Best Trade Schools in Tacoma, Washington (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Tacoma. This guide compares accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Washington licensing so you can pick the fastest path to a good job. The Seattle–Tacoma metro supports strong demand in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and diesel/automotive1.

Top Trade Schools in Tacoma

These accredited options serve Tacoma and the South Sound. Program lengths are typical ranges — verify details with each school23.

School Program Length Highlights
Bates Technical College (Tacoma) Certificates 9–12 months; AAS ~2 years NWCCU accredited. Electrical Construction, HVAC, Welding, Machining, Diesel/Automotive, and more. Strong labs and employer ties2.
Clover Park Technical College (Lakewood) Certificates 9–12 months; AAS ~2 years NWCCU accredited. HVAC, Automotive, Welding, Mechatronics. Evening options and applied learning2.
South Seattle College – Georgetown Campus (Seattle) Certificates 6–12 months; Apprenticeship pathways NWCCU accredited. Georgetown Apprenticeship & Education Center with trades-focused programs aligned to industry2.
Renton Technical College (Renton) Certificates 9–12 months; AAS ~2 years NWCCU accredited. Electrical, Welding, HVAC, Automotive, and manufacturing programs. Employer-aligned labs2.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Seattle (Tukwila) Diplomas 18–24 months ACCSC accredited. FAA Part 147 A&P training with hands-on hangar labs and employer pipelines3.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Regional construction and industrial projects keep electricians busy. Apprenticeships and L&I licensing support clear advancement1.
  • HVAC/R: Commercial towers, hospitals, and data centers need skilled techs. EPA 608 is required for refrigerants; many roles need an electrical specialty license for controls45.
  • Welding: Shipyards, structural steel, and fabrication across Puget Sound. Multiple process qualifications increase mobility and pay1.
  • Plumbing: Residential and mixed-use growth support steady plumbing work. Registered apprenticeships build hours toward licensing and higher wages.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

  • Electrical: Get an Electrical Trainee card, log hours toward 01 (General) or 02 (Residential), complete education, and pass L&I exams. Electrical contractors must register with L&I and meet bond/insurance requirements4.
  • Plumbing: Register as a Plumbing Trainee, accumulate hours toward PL01/PL02, and pass the state exam. Contractor registration is required to run a business4.
  • HVAC/R: EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerants5. Many HVAC roles also require an L&I electrical specialty license (e.g., 06A/06B) for control wiring. Contractors must register with L&I4.
  • Welding: No general state welding license. Employers and jurisdictions set performance test requirements.
  • Apprenticeships: Registered with L&I; you earn wages while completing classroom instruction. Completion supports licensing eligibility4.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs deliver theory online and labs on campus.
  • Evening and weekend cohorts support working adults and apprentices.
  • Short credentials (EPA 608, OSHA-10/30) stack well with degree or diploma programs.

Next Steps

Tour labs, confirm accreditation, and ask how each program helps you meet L&I licensing requirements while you earn.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA Metro. bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory. accsc.org ↩ ↩

  4. Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Electrical, Plumbing, Contractor Registration. lni.wa.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

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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.