Phoenix, AZ Trade Schools
Browse 14 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs in Phoenix, Arizona
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Schools
15
Trade Programs
AZ
State
Phoenix is one of the strongest trade school markets in the U.S., anchored by the 10-college Maricopa Community Colleges system, the Refrigeration School (RSI), Universal Technical Institute Avondale, Pima Medical Institute, and Carrington College. The combination of explosive metro population growth, the TSMC and Intel semiconductor fab build-outs in north Phoenix, and an HVAC labor market that's effectively year-round has made Phoenix one of the best places in the country to train for the skilled trades.
Phoenix's trade economy runs on three engines: HVAC demand from a desert climate that produces year-round residential and commercial work; semiconductor fab construction and operation in north Phoenix and Chandler that's driving multi-year demand for electricians, pipefitters, welders, and instrumentation technicians; and healthcare hiring across Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Dignity Health to keep up with one of the fastest-growing metros in the country.
Trade schools are spread across the Valley: Maricopa Community Colleges (Phoenix College, GateWay, South Mountain, Estrella Mountain, Mesa, Chandler-Gilbert, Scottsdale, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Rio Salado) cover most neighborhoods; specialty schools like RSI and UTI sit in west Phoenix and Avondale; and Pima Medical Institute and Carrington College are central. Most students pick a campus by both proximity and the trade they're training for.
Phoenix is a car-centric metro with strong freeway connectivity. The Valley Metro light rail serves a few campuses (GateWay, Phoenix College area) but most students drive. Phoenix's heat is a real consideration for outdoor lab work — many programs schedule field exercises early in the morning during summer months.
Based on local hiring activity and employer demand in the Phoenix metro.
Highest year-round HVAC demand in the U.S. due to desert climate; RSI is a national HVAC training hub
TSMC and Intel fab construction creates multi-year demand for thousands of electricians
Banner Health (largest employer in AZ) and HonorHealth drive sustained MA hiring
Semiconductor fab construction and solar/utility-scale projects across the West Valley
UTI Avondale is one of the largest automotive training schools in the country
410 E. Bell Rd., Suite G-100, Phoenix, AZ 85022
N/A
N/A students
2149 W Dunlap Ave, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
$16,187
1,088 students
2149 W Dunlap Ave, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
$16,187
1,088 students
1245 E Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85034
N/A
N/A students
108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
N/A
N/A students
3423 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017
N/A
N/A students
1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
$2,700
N/A students
13430 N Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85029
$16,415
830 students
13430 N Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85029
$16,415
830 students
8825 W Larkspur Dr, Peoria, AZ 85381
N/A
N/A students
1310 W Auto Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284
N/A
N/A students
7050 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042
$2,700
N/A students
4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
$23,625
1,417 students
2828 N 36th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
N/A
N/A students
Ready to start your career training? Here's how to get enrolled in a trade school in Phoenix:
If wait lists are long or commute is an issue in Phoenix, these nearby cities have additional trade school options.
HVAC programs in Phoenix typically run 6-12 months for a certificate or diploma, or up to 24 months for an associate degree. The Refrigeration School (RSI) runs a popular 7-month program. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants and is included in most programs.
Yes — RSI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and accepts federal financial aid including Pell Grants and the GI Bill. It is one of the most well-known dedicated HVAC schools in the U.S.
Maricopa Community Colleges in-county tuition is approximately $85 per credit hour, putting most diploma programs in the $3,500-$7,500 range. Private schools like RSI, UTI, and Pima Medical Institute run $14,000-$22,000. Most programs accept federal financial aid; many also accept the GI Bill and WIA workforce funding.
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), Mesa Community College, and the IBEW Local 640 apprenticeship are the most aligned with TSMC and Intel construction work. Many of the contractors building these fabs (Sundt, Hensel Phelps, etc.) hire directly out of EVIT and the IBEW.