California Trade Schools and Technical Colleges

Explore top trade schools, vocational programs, and technical colleges in California, offering career-focused training designed for recent high school graduates and adults ready to advance their skills. Available courses in California include electrical technology, aircraft maintenance, and medical assisting.

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Trade Schools and Technical Colleges in California

The trade schools listed here are licensed or accredited and offer financial aid assistance for students who qualify.

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California Skilled Trade and College Programs

Choose from accredited California area skilled trade certification training classes that take from six weeks to one year to complete. Two year associate degree and four year bachelor’s degree college programs are also available. Some popular choices for recent high school graduates and adults include:

All programs are not available in all locations, use the search application to find a school near you in California.

Top 5 Trade Schools in California

This list is based on student enrollment.

  • Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC): With 10,377 enrolled students, LATTC is a leading trade school offering a wide range of programs, including automotive technology, construction, culinary arts, and nursing. The college has a high job placement rate and emphasizes hands-on training through its 75+ programs, consisting of associate and certificate courses.
  • Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Rancho Cucamonga: UTI has a substantial enrollment, providing specialized training in automotive, diesel, collision repair, and welding technologies. Known for its flexible scheduling and strong industry partnerships, UTI helps students secure employment through its extensive network​.
  • Cerritos College: Located in Norwalk, Cerritos College enrolls over 21,000 students. It offers more than 100 programs in areas such as business administration, computer networking, and liberal arts. Cerritos College is noted for its flexible scheduling, reasonable tuition, and extensive transfer opportunities to four-year universities​.
  • City College of San Francisco (CCSF): With over 20,000 enrolled students, CCSF provides a diverse range of more than 150 programs, including nursing, early childhood education, and graphic design. The college is well-regarded for its vibrant student life and numerous cultural and social activities​​.
  • Long Beach City College: This college has an enrollment of around 24,000 students. It offers various programs in media arts, fashion, construction, and business-related courses. Long Beach City College is recognized for its comprehensive curriculum, active community involvement, and facilities that support student success​​. School located in Long Beach, CA.

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