Best Trade Schools in Spokane, Washington (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Spokane. Use this 2025 guide to compare accredited programs, see Washington licensing steps, and target trades with strong demand and solid pay1. Listings focus on hands-on training that helps you get hired fast.

Top Trade Schools in Spokane

Below are reputable, accredited, or state-recognized options in the Spokane area. Program lengths are typical; check each school for current scheduling.

School Program Length Highlights
Spokane Community College (SCC) Certificates 9–12 months; AAS ~2 years NWCCU-accredited public college. Welding, HVAC/R, Automotive, Diesel, Machine Tech, Electrical Maintenance & Automation. Large labs and apprenticeship pathways2.
Pima Medical Institute – Spokane Diplomas 9–12 months; Some AAS up to ~20 months ABHES-accredited. Programs like Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Assistant. Externships and employer links2.
Northwest HVAC/R Training Center (Spokane) ~9–12 months full-time HVAC/R-focused technical training with shop labs. Prepares for EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification; strong industry ties3.
Paul Mitchell The School Spokane ~10–12 months (schedule-dependent) Cosmetology program with state licensure exam prep and salon/clinic experience. Career support and industry networking2.
Community Colleges of Spokane – Apprenticeship (RSI) 2–5 years (trade-dependent) Related supplemental instruction for registered apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, sheet metal, ironwork, and more. Earn while you learn; journey-level credentials through WA L&I/WSATC partners4.
Inland Empire Electrical Training Apprenticeship (IBEW 73/NECA) 4–5 years Inside wireman and limited energy programs. Paid on-the-job training + classroom instruction. Leads to Washington journey-level electrician certification4.
North Idaho College – Workforce Training Center (Post Falls) Certificates 3–12 months; AAS ~2 years NWCCU-accredited, quick commute from Spokane. Welding, Machining, Industrial Mechanic/Maintenance, and short-term trades certificates2.

Why these schools: Each offers hands-on labs, recognized accreditation or registration, and direct ties to local employers, unions, or apprenticeship sponsors. Start with SCC for broad trade options, Pima for allied health, and Northwest HVAC/R if you want to specialize in climate control. Apprenticeships deliver a paid route to licensure in construction trades4.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Spokane and the Inland Northwest continue to build and modernize facilities. Electricians see steady demand and project-driven overtime, with wages in Washington above national averages1. The path is clear: approved training hours, apprenticeship, state exam, and strong union and non-union hiring. Learn how the career works and what to expect: Electrician.

  • HVAC/R Technician Heat pumps, retrofit energy work, and refrigeration keep HVAC employers hiring year-round. Many jobs are local-service based, which reduces travel and keeps schedules stable. EPA Section 608 certification is a must for refrigerants, and Washington electrical rules apply to system connections13. Explore the field: HVAC.

  • Welder Welding supports manufacturing, fabrication, and infrastructure projects in the region. Multi-process skills (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) and code work increase pay. Employers value AWS certifications; some structural projects require additional credentials specified by the authority having jurisdiction15. Start here: Welding.

  • Plumber Residential and commercial service work drives steady demand for licensed plumbers in Washington. Apprenticeship is the most direct path, leading to high-skill, high-responsibility roles. Backflow, medical gas, and code knowledge can boost earnings and mobility1. Learn more: Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) oversees most construction-trade credentials and apprenticeships. Always confirm current rules with the state before you enroll or test4.

  • Electrician (WA L&I)

    • Apply for an Electrical Trainee card.
    • Enter a registered apprenticeship or equivalent training program and document required on-the-job hours and classroom training for your category (e.g., 01 Journey Level).
    • Pass the state exam for your scope.
    • Maintain continuing education to renew4.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants3.
    • Electrical work on HVAC systems in Washington requires an electrical trainee card and supervision, and often a specialty electrician certificate (e.g., HVAC/R specialties). Follow L&I rules for scope and supervision.
    • If you open a business, register as a contractor with L&I and meet bonding/insurance requirements4.

  • Plumber (WA L&I)

    • Get a Plumber Trainee certificate.
    • Complete required hours through a registered apprenticeship or equivalent program (e.g., PL01 Journey Level, PL02 Residential Specialty).
    • Pass the appropriate state exam.
    • Complete continuing education for renewal4.

  • Welding

    • No general state welder license for most private employment. Employers commonly require American Welding Society (AWS) certifications aligned to job codes.
    • Certain structural or code-governed projects may require specific certifications recognized by local jurisdictions or project specifications5.

Tip: Apprenticeships are registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship & Training Council (WSATC) and provide paid OJT plus classroom instruction. L&I lists open programs and application windows4.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many Spokane programs blend online theory with on-campus labs. Examples include welding theory, electrical code, or HVAC fundamentals online with required in-person shop time.
  • Evening/weekend tracks: SCC and apprenticeship partners often schedule evening classes so you can work while you train.
  • Short-term certificates: Fast tracks in CDL, welding processes, or maintenance basics help you stack credentials and move up quickly.
  • Allied health online components: Schools like Pima often deliver general education and some didactic courses online, with clinical/externship in person2.
  • Self-paced exam prep: Use online resources for EPA 608, basic code, and NCCER knowledge modules to reinforce hands-on training36.

If you need help choosing a flexible option or mapping prerequisites, start with our main hubs: Trade Schools and All Trades.

Next Steps

  • Compare statewide options and pick your campus: Washington Trade Schools.
  • Read career and licensing how-tos: Guides.
  • Zero in on a path:
  • Visit campuses. Ask about program length, lab hours, credential prep (EPA 608, AWS, state exams), and apprenticeship placement rates.
  • Confirm Washington licensing steps with L&I and schedule your exams early4.

Spokane gives you multiple ways to train: community college labs, focused technical programs, and paid apprenticeships. Pick the route that fits your timeline, learn from instructors who work in the field, and use certifications to prove your skills.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. bls.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. EPA – Section 608 Refrigerant Handling Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) – Licensing, Apprenticeship, and Contractor Registration. lni.wa.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. O*NET OnLine – Work activities, certifications, and training for skilled trades. onetonline.org ↩ ↩

  6. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) – Accredited Training Sponsors and credentials. 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.