The Best Trade Schools in Felton, California
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Felton.
Top Trade Schools in Felton
Cabrillo College
Cabrillo Community College District
Cabrillo College is the premier community college serving the Santa Cruz County region, including Felton. With comprehensive career technical education programs, Cabrillo offers state-of-the-art facilities including a fully equipped automotive technology center, modern welding labs, and professional-grade construction training facilities. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers and boasts exceptional job placement rates. Students benefit from affordable tuition, financial aid options, and pathways to industry certifications. The Automotive Technology program is NATEF certified, while the Welding program prepares students for AWS certifications.
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UEI College
Universal Technical Institute
UEI College's San Jose campus serves the greater Santa Cruz County area with accelerated career training programs focused on high-demand trades. The HVAC Technician program provides comprehensive training in installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, preparing students for EPA 608 certification. With hands-on training in modern labs and strong industry connections, UEI maintains excellent job placement rates. The college offers flexible scheduling options and career services support, making it accessible for Felton residents seeking quick entry into skilled trades.
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San Jose City College
San Jose Evergreen Community College District
San Jose City College offers extensive career technical education programs that serve the broader Bay Area, including Santa Cruz County residents from Felton. The college features comprehensive automotive technology programs with ASE certification preparation, advanced welding facilities with multiple process training, and construction technology programs that include electrical systems and building trades. With strong industry partnerships and apprenticeship pathways, SJCC provides affordable, quality education with excellent job placement outcomes. The college's long-standing reputation and modern facilities make it a top choice for trade education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most accessible trade school options for residents of Felton, CA, and what are their primary program strengths?
The most accessible options for Felton residents are Cabrillo College in Aptos and UEI College in San Jose, with San Jose City College also being a viable commute. Cabrillo College is renowned for its strong programs in Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, and Construction Management, while UEI College focuses on shorter-term career training in fields like HVAC, Electrical Systems, Dental Assisting, and Medical Assisting.
Which trade programs in the Felton, CA area have the strongest connections to local employers and apprenticeship opportunities?
Cabrillo College's Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, and Manufacturing Technology programs have established partnerships with local contractors and manufacturers in Santa Cruz County and the greater Bay Area, facilitating job placements and apprenticeships. The Welding program also has strong ties to maritime and fabrication industries along the Central Coast.
For someone in Felton interested in the skilled trades, what are the typical certification outcomes for programs at nearby schools like Cabrillo College?
Programs at Cabrillo College typically lead to industry-recognized certifications and/or associate degrees. For example, their Automotive Technology program prepares students for ASE certifications, while Electrical Technology aligns with California state certification requirements. Many programs also offer stackable certificates for specialized skills within a trade.
How do the costs and program formats compare between Cabrillo College and UEI College for a Felton resident seeking trade training?
Cabrillo College, as a community college, offers significantly lower tuition and flexible part-time or full-time schedules, ideal for those balancing work. UEI College typically offers accelerated, full-time programs with a higher tuition cost but a faster path to completion, often between 8-12 months for programs like HVAC Technician or Electrical Training.
What local career opportunities in the Santa Cruz Mountains region are most aligned with the trade programs available to Felton students?
The region's needs align well with Construction Technology, Carpentry, and Electrical programs due to ongoing residential and commercial development. There is also consistent demand for Automotive Technicians and HVAC technicians to service the local community and tourism infrastructure. Culinary Arts graduates find opportunities in Santa Cruz's vibrant hospitality and restaurant scene.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Felton
Felton, 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.