The Best Trade Schools in Arcadia, California
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Arcadia.
Top Trade Schools in Arcadia
Pasadena City College - Career & Technical Education
Pasadena Area Community College District
Pasadena City College offers one of the most comprehensive Career & Technical Education programs in the San Gabriel Valley, serving Arcadia residents with affordable, high-quality trade education. The college features state-of-the-art facilities including automotive bays, welding labs, and professional kitchens. Programs are designed with industry input and lead to certificates, associate degrees, and direct job placement. PCC's strong relationships with local employers and unions provide excellent internship and employment opportunities for graduates across multiple skilled trades.
Programs Offered:
UEI College
UEI College
UEI College Arcadia is a well-established trade school offering comprehensive career training programs with strong industry connections. The campus provides hands-on training in high-demand fields with modern equipment and experienced instructors. Students benefit from career services assistance, flexible scheduling options, and financial aid guidance. The HVAC and electrical programs are particularly well-regarded, featuring industry-standard certifications and practical training that prepares graduates for immediate employment in Southern California's skilled trades market.
Programs Offered:
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Los Angeles Community College District
As one of California's premier technical colleges, LATTC serves the greater Los Angeles area including Arcadia with extensive trade programs and industry partnerships. The college offers comprehensive training in building trades, automotive technology, and culinary arts with certificate and degree options. LATTC's programs are known for their hands-on approach, experienced faculty with industry backgrounds, and strong job placement rates. The college maintains relationships with local unions and employers, providing pathways to apprenticeships and direct employment in high-wage skilled trades throughout Southern California.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in the Arcadia, CA area, and which local schools offer training for them?
In the Arcadia and greater San Gabriel Valley area, high-demand trades include HVAC Technician, Medical/Dental Assistant, and Electrical Technology due to ongoing construction and healthcare needs. Local training is available at UEI College (offering programs like HVAC and Medical Assisting) and Pasadena City College's Career & Technical Education division. For more specialized trades like Welding or Plumbing, students often attend Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, which is a short commute away.
Can I complete a trade program at Pasadena City College while living in Arcadia, and what are the benefits of their Career & Technical Education programs?
Yes, Arcadia residents can easily commute to Pasadena City College (PCC) for its Career & Technical Education programs. PCC offers the advantage of being a public community college with lower tuition costs and programs like Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, and Culinary Arts. Many programs are designed with flexible schedules, including evening classes, and often include hands-on training and industry connections specific to the Los Angeles County job market.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for trade school students in Arcadia, California?
Trade students in Arcadia can access federal financial aid (FAFSA) at accredited schools like UEI College and Pasadena City College. Additionally, the California College Promise Grant offers fee waivers for eligible students at community colleges like PCC. It's also worth checking with local Arcadia-based unions, such as those in electrical or plumbing trades, as they sometimes sponsor apprenticeship scholarships for residents entering technical fields.
Are there any trade programs in or near Arcadia that offer job placement assistance or apprenticeships with local employers?
Yes, several schools emphasize job placement. UEI College in nearby West Covina provides career services assistance for graduates in programs like Dental Assisting and HVAC. Furthermore, Pasadena City College and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College have strong ties to local unions and employers in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles, facilitating apprenticeships in fields like Electrical Technology, Carpentry, and Welding, which often lead directly to employment.
How do the trade programs at UEI College near Arcadia compare to those at public colleges like Los Angeles Trade-Technical College in terms of duration and certification?
UEI College typically offers shorter, intensive programs (often 8-12 months) focused on quick entry into fields like Medical Assisting or Automotive Technician, with industry-recognized certifications. In contrast, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) provides more comprehensive, often longer-term programs (e.g., Associate degrees in Welding Technology or Plumbing) that may include broader theory and hands-on training, aligning with state apprenticeship requirements. The choice depends on your career timeline and depth of training desired.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Arcadia:
About Trade Schools in Arcadia
Arcadia, California offers a variety of vocational training programs and trade schools for students looking to launch careers in skilled trades. Our comprehensive directory helps you find the best programs based on instructor quality, job placement rates, certifications, and student reviews.
Browse through local trade schools offering programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive, and more. Each school has been evaluated using our rigorous 5-star rating system to help you make the best choice for your career goals.