Weekend Trade School Classes (2025 Guide)

Updated September 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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More adults are switching careers or upskilling while holding full-time jobs. Weekend and evening trade school programs make it easier to train without giving up your paycheck.
Who benefits most:

  • Parents who can’t attend weekday classes
  • Career changers transitioning while employed
  • Shift workers looking for high-paying trades
  • Veterans and adult learners wanting flexible training

Weekend schedules are often compressed, allowing students to finish hands-on training in 6–12 months.

Weekend vs. Weekday Trade School: Quick Comparison

Feature Weekend Programs Traditional Weekday Programs
Schedule Saturdays & evenings Mon–Fri, daytime
Completion Time 6–18 months 6–18 months
Cost Similar tuition Similar tuition
Best For Working adults, parents, shift workers Full-time students
Hands-On Labs Usually Saturday-focused Spread across the week

High-Demand Trades with Weekend Classes

Trade Career Typical Program Length Certifications/License Median Pay (BLS 2025)
Electrician 6–12 months certificate or 4-year apprenticeship State electrician license $65,000/year
HVAC Technician 6–12 months certificate EPA 608, NATE $57,000/year
Welder 6–9 months AWS Certified Welder $50,000/year
Plumber 9–12 months + apprenticeship State plumber license $61,000/year
Medical Assistant 9 months–1 year CMA/RMA $44,000/year

Cost Breakdown

Training Path Tuition Range Notes
Community College $3,000–$8,000 In-state tuition, financial aid available
Private Trade School $10,000–$20,000 Faster completion, more flexible
Online + Lab Hybrid $5,000–$12,000 Online theory, weekend in-person labs
Union Apprenticeship Low cost Employer-sponsored, paid while training

How to Choose the Best Weekend Trade School

  1. Check Accreditation: Look for ACCSC or regional accreditation.
  2. Verify Licensing: Make sure coursework meets your state’s licensing requirements.
  3. Ask About Placement Rates: Strong schools have partnerships with local employers.
  4. Compare Class Sizes: Smaller labs mean more hands-on instruction.
  5. Consider Hybrid Options: Online lectures with weekend in-person labs save time.

Example Schools Offering Weekend Programs

School Location Trades Offered Format
Lincoln Tech Nationwide HVAC, Electrical, Welding Weekends + Evenings
Penn Foster Online + Labs Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry Flexible Hybrid
Local Community Colleges Statewide Multiple Trades Weekend Labs
IBEW Apprenticeships Statewide Electrical Saturday Coursework + Paid Training

FAQs About Weekend Trade School Programs

Are weekend trade schools more expensive?

Tuition is usually similar to weekday programs, but private schools may cost more for flexible scheduling.

Can you get financial aid for weekend programs?

Yes. Accredited weekend programs are eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, and GI Bill benefits.

Do weekend classes take longer?

Most weekend classes are accelerated and take about the same time to complete as weekday courses.

Are online weekend trade schools legit?

Hybrid programs (online theory + weekend labs) are growing in popularity and are widely accepted by licensing boards.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Research programs on TradeCareerPath.com.
  2. Contact admissions and ask about weekend or hybrid schedules.
  3. Apply early; weekend seats fill fast.
  4. Secure financial aid or tuition reimbursement.
  5. Start training without giving up your day job.

Bottom Line

Weekend trade school classes are the fastest path to a new career for busy adults. Whether you want to become an HVAC tech, electrician, or welder, weekend programs give you flexibility without sacrificing quality.

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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.