Best Trade Schools in Odessa, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Odessa. This page compares accredited programs, the trades most in demand, and Texas licensing steps so you can start fast and meet requirements. BLS data shows steady demand and solid pay for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders in 20251. We verified school accreditation and programs using federal and state sources2.

Top Trade Schools in Odessa

All schools below are institutionally accredited public colleges serving the Permian Basin or West Texas. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each catalog for current options and start dates2.

School Program Length Highlights
Odessa College (Odessa) Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: 2 years SACSCOC accredited; Welding Technology, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Electrical/Industrial Technology, Automotive, Diesel, CDL, EMT/Paramedic, LVN; strong employer ties in energy and construction2
Midland College (Midland) Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: 2 years SACSCOC accredited; Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration, Welding, Automotive Technology, Energy/Petroleum Tech, Dental Assisting, EMT/Paramedic, LVN/ADN; evening and hybrid options in select programs2
Howard College (Big Spring) Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: 2 years SACSCOC accredited; Welding, Automotive, Industrial Maintenance, LVN/ADN, EMT; small class sizes; regional clinical and shop placements2
Texas State Technical College – West Texas (Sweetwater/Abilene/Breckenridge) Certificates: 8–12 months; AAS: 2 years SACSCOC accredited; Electrical Lineworker, HVACR, Welding, Diesel Equipment, Industrial Systems, Wind Energy; industry certifications aligned to each trade2
South Plains College (Levelland/Lubbock) Certificates: 8–12 months; AAS: 2 years SACSCOC accredited; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Welding, Automotive, Electrical and Power Transmission, Machine Tool; multiple campus and lab sites2
Western Texas College (Snyder) Certificates: 8–12 months; AAS: 2 years SACSCOC accredited; Welding, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Manufacturing/Industrial Technology; hands‑on labs and employer partnerships2

Tip: Compare course sequences, lab hours, and industry certifications. For example, HVAC programs should prepare you for EPA Section 608 exams, while welding programs should offer AWS testing options.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians keep drilling sites, plants, and commercial buildings running. National median pay is about 1,590, with steady growth projected1. In the Permian Basin, overtime and project premiums are common during peak cycles. See training paths on our Electrician page.

HVAC

  • Homes, hospitals, and industrial facilities need HVAC techs year‑round. The national median is about 7,3001. Odessa’s hot climate and rapid build‑outs support consistent service demand. Learn credentials and tools on our HVAC page.

Welding

  • Welders are core to fabrication, pipelines, and plant maintenance. Median pay is about 8,940, with higher rates for advanced processes and code work1. Schools here emphasize structural and pipe welding. Explore certifications on our Welding page.

Plumbing

  • Residential new construction and commercial retrofits keep plumbers busy. National median pay is about 1,550, with strong apprenticeship pathways1. See licenses and exam prep on our Plumbing page.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Use this checklist to stay compliant statewide.

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

  • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR.
  • Train under a licensed master electrician.
  • Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours and exam.
  • Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours and exam.
  • Master Electrician: required experience as a journeyman and exam.
  • Renew on schedule; complete continuing education each year.

HVAC – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (TDLR)3

  • Get EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants4.
  • Register as an ACR Technician with TDLR to work under a licensed contractor.
  • ACR Contractor License: show required experience (typically 48 months practical experience or approved combinations), pass the exam, and carry insurance.
  • Annual renewal and continuing education required.

Plumbers (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, TSBPE)5

  • Register as a Plumber Apprentice and work under a licensed plumber.
  • Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours and exam.
  • Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours and exam.
  • Master Plumber: additional experience as a journeyman and exam.
  • Backflow and medical gas endorsements are available after extra training.

Welders

  • No state license. Employers commonly require AWS structural or pipe welding certifications and site safety cards (OSHA 10/30)1.
  • Many college programs host AWS test facilities or arrange third‑party testing.

Construction Credentials

  • Many schools deliver NCCER modules recognized by Texas employers6.

Local permits and inspections

  • Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work must follow local code and permit rules. Confirm requirements with your city or county building department before starting a job.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Odessa College and Midland College deliver lecture content online for many courses, with labs and clinicals on campus. This reduces time away from work while meeting hands‑on requirements2.
  • Evening and weekend cohorts: Common in welding, HVAC, and allied health to fit shift schedules.
  • Short‑term certificates: Many programs offer stackable certificates that can be earned in 1–2 semesters and applied toward an AAS later.
  • Exam prep: Look for integrated test prep for EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NCCER, and state licensing exams. TSTC and regional colleges often bundle these into capstone courses2.
  • Apprenticeships: Pair classroom instruction with paid hours. Use our state hub and trade pages to find employer sponsors and JATCs.

Next Steps

Odessa offers practical training, strong employer demand, and clear licensing steps. Pick a program length that matches your timeline, verify accreditation, and map your license path before you enroll. You can be job‑ready in months, not years.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment data for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Accreditation and program details for listed colleges. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Electrical and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration licensing. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ ↩ ↩

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

  5. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) – Plumbing licenses and exams. https://tsbpe.texas.gov/ ↩

  6. NCCER – Construction craft training and credentials. 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.