Best Trade Schools in Madison, Wisconsin (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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 Madison. This guide lists accredited options, shows which trades are hiring, and explains Wisconsin licensing so you can plan your training with confidence. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to see steady demand and solid wages in Wisconsin¹²³⁴.

Top Trade Schools in Madison

The schools below are accredited or state‑registered and offer hands‑on training local to the Madison area. Always confirm start dates and admission requirements with the school.

School	Program Length	Highlights
Madison Area Technical College (Madison College)	1 semester to 2 years for diplomas and associate degrees. Apprenticeship related instruction 3 to 5 years.	Regionally accredited. Large selection in HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Diesel, Manufacturing, and CDL. Day, evening, and hybrid options. Modern labs and strong employer ties⁵.
IBEW Local 159 Electrical JATC - Madison	3 years Residential, 5 years Inside Wireman	Paid, state‑registered apprenticeship. Classroom plus on‑the‑job training. Prepares for Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician exam and leads to licensure with DSPS⁶.
Steamfitters Local 601 Training Center - Madison	4 to 5 years	Paid apprenticeship in pipefitting, HVACR service, and instrumentation. Welding certifications available. State‑registered with classroom training in Madison⁶.
Carpenters Training Institute - Madison	4 years	Paid apprenticeship covering commercial carpentry, concrete, interior systems, and safety. State‑registered with industry credentials built in⁶.
UnityPoint Health - Meriter School of Radiologic Technology	24 months	Hospital‑based radiography program with extensive clinicals. JRCERT accredited. Eligibility for ARRT exam upon completion⁵.
Aveda Institute Madison	About 6 to 12 months depending on schedule and program	NACCAS‑accredited cosmetology and esthiology. State board prep and salon clinic experience. Flexible schedules available⁵.
Paul Mitchell The School Madison	About 10 to 12 months for 1,550‑hour cosmetology	NACCAS‑accredited cosmetology and barbering. Day and evening schedules. Strong state board preparation and salon floor hours⁵.
Herzing University - Madison	10 to 24 months for most diplomas and associate degrees	Regionally accredited. Career‑focused programs in medical assisting, billing and coding, and IT support. Blended online and on‑campus formats⁵.

Note: Apprenticeship programs are registered with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the U.S. Department of Labor. This status is recognized statewide for licensing and employment⁶.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls. Jobs stay strong with new building, solar, and data center work. The BLS projects steady demand, and median pay is well above many entry‑level jobs¹. Local apprenticeship spots in Dane County fill fast, so apply early.

HVAC

HVAC technicians work on heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Demand rises with building efficiency upgrades and heat pump installs. Employers require EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants. Many techs progress into controls, commissioning, or service management²⁷.

Welding

Welders support fabrication, construction, and maintenance. In Madison, welding skills align with manufacturing, biotech facilities, and utility projects. Adding pipe welding or structural certifications increases your earning power⁴.

Plumbing

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters keep water, gas, and process systems safe and efficient. Wisconsin licenses plumbers statewide, and union and ABC contractors sponsor apprenticeships that lead to journeyman and master credentials³⁶.

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

Use the steps below as a roadmap. Always check current rules before you apply or test.

Electrician - Wisconsin DSPS

Register as an apprentice with a sponsoring employer or JATC⁶.
Complete 8,000 hours of on‑the‑job training plus related classroom instruction.
Apply to DSPS and pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician exam.
Advance to Master after experience and passing the Master exam.
Complete continuing education each renewal cycle to keep your credential active⁸.

HVAC Technician and Contractor

Technicians who handle refrigerants must earn EPA Section 608 certification. Study and test through an approved provider⁷.
Wisconsin does not issue a general HVAC technician license, but businesses pulling mechanical permits must designate an HVAC Qualifier with DSPS or meet local code official requirements.
Register your business and follow local permit and inspection rules in Madison and Dane County⁸.

Plumber - Wisconsin DSPS

Enter a state‑registered apprenticeship with an employer sponsor⁶.
Complete 8,000 hours of on‑the‑job training and required classroom hours.
Pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber exam through DSPS.
Qualify for Master Plumber after journeyman experience and pass the master exam.
Complete continuing education to renew on schedule⁸.

Welding

Wisconsin does not issue a welder license. Employers and unions recognize American Welding Society (AWS) and procedure‑specific certifications.
Many pipe and steamfitter apprentices earn multiple weld certs through their training center. Keep procedures current per employer or project requirements⁶.

Cosmetology and Barbering - Wisconsin DSPS

Complete required hours in an approved program. Cosmetology in Wisconsin is typically 1,550 hours.
Pass the NIC theory and practical exams.
Apply to DSPS for licensure and renew with required continuing education⁸⁵.

Online & Flexible Options

Hybrid learning: Madison College and Herzing offer blended formats where theory runs online and labs run on campus. This reduces commute time while keeping hands‑on skills strong⁵.
Apprenticeship schedules: Most apprentices work full time and attend class one to two nights a week or in weekly blocks. You earn a wage while training, which limits student debt⁶.
Short certificates: If you need a fast start, look at welding, CDL, HVAC helper, or medical assisting certificates that finish in a few months. You can stack more credentials later.
Exam prep online: EPA 608, electrician NEC updates, and code refreshers are widely available in online formats. This can help you test faster and keep credentials current⁷.

Next Steps

Compare all Wisconsin options: visit the state hub at /trade-school/wisconsin/.
Explore trades and career paths: see the main trades hub at /trades/.
Go deeper on specific careers:
- Electrician training and careers /trades/electrician
- HVAC training and licensing /trades/hvac
- Welding training and certifications /trades/welding
- Plumbing apprenticeships and licenses /trades/plumbing
Not sure where to start? Read our latest how‑to guides at /guides/.
Ready to apply? Contact two or three schools above to compare start dates and class formats. Ask about placement rates and employer partners in Dane County.

Accreditation and program details were verified using U.S. Department of Education College Navigator where available. Apprenticeship standards come from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Top Trade Schools in Madison

The schools below are accredited or state‑registered and offer hands‑on training local to the Madison area. Always confirm start dates and admission requirements with the school.

School	Program Length	Highlights
Madison Area Technical College (Madison College)	1 semester to 2 years for diplomas and associate degrees. Apprenticeship related instruction 3 to 5 years.	Regionally accredited. Large selection in HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Diesel, Manufacturing, and CDL. Day, evening, and hybrid options. Modern labs and strong employer ties⁵.
IBEW Local 159 Electrical JATC - Madison	3 years Residential, 5 years Inside Wireman	Paid, state‑registered apprenticeship. Classroom plus on‑the‑job training. Prepares for Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician exam and leads to licensure with DSPS⁶.
Steamfitters Local 601 Training Center - Madison	4 to 5 years	Paid apprenticeship in pipefitting, HVACR service, and instrumentation. Welding certifications available. State‑registered with classroom training in Madison⁶.
Carpenters Training Institute - Madison	4 years	Paid apprenticeship covering commercial carpentry, concrete, interior systems, and safety. State‑registered with industry credentials built in⁶.
UnityPoint Health - Meriter School of Radiologic Technology	24 months	Hospital‑based radiography program with extensive clinicals. JRCERT accredited. Eligibility for ARRT exam upon completion⁵.
Aveda Institute Madison	About 6 to 12 months depending on schedule and program	NACCAS‑accredited cosmetology and esthiology. State board prep and salon clinic experience. Flexible schedules available⁵.
Paul Mitchell The School Madison	About 10 to 12 months for 1,550‑hour cosmetology	NACCAS‑accredited cosmetology and barbering. Day and evening schedules. Strong state board preparation and salon floor hours⁵.
Herzing University - Madison	10 to 24 months for most diplomas and associate degrees	Regionally accredited. Career‑focused programs in medical assisting, billing and coding, and IT support. Blended online and on‑campus formats⁵.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls. Jobs stay strong with new building, solar, and data center work. The BLS projects steady demand, and median pay is well above many entry‑level jobs¹. Local apprenticeship spots in Dane County fill fast, so apply early.

HVAC

HVAC technicians work on heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Demand rises with building efficiency upgrades and heat pump installs. Employers require EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants. Many techs progress into controls, commissioning, or service management²⁷.

Welding

Welders support fabrication, construction, and maintenance. In Madison, welding skills align with manufacturing, biotech facilities, and utility projects. Adding pipe welding or structural certifications increases your earning power⁴.

Plumbing

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters keep water, gas, and process systems safe and efficient. Wisconsin licenses plumbers statewide, and union and ABC contractors sponsor apprenticeships that lead to journeyman and master credentials³⁶.

Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin

Use the steps below as a roadmap. Always check current rules before you apply or test.

Electrician - Wisconsin DSPS

Register as an apprentice with a sponsoring employer or JATC⁶.
Complete 8,000 hours of on‑the‑job training plus related classroom instruction.
Apply to DSPS and pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician exam.
Advance to Master after experience and passing the Master exam.
Complete continuing education each renewal cycle to keep your credential active⁸.

HVAC Technician and Contractor

Technicians who handle refrigerants must earn EPA Section 608 certification. Study and test through an approved provider⁷.
Wisconsin does not issue a general HVAC technician license, but businesses pulling mechanical permits must designate an HVAC Qualifier with DSPS or meet local code official requirements.
Register your business and follow local permit and inspection rules in Madison and Dane County⁸.

Plumber - Wisconsin DSPS

Enter a state‑registered apprenticeship with an employer sponsor⁶.
Complete 8,000 hours of on‑the‑job training and required classroom hours.
Pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber exam through DSPS.
Qualify for Master Plumber after journeyman experience and pass the master exam.
Complete continuing education to renew on schedule⁸.

Welding

Wisconsin does not issue a welder license. Employers and unions recognize American Welding Society (AWS) and procedure‑specific certifications.
Many pipe and steamfitter apprentices earn multiple weld certs through their training center. Keep procedures current per employer or project requirements⁶.

Cosmetology and Barbering - Wisconsin DSPS

Complete required hours in an approved program. Cosmetology in Wisconsin is typically 1,550 hours.
Pass the NIC theory and practical exams.
Apply to DSPS for licensure and renew with required continuing education⁸⁵.

Online & Flexible Options

Hybrid learning: Madison College and Herzing offer blended formats where theory runs online and labs run on campus. This reduces commute time while keeping hands‑on skills strong⁵.
Apprenticeship schedules: Most apprentices work full time and attend class one to two nights a week or in weekly blocks. You earn a wage while training, which limits student debt⁶.
Short certificates: If you need a fast start, look at welding, CDL, HVAC helper, or medical assisting certificates that finish in a few months. You can stack more credentials later.
Exam prep online: EPA 608, electrician NEC updates, and code refreshers are widely available in online formats. This can help you test faster and keep credentials current⁷.

Next Steps

Compare all Wisconsin options: visit the state hub at /trade-school/wisconsin/.
Explore trades and career paths: see the main trades hub at /trades/.
Go deeper on specific careers:
- Electrician training and careers /trades/electrician
- HVAC training and licensing /trades/hvac
- Welding training and certifications /trades/welding
- Plumbing apprenticeships and licenses /trades/plumbing
Not sure where to start? Read our latest how‑to guides at /guides/.
Ready to apply? Contact two or three schools above to compare start dates and class formats. Ask about placement rates and employer partners in Dane County.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.