Best Trade Schools in Uvalde, Texas (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Uvalde. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, program length, and licensing steps in Texas. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in demand across Texas[^1]. We also list flexible options if you work full time.

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Top Trade Schools in Uvalde

Below are accredited options in Uvalde and the greater San Antonio area. Program length is typical for full‑time students. Check each school for schedules and start dates.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in homes, plants, and commercial sites. Texas continues to add construction and industrial projects, which supports steady demand for electricians[^1].
• Many entry‑level jobs start as helpers or apprentices while you train.

HVAC/R Technician

• Work on heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in homes, hospitals, and supermarkets. Technicians who hold EPA Section 608 certification are needed statewide[^1].
• Employers value strong troubleshooting skills and clean driving records.

Welder

• Fabricate and repair metal structures for construction, pipelines, and manufacturing. Entry roles start with structural welding. Pipe welding and inspection add higher pay potential[^1].
• Certifications from AWS or NCCER can boost your resume.

Plumber

• Install and repair water, sewer, and gas systems. Residential service and commercial construction both hire licensed apprentices and journeymen in Texas[^1].
• Safety, code knowledge, and clean workmanship are essential.

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 (TDLR)[^4]

• Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR. Work under a licensed contractor.
• Log 8,000 hours of on‑the‑job experience to qualify for the Journeyman Electrician exam.
• Pass the state exam and keep your license active with continuing education.
• Master Electrician requires additional experience after journeyman and a separate exam.

HVAC/Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (TDLR)[^5]

• Register as an ACR Technician to work under a licensed contractor.
• To become a licensed ACR Contractor, document 48 months of practical experience or an approved equivalent, then pass the TDLR exam.
• EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^7].

Plumbing (TSBPE)[^6]

• Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice and train under a licensed plumber.
• Tradesman‑Limited requires 4,000 hours and an exam. Journeyman requires 8,000 hours and an exam.
• Master Plumber requires additional experience and a separate exam.
• Many municipalities also require permits. Always verify local rules before starting work.

Welding

• Texas does not issue a state welder license. Employers may require AWS D1.1, D17.1, or NCCER performance credentials depending on the job[^8].
• Schools often include bend tests or performance quals to industry standards.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning. Many programs split theory online with in‑person labs. This is common for HVAC, welding safety, and electrical code.
• Evening and weekend labs. Schools in San Antonio and Uvalde offer night sections for working adults.
• Credential prep. Look for built‑in test prep for EPA 608 (HVAC), OSHA‑10/30, NCCER, and state journeyman exams. These can shorten your time to employment.
• General education online. Community colleges often deliver math, writing, and intro computing courses fully online, which can lighten your weekly commute.

Ask each admissions team about:

• Cohort start dates and waitlists.
• Required tools and uniforms.
• Clinical or externship sites and background check policies.
• Credit for prior learning or industry experience.

Next Steps

• Compare all Texas options: visit the state hub at /trade-school/texas/.
• Browse trade career pages and licensing steps:
  • Electrician: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC: /trades/hvac
  • Welding: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing
• Explore more schools and planning tools at the main hubs:
  • Trade school hub: /trade-school/
  • Trades hub: /trades/
  • Guides: /guides/

If you live in Uvalde, start with Southwest Texas Junior College for welding, HVAC, and automotive. Then compare San Antonio programs if you want more choices or a specific specialty like aviation maintenance or allied health. Visit campuses, ask about licensure pass rates, and confirm program accreditation on College Navigator before you enroll[^2].

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, job outlook for Electricians, HVAC Technicians, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/schools/search/ [^4]: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Electricians. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm [^5]: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm [^6]: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). https://tsbpe.texas.gov/ [^7]: U.S. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^8]: NCCER Credentials and Assessments. https://www.nccer.org/credentials

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