The Best Trade Schools in Taft, California
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Taft.
Top Trade Schools in Taft
San Joaquin Valley College - Bakersfield Campus
SJVC
San Joaquin Valley College is one of the most established career training institutions in Central California, serving the Taft area with comprehensive trade programs. The Bakersfield campus offers hands-on training in high-demand fields with strong industry connections throughout Kern County. SJVC maintains excellent job placement rates, with many graduates finding employment in the local oil, construction, and service industries. The college provides career services support, industry-standard equipment, and certification preparation. Their welding program is particularly renowned in the region, with graduates working in local refineries and industrial operations.
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UEI College - Bakersfield Campus
UEI College
UEI College has been providing career-focused education for over six decades, with the Bakersfield campus serving the Taft and greater Kern County area. The institution offers accelerated programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly with practical, hands-on skills. Their HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification preparation, while electrical training covers residential and commercial applications. UEI maintains strong relationships with local employers in the energy, construction, and automotive industries, facilitating job placement for graduates. The college provides flexible scheduling options and career services support throughout the program and after graduation.
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Milan Institute - Bakersfield Campus
Milan Institute
Milan Institute has been serving Central California communities including Taft with career-focused training programs for over four decades. The Bakersfield campus offers both beauty trades and skilled technical programs with comprehensive hands-on training. Their cosmetology program includes state board preparation, while technical programs like electrical and HVAC training provide industry-relevant skills for immediate workforce entry. The institute maintains smaller class sizes for personalized attention and offers career placement assistance. Milan Institute has developed strong employer relationships throughout Kern County, helping graduates connect with local businesses in need of skilled trades professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Taft, CA, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Taft are located in Bakersfield, about 30-40 minutes away. These include San Joaquin Valley College, UEI College, and Milan Institute, all with Bakersfield campuses. They offer programs in Welding, HVAC, Electrical and Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Barbering, providing Taft residents with accessible vocational training.
Are there any local job opportunities in Taft, CA for graduates of trade programs like Welding or HVAC?
Yes, Taft's economy has strong demand for skilled tradespeople due to local oil and gas operations, agriculture, and construction sectors. Graduates from Welding, HVAC, and Electrical programs often find employment with local energy companies, contractors, and maintenance firms. The proximity to the broader Kern County job market also expands opportunities in Bakersfield and surrounding areas.
What certifications should I pursue at a Bakersfield trade school to work in Taft's oil and gas industry?
For Taft's oil and gas sector, certifications like AWS Welding Certification, EPA 608 Certification for HVAC, and NCCER credentials for electrical or instrumentation are valuable. Programs at San Joaquin Valley College or UEI College in Bakersfield often include these certifications, preparing you for roles as a welder, maintenance technician, or field operator with local energy companies.
How do I choose between Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs for careers around Taft, CA?
Consider Automotive Technology for general repair shops and consumer vehicles in Taft and nearby communities. Diesel Technology is particularly relevant for the heavy equipment used in Taft's oil fields, agriculture, and trucking industries. Both programs are available at Bakersfield trade schools, with Diesel Tech offering strong ties to local industrial employers.
Can I complete a Cosmetology or Barbering program near Taft, CA and open a business locally?
Yes, completing a Cosmetology or Barbering program at Milan Institute or UEI College in Bakersfield provides the required California state licensing. Taft has demand for personal care services, and opening a salon or barbershop locally is feasible with proper business planning. Some programs even offer business management components to help graduates succeed as entrepreneurs in the Taft community.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Taft
Taft, 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.