Best Trade Schools in Pasadena, Texas (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Pasadena. This guide ranks accredited options, shows which trades are hiring, and explains Texas licensing. It is built for locals who want a faster, hands-on path to a good job. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers are in steady demand across the Houston metro[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Pasadena

Below are accredited colleges and career schools near Pasadena. Program lengths are typical ranges. Always confirm details with the school. Accreditation and program listings are verified through federal and accreditor sources[^2][^3].

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician Electric power and controls are core to Pasadena’s refineries, warehouses, and construction sites. The Houston metro continues to add electrical jobs, with steady national growth projected by the BLS[^1]. Training prepares you for residential, commercial, and industrial work. See training paths and licenses here: Electrician.

• HVAC/R Technician Houston’s climate and expanding logistics facilities keep HVAC techs busy year-round. Programs teach troubleshooting, refrigeration cycles, and controls. You will also prepare for EPA 608 certification required to handle refrigerants[^6]. Explore requirements: HVAC.

• Welder Fabrication and repair work support shipyards, energy, and manufacturing around the Ship Channel. Schools emphasize SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW on plate and pipe. Many employers value AWS or NCCER credentials for job-ready proof of skill[^7]. Learn more: Welding.

• Plumber Growth in industrial maintenance and new construction supports plumbing careers in the Houston area. Apprenticeship is the fastest way to earn while you learn. Texas has clear steps from Apprentice to Journeyman and beyond[^5]. See career path: Plumbing.

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Texas). Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electrician licensing – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)[^4]

• Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR.
• Accumulate on-the-job experience under a licensed Master Electrician. Typical paths:
  • Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours.
  • Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours.
• Complete related classroom instruction through an approved provider or apprenticeship.
• Pass the TDLR exam for your license level and submit fingerprints and application.
• Renew annually with continuing education.

HVAC/R licensing – TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration[^4]

• To work as a technician, register with TDLR under a licensed ACR contractor.
• To operate as a contractor, meet experience requirements:
  • 48 months of practical experience in the past 72 months, or a mix of education and experience.
• Pass the ACR contractor exam and hold required liability insurance.
• EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^6].

Plumbing licensing – Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)[^5]

• Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice with TSBPE.
• Tradesman Plumber-Limited: 4,000 hours as an apprentice, complete required training, pass exam.
• Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours total, complete a board-approved training course, pass exam.
• Master Plumber requires additional experience and exam.
• Annual renewal with continuing education.

Welding in Texas

• No state license. Employers often require performance qualifications to AWS standards or NCCER credentials. Schools and training centers provide test prep and performance testing[^7].

Always verify current requirements on TDLR and TSBPE sites before applying.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning: Community colleges like San Jacinto and HCC blend online theory with on-campus labs for HVAC, electrical, and welding. This saves trips while keeping hands-on practice.
• Evening and weekend schedules: IEC, ABC, and many colleges run night classes so you can work during the day.
• Accelerated programs: Career schools such as TWS and MIAT offer focused schedules to help you finish in months, not years.
• Certification prep: Look for programs that include EPA 608, NCCER, OSHA 10/30, or AWS test prep as part of the curriculum.

If you are balancing work and family, ask schools about:

• Cohort start dates and pacing options.
• Credit for prior learning or industry experience.
• Tutoring, career services, and employer partners.

Next Steps

• Compare more schools statewide: Texas Trade School Hub.
• Browse all trades and choose your path: Trades Hub.
• Learn how to plan your training, pay for school, and prep for exams: Guides.
• If you want to look beyond Pasadena, start here: All Trade Schools.

Choose two or three programs to tour. Ask about lab hours, certification pass rates, and job placement support. Pick the schedule and path that fits your life, then apply.

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Sources

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections and Occupational Outlook. bls.gov [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory and Reports. accsc.org [^4]: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electrician and ACR Licensing. tdlr.texas.gov [^5]: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), Licensing and Exams. tsbpe.texas.gov [^6]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov [^7]: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Credentials and Training Sponsors. nccer.org

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