The Best Trade Schools in Riverside, California
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Riverside.
Top Trade Schools in Riverside
Southern California Laborers' Training Center
Laborers' International Union of North America
This union-operated training center serves Riverside County with comprehensive apprenticeship and skilled trades programs. The facility offers state-approved apprenticeship programs with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Graduates receive industry-recognized certifications and direct pathways to union employment. The center features extensive outdoor training yards and modern classrooms for hands-on learning in construction trades. Programs are tuition-free for accepted apprentices with earning potential starting during training.
Programs Offered:
Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga Campus
Universal Technical Institute
UTI Rancho Cucamonga serves the entire Riverside metropolitan area with comprehensive technical training programs. The campus features manufacturer-specific training programs with industry partners like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Students benefit from hands-on training in modern facilities with industry-current equipment. The school maintains strong industry connections with over 35 manufacturer partners and reports high job placement rates. Programs typically range from 30-75 weeks with financial aid options available for qualified students.
Programs Offered:
MTI College - Riverside Campus
MTI College
MTI College's Riverside campus provides hands-on technical education specifically designed for the Inland Empire job market. The HVAC/R program prepares students for EPA 608 certification and includes training on modern refrigeration systems. Electrical programs cover residential and commercial applications with preparation for state certification exams. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers and offers career placement assistance. Programs feature small class sizes and experienced instructors with industry backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for the Riverside, CA job market?
In the Riverside area, programs in Construction Craft Laborer, HVAC/R Technology, and Electrical Training are particularly in-demand due to ongoing residential and commercial development. The Southern California Laborers' Training Center specifically prepares students for infrastructure projects throughout the Inland Empire. These trades offer strong local employment opportunities with competitive wages.
Which Riverside-area trade schools offer automotive and diesel technology programs?
The Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga Campus, located just north of Riverside, offers comprehensive programs in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, and Collision Repair. These programs are designed with industry partnerships and provide hands-on training using current technology, preparing graduates for careers at dealerships, fleet operations, and repair shops throughout the Inland Empire.
What local certifications can I earn through trade schools in Riverside, CA?
Riverside-area trade schools offer various industry-recognized certifications. For example, the Southern California Laborers' Training Center provides certifications in Hazardous Materials Handling, Scaffold Building, and Concrete Placement. MTI College - Riverside Campus offers preparation for EPA 608 certification for HVAC/R technicians and other trade-specific credentials valued by local employers.
How do trade schools in Riverside connect students with local apprenticeship opportunities?
Many Riverside trade schools have established relationships with local unions and employers. The Southern California Laborers' Training Center operates as an apprenticeship training facility, directly placing students into union apprenticeship programs. Similarly, MTI College - Riverside Campus offers career services that connect graduates with local employers in building maintenance, facilities management, and electrical trades throughout the Inland Empire.
What welding technology training options are available near Riverside, California?
While several Riverside-area schools offer welding components within broader programs, the Universal Technical Institute - Rancho Cucamonga Campus includes Welding Technology training as part of its comprehensive technical education. This training prepares students for various welding techniques used in automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries prevalent in the Riverside and greater Inland Empire region.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Riverside
Riverside, 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.