Best Trade Schools in Norfolk, Virginia (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Norfolk. This guide compares accredited programs, hands-on training, and licensing steps in Virginia so you can start a well-paid skilled trade. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in steady demand across Hampton Roads and nationally1. Use this page to shortlist schools, understand licensing, and plan your next move. For the statewide view, see the Virginia trade school hub.

Top Trade Schools in Norfolk

Below are accredited options in Norfolk and nearby Hampton Roads. Program lengths are typical times for diplomas or associate degrees. Always confirm campus offerings and schedules with the school.

School Program Length Highlights
Tidewater Tech — Norfolk 9–12 months (diplomas) ACCSC accredited. HVAC, Welding, Automotive Technician, Building & Construction Trades. Day and evening schedules. Hands-on labs. Employer-aligned training2.
Centura College — Norfolk 9–15 months (diplomas) ACCSC accredited. HVAC and Building Maintenance & Repair. Small labs, certification prep, career services support2.
Tidewater Community College (TCC) 1–2 years (certificates/AAS) SACSCOC accredited. Welding, HVAC, Automotive, Mechatronics, Maritime trades. Workforce FastForward short-term credentials. Skilled Trades Academy in Portsmouth serves Norfolk students3.
Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) — Virginia Beach 12–18 months ACCSC accredited. HVAC/Refrigeration, Welding, Automotive, Diesel/Heavy Vehicle, and Maritime programs. Industry certifications built in2.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) — Chesapeake ~21–24 months ACCSC accredited. Airframe & Powerplant Technician. FAA exam preparation and hangar-based training for A&P careers2.
ECPI University — Virginia Beach 15–30 months (AAS/BS, accelerated) SACSCOC accredited. Mechatronics, Electronics Engineering Technology, and related technical programs with hybrid options and year-round terms3.
Virginia Peninsula Community College — Hampton 1–2 years SACSCOC accredited. HVAC, Welding, Plumbing, and Electrical certificates/AAS with evening options and FastForward credentials3.

Why these schools: Each holds institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or ACCSC. Most offer certification prep (EPA 608, NCCER, AWS, ASE) and career services that connect graduates with Hampton Roads employers32.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and ships. Expect steady openings from construction, maritime work, and retirements1. A good program will include extensive lab time, code knowledge, and exam prep. Explore the career path on our Electrician page.

  • HVAC Technician

    • HVAC technicians handle heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Maintenance and replacement of aging systems keep demand resilient. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerants14. See training and licensing steps on our HVAC page.

  • Welder

    • Welders support shipbuilding, repair, and industrial fabrication across Hampton Roads. Structural and pipe welding skill stacks travel well across industries. Many employers look for AWS or NCCER credentials15. Learn core skills and certifications on our Welding page.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers and pipefitters work on water, waste, and gas piping. Replacement and retrofit projects create consistent work. Journeyman and master licensing is handled by Virginia DPOR16. Get the overview on our Plumbing page.

Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Most building trades in Virginia are licensed by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors. Here are the essentials:

  • Electrician, HVAC, and Plumber Licensing (Tradesman)

    • License levels: Journeyman and Master6.
    • Common pathway for Journeyman:
    • Complete a registered apprenticeship with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction, then pass the exam7. OR
    • Combine approved education (certificate or degree) with fewer required hours, then pass the exam. DPOR recognizes several education-experience combinations.
    • Master license: Usually one year as a licensed journeyman with additional experience, or 10 years verified experience, plus passing the master exam6.
    • Exams are administered by the state’s test provider. Study guides and exam outlines are available via DPOR.

  • Gas Fitter and Backflow

    • Related specialties are also regulated by DPOR under the tradesman licensing program. Requirements mirror the journeyman/master structure6.

  • HVAC Refrigerant Handling

    • EPA Section 608 certification is required to service or purchase regulated refrigerants. Most HVAC programs include exam prep and testing options4.

  • Welding

    • Virginia does not license welders at the state level. Employers and municipal contracts may require AWS or NCCER certifications. Choose a program that includes performance tests to current codes and procedures5.

  • Apprenticeships

    • The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) registers apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training and classroom learning. Many local employers and community colleges participate7.

Tip: Ask each school how they support DPOR exam eligibility and whether their related instruction hours count toward apprenticeship requirements.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning

    • Community colleges and universities in Hampton Roads often deliver theory online with labs on campus. This works well for HVAC, welding theory, electrical code, and safety.

  • Evening and accelerated schedules

    • Several schools above offer night classes or accelerated terms for working adults. Ask about Friday/Saturday labs and modular course blocks.

  • Certification prep online

    • EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, basic blueprint reading, and electrical code updates are often available in online or hybrid formats. Schools may include voucher access or proctored testing.

  • Credit for prior learning

    • Military experience and prior work can translate to credit or advanced standing. Hampton Roads schools routinely evaluate JST and industry credentials for advanced placement3.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and campus locations on the Virginia state hub.
  • Explore career paths and certifications on the Trades hub.
  • If you are deciding between certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeships, start with our Guides.
  • Ready to act now? Shortlist two or three schools above. Ask about start dates, lab hours, certification pass rates, and how they help you meet DPOR licensing requirements.

If you want options beyond Norfolk, browse more cities on our Trade School hub.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC/R Mechanics and Installers, Welders, Plumbers/Pipefitters). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  3. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional profiles for community colleges and universities listed. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  5. NCCER, Industry-Recognized Credentials and Welding Modules. https://www.nccer.org/credentials/ ↩ ↩

  6. Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors — Tradesman Licensing (Electrician, HVAC, Plumbing, Gas Fitting). https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. Virginia Department of Labor & Industry, Registered Apprenticeship. https://www.doli.virginia.gov/apprenticeship/ ↩ ↩

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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.