
  • Choose license class (Environmental Air or Commercial Refrigeration) and endorsement (e.g., Residential, Commercial) based on your plans.

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

  • Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice and log hours under a licensed plumber.
  • Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours + exam.
  • Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours + exam.
  • Master Plumber: additional experience + exam. Separate endorsements available (drain cleaner, medical gas, etc.).

Welding

  • Texas does not issue a state welder license for general welding. Employers and jobsites set requirements.
  • Common credentials include AWS structural plate and pipe codes and NCCER performance verifications. Many local programs prepare you for these tests.7

Keep records of your job hours. TDLR and TSBPE require proof of supervised experience when you apply for exams.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid trade programs: South Texas College and TSTC offer lecture online with hands-on labs on campus for programs like HVAC and Welding. This helps if you work full time.2
  • Short industry certs: Many campuses bundle OSHA-10/30 and NCCER Core modules. Some theory content can be completed online before lab time.7
  • EPA Section 608: You can prepare online and test with approved proctors. Some local schools host testing sessions.5
  • Apprenticeship first: If you want to earn while you learn, start as a helper or apprentice and take night classes toward your credential. Ask about credit for prior learning and military experience.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and formats: Visit the Texas trade school hub and the main Trade Schools page.
  • Pick a trade path: Explore requirements and career tracks in our Trades hub: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing.
  • Get ready to enroll: Gather transcripts, ID, and immunization records. Ask schools about start dates, night options, externships, and exam prep.
  • Plan financing: Many community colleges offer aid and payment plans. Visit our Guides for planning tips.

If you live in Mission, start with campus tours at South Texas College and a quick call to TSTC Harlingen. Ask about job placement support and which certifications you will be ready to test for by graduation.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook and employment data for construction and mechanical trades. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Verify institutional accreditation and programs. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm ↩

  4. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Licensing. https://tsbpe.texas.gov/ ↩

  7. NCCER, Industry-recognized credentials and training. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩

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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.