Trade School/Apprenticeships
Considering a trade school? It’s a great option that offers numerous opportunities for your future! Trade schools provide hands-on training in specific careers, such as automotive repair, culinary arts, healthcare, welding, and more. These programs are designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to start a successful career right away.
Considering an apprenticeship? It's an excellent way to jumpstart your career while learning valuable skills! Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, combining hands-on training with classroom instruction. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, gaining real-world experience in your chosen field, such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades. Not only do apprenticeships provide you with practical skills and knowledge, but they also often lead directly to full-time employment with competitive salaries and benefits.
Unlike traditional four-year colleges, trade schools and apprentices often have shorter programs, meaning you can enter the workforce sooner and with less student debt. Plus, many fields are in high demand, offering great job stability and earning potential. If you enjoy working with your hands or have a passion for a specific trade, trade school and apprenticeships could be the perfect path for you to launch a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Popular trade school programs
Automotive Technology – Focuses on vehicle repair and maintenance, including engines, brakes, and electrical systems.
Carpentry – Teaches woodworking skills for building and installing structures, furniture, and other wooden items.
Culinary Arts – Provides training in cooking, baking, and food preparation for careers in restaurants and other food service settings.
Electrical Technology – Covers the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) – Focuses on the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and cooling systems.
Plumbing – Teaches skills for installing and repairing piping systems for water, gas, and sewage.
Welding – Offers training in welding techniques used in construction, manufacturing, and repair.
Medical Assisting – Prepares students for administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, such as clinics and hospitals.
Dental Assisting – Provides training for assisting dentists with patient care, office tasks, and equipment handling.
Cosmetology – Teaches hair styling, cutting, coloring, and other beauty services, including skincare and makeup.
Massage Therapy – Focuses on techniques for providing therapeutic massage to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
Pharmacy Technician – Prepares students to assist pharmacists with medication dispensing and customer service in pharmacies.
Veterinary Technology – Offers training for assisting veterinarians in animal care and clinical procedures.
Diesel Mechanics – Covers the repair and maintenance of diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
Construction Management – Focuses on managing construction projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and safety.
Graphic Design – Provides training in design principles, software, and techniques for creating visual content.
Information Technology (IT) – Offers skills in computer support, network administration, cybersecurity, and programming.
Paralegal Studies – Teaches legal research, documentation, and other tasks to assist attorneys in law firms and legal departments.
Criminal Justice – Prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and security.
Heavy Equipment Operation – Provides training on operating construction equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators.
Local Trade Schools
Aviation College of Maintenance - Fremont: aviation maintenance
Carrington College - San Leandro: medical/dental, veterinary and trade/industrial programs.
International College of Cosmetology - Oakland: cosmetology, esthetics, and manicure programs
License Instruction Schools - Oakland: contractor licensing program
National Holistic Institute - Emeryville: massage therapy
Unitek College - Hayward: healthcare and nursing programs
Apprenticeships
Alameda County Electrical JATCThe Promise of the Alameda County Apprenticeship for the Electrical Trades is to provide the IBEW and NECA with the best trained, highest skilled, most productive and professional workforce in the electrical construction industry.
California Department of Water Works
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) offers a paid apprenticeship program that can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career in the hydroelectric industry. The program combines hands-on-learning, classroom instruction, and home study with supervised on-the-job training.
The program takes three to four years to complete, depending on the trade specialization
Cypress Mandela Training Center offers a FREE 16-week pre-apprenticeship program for Bay Area men and women ages 18 and older. This program is both hands-on and in the classroom. Students will be prepared for skilled trades jobs that are relevant to today’s construction industry.
The PowerPathway Signature program helps new and experienced workers develop skilled craft and apprenticeship career paths in both gas and electric operations. Students receive approximately 300 hours of industry-informed curriculum to ensure they have the academic, job-specific, interviewing and physical training necessary to become more competitive for employment. This is free and unpaid training led by PG&E instructors, augmented with hands-on training in the field.
Additional Resources
Want to find apprenticeships throughout California? Use the link below to search available apprenticeship programs by selecting a county and an occupation group
CA Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)