Trade School

What you need to know about the Trades Industry

To start, check out our comprehensive Trades & Vocational Careers Guide. This overview of the process and opportunities will help you to understand and pursue a career in the trades. It offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate and take control of your career paths in this vital and growing industry.  

What are Career Technical Education Districts (CTED’s)?

Career Technical Education Districts (CTED) provide students with the academic and technical skills, and with the knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers. CTED’s allow high school students to earn certifications in high-need fields while still in high school. Some of the Arizona CTED’s are also open to high school graduates for adult learning and certifications.

The core of the CTE programs are industry technical standards developed by professionals active in the field. CTE prepares learners for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context.

Arizona Private Trade Schools - after high school graduation

  • At UTI you train to become a technician in about a year using some of the latest equipment, best practices, and top brands while gaining skills valued by the industry. Certified BMW, Honda, Ford, Mercedes, Porsche, Harley-Davidson, Cummins, Volvo, Dodge, etc.

    Pick your field: Airframe & Powerplant, Auto, Diesel, Moto, Welding.

    • Learn On Equipment Used in the Field - Industry relationships help equip the labs with current vehicles and equipment so you can learn on what you’ll see in the field.

    • Instructors have Real-World Experience - UTI instructors have valuable experience working in the field. They use that knowledge to help prepare you for a career.

    • Learn the Skills the Industry Values - Solid relationships with dealerships, distributors and manufacturers around the country. The training is created based on what skills they need for their shops. Job placement with a nationwide network of companies that have hired previous grads.

    Schedule a UTI campus tour.

  • The Refrigeration School offers trade school training in Phoenix, Arizona in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVAC/R), electrical and welding. These industries need a skilled workforce and are showing extreme growth potential. Most of the hands-on training programs take less than a year to complete to get you out in the field faster.

    Schedule an RSI campus tour.

  • Pima Medical Institute offers certificates, associate, bachelor’s and even master’s degrees. They are nationally accredited, solely focused on healthcare and offer a wide range of programs to match just about anyone’s interest. Online and in-person programs are both available depending on your program selection.

    Students will be directly mentored by professionals and a great first step toward building the professional foundation needed to land a job or seek a higher degree. Phoenix, Mesa & Tucson.

    Schedule a Pima Medical Institute tour/appointment

  • UEI is a private career college focused on training for entry-level positions in the fields of Welding, HVAC, automotive, criminal justice and electrical, plus business and healthcare. These short-term vocational and technical career training programs can be finished in 10+ months.

    Schedule a UEI campus visit

  • Aveda Institutes are conveniently located in Avondale, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. These educational programs hare taught in a professional salon and spa environment, to fully prepare students for the real world.

    Programs include:

    • Cosmetology: This program explores all facets of hairstyling, makeup, manicures, and pedicures, waxing and brow tinting, facials, and other cosmetic treatments.

    • Esthiology: Students are taught how to make clients look and feel their best through facials, facial massage, skin treatments, masks, detoxification treatments, and more.

    • Hairstyling: provides an extensive education in styling, cutting, coloring, trends, and more. (not in Tucson location)

    • Cosmetology/Esthiology Educator: Licensed beauty professionals in Arizona can pass their knowledge and share their passions with the next generation by becoming an instructor through this program.

    Schedule a tour at one of the Arizona Aveda campuses

  • Empire Beauty has five cosmetology schools in the state of Arizona located in Avondale, Chandler, Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson. You can study toward a license in cosmetology or educator of cosmetology and be eligible for employment in any of these areas:

    • Cosmetology which involves all aspects of beauty, particularly hair styling, cutting and coloring

    • Cosmetology Education

    • Nail technology and artistry

    Schedule an Empire Beauty School tour

  • Arizona Academy of Beauty offers programs in Cosmetology and Nail Technology. Emphasis is placed on preparing each student to pass the State Board Examination and receive his or her license, and how to be successful in the marketplace. You’ll practice salon management, business concepts and the psychology of personal success. With an emphasis in hands-on training and personalized instruction.

    Schedule an Arizona Academy of Beauty campus visit

  • Arizona Culinary Institute is located in Scottsdale. The program is efficient as the culinary school experience is designed to provide core training and resources during an 8-month diploma program. The philosophy is simple: students learn best in small groups, receiving personal attention from seasoned instructors.

    Schedule an Arizona Culinary Institute campus tour

  • CRAS has a one-of-a-kind program. Its one-year program, allows students to explore various areas of interest in the recording arts. The key is hands-on interaction and experiences using industry-specific equipment and technology which provides a detailed understanding of the tools and techniques used in the audio industry.

    Upon completion of the program, graduates have a thorough understanding of the recording arts and the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of roles.

    CRAS graduates are well-equipped to secure a long career in Music Production, Film & TV Sound, Live Sound, Broadcast Audio, or Video Game Sound.

    Schedule a CRAS campus tour

  • The Arizona School of Real Estate & Business offers a Real Estate License Course & Exam, allowing you to earn your license. Multiple ways to learn: self-paced online, in-person or livestream learning. Learn from leading industry instructors with Arizona expertise. Study guides, exam prep course, prep tests and a mock exam to prepare you for the licensing exam. Plus career development and support with job placement.

  • HDS Truck Driving Institute can get you ready with the CDL training needed to become a professional truck driver. Whether you are looking to obtain a Class A or B commercial driver’s license, there are several training and testing programs to meet your needs. The programs at HDS truck driving school combine classroom, yard, and on-the-road training and we can have you driving in as little as 4 weeks.

    Get more information about HDS Truck Driving Institute

Community College Certification Programs

The Arizona Community Colleges also offer entry-level job certification programs for various career fields. Each campus has different programs available. To learn more:

  1. Visit the In-State Community Colleges section on the College Exploration Panning & Applications page

  2. Find the community college nearest you

  3. Expand the college’s listing to explore Degree Programs & Certificates on their website.

Know that these are just a handful of the trade or skills opportunities in Arizona. You can do a quick internet search for any career field you might be interested in.

How To Pay For Trade School

Visit our Financial Aid & Scholarships page to learn how you can pay for Trade School.