Find Trade Schools & Apprenticeships
Union apprenticeships, trade schools, and pre-apprenticeship programs — all in one place.
Which type of program is right for you?
The three paths into the trades work very differently — especially when it comes to cost.
Union Apprenticeship
PaidYou earn a wage from day one.
- ·Sponsored by a union local and employer association (JATC)
- ·3–5 years of on-the-job training + classroom instruction
- ·Wages start at 40–50% of journeyperson rate and increase each year
- ·Health insurance and pension included from the union
- ·Graduates earn a journeyperson card and full union membership
Best for: People ready to commit to a specific trade and meet entry requirements today. You'll earn while you learn and build toward top-tier wages and benefits—but spots are competitive, and you need to be prepared to get in and stick with it.
Trade School
You payTuition ranges from ~$5,000 to $30,000+.
- ·Programs run 6 months to 2 years
- ·Financial aid, GI Bill, and payment plans widely available
- ·Faster entry than an apprenticeship — good for career changers
- ·Prepares you for entry-level work or strengthens a union application
- ·Certificate or associate degree upon completion
Best for: People who want a fast, structured path into a specific trade. You'll build job-ready technical skills in under a year and strengthen your apprenticeship application—making you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying opportunities.
Pre-Apprenticeship
FreeFree, and some programs pay a stipend.
- ·Short programs (4–16 weeks) that prepare you for a union apprenticeship
- ·Covers tool skills, safety, math, and physical conditioning
- ·Many target underrepresented groups: women, veterans, low-income workers
- ·Completing one significantly boosts your union application ranking
- ·A stepping stone — does not replace an apprenticeship
Best for: People who are still exploring trades or don't yet meet apprenticeship requirements. You'll gain foundational skills, hands-on exposure, and direct connections to employers—so you can choose a path confidently and improve your chances of getting accepted.
Not sure which path fits? Take the free quiz →
Already working in the trades? Browse job listings →
257 programs found
Somerset Community College
Somerset, KY
2-year program
Great Plains Technology Center
Lawton, OK
1-year program
Apex Technical School
New York, NY
1-year program
Mohawk Valley Community College
Utica, NY
2-year program
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY
2-year program
Northampton Community College
Bethlehem, PA
2-year program
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Mount Gay, WV
2-year program
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Fairmont, WV
2-year program
Central Lakes College
Brainerd, MN
2-year program
Lake Superior College
Duluth, MN
2-year program
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ
2-year program
San Juan College
Farmington, NM
2-year program
Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, NV
2-year program
College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, ID
2-year program
College of Western Idaho
Nampa, ID
2-year program
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Kirkland, WA
2-year program
Walla Walla Community College
Walla Walla, WA
2-year program
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA
2-year program
Lane Community College
Eugene, OR
2-year program
Chemeketa Community College
Salem, OR
2-year program
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO
2-year program
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