Best Trade Schools in San Angelo, Texas (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in San Angelo. This guide lists accredited options, nearby campuses with strong trade programs, and the steps to get licensed in Texas. It is built for high school grads and career changers who want fast, job-ready training. Local demand is steady for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers in construction, energy, and healthcare support roles12.

Top Trade Schools in San Angelo

Below are accredited schools in San Angelo and nearby West Texas campuses that locals use. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for exact start dates and schedules2.

School Program Length Highlights
Howard College – San Angelo 1–12 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) SACSCOC accredited community college; hands-on labs at the West Texas Training Center; programs in allied health (LVN, EMS), welding, and workforce certificates; strong local clinical and employer ties2.
Texas College of Cosmetology – San Angelo 4–12 months NACCAS accredited; TDLR-approved cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology; state board prep and clinic floor experience; day and evening schedules2.
San Angelo Dental Assistant School ~12 weeks part-time Licensed by Texas Workforce Commission as a Career School; held in a working dental office; prepares graduates to apply for Texas RDA through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners2.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Abilene & Sweetwater 7–20 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) SACSCOC accredited; high-demand programs like HVAC, industrial systems, diesel, welding, wind energy, and electrical lineworker at nearby campuses; career services and employer partnerships2.
Odessa College – Odessa 8–12 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) SACSCOC accredited; welding, automotive, HVAC, and electrical lineworker; flexible scheduling and short-term workforce training2.
Midland College – Midland 8–12 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) SACSCOC accredited; HVAC, welding, automotive service, energy tech; career center and local apprenticeships2.
Cisco College – Abilene Center 1–2 semesters (certificates); 2 years (AAS) SACSCOC accredited; allied health and skilled trades training with small class sizes and hybrid options2.
Ranger College – Brownwood Center 1–2 semesters (certificates) SACSCOC accredited; welding technology certificates with evening schedules; stackable credentials toward AAS2.

Tip: San Angelo students often combine short certificates with on-the-job apprenticeships for faster entry and higher earnings.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Texas continues to add construction and energy projects. That drives steady demand for electricians and apprentices. Statewide outlook and wages remain strong compared to many occupations1. Training pathways include a college electrical program or direct entry into an apprenticeship, then licensing through TDLR.

  • HVAC/R Technician Extreme heat and growth in residential and commercial building keeps HVAC service calls high. Employers value grads with EPA Section 608 and hands-on troubleshooting skills. Many programs in West Texas offer hybrid lecture and lab formats to fit work schedules13.

  • Welder Oilfield support, fabrication, and infrastructure projects make welding a reliable trade locally. Employers look for structural or pipe welding skills and process versatility (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW). AWS or NCCER credentials can help you advance faster14.

  • Plumber Service and remodel work remain strong. Licensed plumbers and apprentices earn steady income with overtime potential. Choose a program that helps you log supervised hours and prep for the TSBPE exams15.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Electrician (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation – TDLR)6

  • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR and work under a licensed master electrician.
  • Accrue experience:
    • Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours + exam.
    • Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours under a master + exam.
    • Master Electrician: meet journeyman requirements and additional experience, then pass exam.
  • Complete annual continuing education to renew.

HVAC/Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (TDLR)6

  • Work as a Registered ACR Technician under a licensed contractor. You can become a Certified ACR Technician by passing a TDLR-approved exam.
  • To operate independently as a contractor (Class A or B), document at least 48 months of practical experience or an approved combination of education and experience, pass the state exam, and carry required insurance.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants3.
  • Complete continuing education for renewal.

Plumbing (Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners – TSBPE)5

  • Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice and work under a licensed plumber.
  • Tradesman-Limited: 4,000 hours + exam.
  • Journeyman: 8,000 hours + exam.
  • Master Plumber: additional experience + exam; Responsible Master Plumber required for contracting.
  • Continuing education required for renewals.

Welding

  • No state license required for general welding.
  • Employers may require AWS performance qualifications (for example, D1.1 structural) or NCCER credentials based on the job4. Pressure piping and specialized work may have additional code tests.

Cosmetology and Barbering (TDLR)

  • Graduate from a TDLR-approved program, submit application, and pass written and practical exams to earn your Texas license. Continuing education applies for renewal6.

Dental Assisting (Texas State Board of Dental Examiners – TSBDE)

  • To perform radiologic procedures, complete an approved course and apply for Texas Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credentials through TSBDE7.

Emergency Medical Services (Texas DSHS)

  • Complete a state-approved EMT or Paramedic program and pass the National Registry exam. Apply for Texas certification through the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Many local programs coordinate testing and clinicals2.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Community colleges such as Howard College and TSTC offer lecture online with labs on campus or at partner worksites. This format fits work schedules while keeping hands-on requirements intact2.
  • Evening and weekend tracks: Cosmetology and dental assisting programs in San Angelo often run evening or weekend cohorts for working adults2.
  • Credit for experience: Ask about prior learning assessment or industry cert credit. Some Texas colleges award credit for NCCER, AWS, EPA 608, or military training243.

How to Choose a Program

  • Verify accreditation and state approval. Check SACSCOC for community colleges and NACCAS for cosmetology. Confirm TDLR, TSBPE, TSBDE approval if your trade is licensed2657.
  • Look at program outcomes. Ask about completion rates, certification pass rates, and job placement.
  • Inspect labs and equipment. HVAC trainers, welding booths, simulators, and modern tools matter.
  • Confirm schedule and start dates. Many trades run cohort starts every 4–8 weeks. Evening options help you keep working.
  • Map your license path. Make sure your program helps you earn required hours and pass exams in Texas.

Next Steps

Choosing a program that fits your schedule and aligns with Texas licensing rules will help you start work faster and grow your earnings. Visit campuses, talk with instructors, and ask employers which credentials they prefer in San Angelo.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and wage data for construction and maintenance trades. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator profiles for listed schools and accreditation details. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. EPA Section 608 – federal certification to work with refrigerants. ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. NCCER – nationally recognized construction and welding credentials. ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) – plumbing licenses, exams, and CE rules. ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – electrician, HVAC, and cosmetology licensing requirements. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) – Registered Dental Assistant requirements. ↩ ↩

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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.