Best Trade Schools in Plano, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Plano. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, program length, specialties, and what it takes to get licensed in Texas. Demand for skilled trades remains strong across the Dallas–Fort Worth area1.

Top Trade Schools in Plano

Below are accredited options in or near Plano. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current offerings and schedules23.

School Program Length Highlights
Collin College Technical Campus (Allen) 1–2 years Public college accredited by SACSCOC; AAS and certificates in HVAC, Welding, Automotive, Construction, and Electrical; modern labs; NCCER-aligned training; strong local employer ties2.
Dallas College – Brookhaven and Eastfield 1–2 years Public, SACSCOC-accredited; HVAC, Automotive, Welding, and advanced manufacturing by campus; evening options; stackable Level 1–2 certificates to AAS2.
Universal Technical Institute – Dallas/Fort Worth (Irving) 45–75 weeks ACCSC-accredited; Automotive and Diesel technician training; manufacturer-specific electives and industry partnerships; career services support3.
Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center – Dallas Metro (Irving) ~7 months ACCSC-accredited; intensive welding training with SMAW, MIG, TIG; AWS exam prep; day and evening cohorts3.
Lincoln Tech – Grand Prairie ~1–2 years ACCSC-accredited; Automotive Service, Collision Repair, and Welding Technology; hands-on bays and labs; employer-focused curriculum3.
Fortis College – Grand Prairie ~10–12 months ACCSC-accredited; HVAC/R diploma with refrigeration, electrical, and troubleshooting; EPA 608 exam preparation included3.
Texas State Technical College – North Texas (Red Oak) 1–2 years Public, SACSCOC-accredited; certificates and AAS in HVAC, Welding, Electrical Lineworker, and Industrial Systems; skills-focused labs2.
Remington College – Dallas (Garland) ~12 months ACCSC-accredited; HVAC diploma; hands-on refrigeration and air systems; EPA 608 prep; flexible scheduling3.

Tip: Collin College’s Technical Campus sits just north of Plano and is a frequent choice for local grads and adult learners.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • The DFW construction pipeline and steady commercial growth keep electricians busy1. Entry roles start as apprentices. You can move up to Residential Wireman or Journeyman with hours and an exam. Many programs in the area prep you with code knowledge and hands-on labs.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Texas heat drives year-round service calls. Employers value grads who can diagnose, braze, and handle refrigerants safely. EPA 608 certification is a must for handling refrigerants. Short diploma programs can get you job-ready in under a year1.

  • Welding

    • Fabrication, pipeline, and maintenance shops across North Texas hire welders who can pass a weld test. Multi-process skills in SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW open doors. Fast-track welding schools near Plano focus on hood time and AWS test prep1.

  • Plumbing

    • Residential and commercial builds across Collin and Dallas counties sustain demand for apprentices and licensed plumbers. Apprentices earn while they learn. Progression to Tradesman-Limited or Journeyman brings broader job options and higher pay1.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electrician licensing – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)4:

  • Register as an Apprentice Electrician.
  • Work under a licensed electrician. Accrue 8,000 hours to qualify for the Journeyman Electrician exam. Residential Wireman requires 4,000 hours.
  • Pass the state exam and background check.
  • Advance to Master Electrician with additional experience and exam.
  • Complete continuing education each year to renew.

HVAC/R licensing – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) Contractors, TDLR4:

  • Technicians work under a licensed ACR Contractor. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants5.
  • To become a licensed ACR Contractor, document practical experience, carry required insurance, pass the state exam, and choose Class A or Class B.
  • Complete continuing education each renewal cycle.

Plumber licensing – Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)6:

  • Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice under a Responsible Master Plumber.
  • Earn hours: 4,000 for Tradesman-Limited or 8,000 for Journeyman.
  • Complete required training, pass the exam, and submit fingerprints.
  • Advance to Master Plumber with additional experience and exam.
  • Complete continuing education each year to renew.

Welding:

  • Texas does not license welders at the state level.
  • Employers commonly require performance tests and industry credentials such as AWS D1.1 or NCCER Welding7.

Related credentials:

  • OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 safety cards are common employer requirements.
  • Many schools integrate NCCER modules or AWS test preparation.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid training: Public colleges and career schools here often deliver lecture content online with required in-person labs for HVAC, welding, automotive, and electrical. This reduces commute time while preserving hands-on practice.
  • Evening and weekend cohorts: Many Plano-area campuses schedule night labs to support working adults.
  • Short industry certifications: EPA 608 exam prep, OSHA-10, and NCCER modules are often offered in flexible or accelerated formats.
  • Pure online: Trades still require physical labs. Fully online options are best for theory, test prep, or general education courses, not for core hands-on skills.

Next Steps

If you plan to work in Texas, choose a program that prepares you for state licensing steps and includes the certifications employers request.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook and Employment data for construction and mechanical trades, including Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington MSA. https://www.bls.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Program and accreditation listings for public colleges and technical programs referenced. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited School Directory. https://www.accsc.org ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Electricians and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration licensing. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov ↩ ↩

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

  6. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, Licensing and Exam Requirements. https://tsbpe.texas.gov ↩

  7. NCCER, Credentialing and assessments for construction trades. 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.