TradeSchools.review
Industry Certified

The Best Trade Schools in Plano, Texas

Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Plano.

3
Training Programs
4.2
Average Rating

Top Trade Schools in Plano

1

Texas State Technical College - Waco Campus

Texas State Technical College System

★★★★☆
4.3/5

TSTC is Texas' only state-supported technical college system, serving students from across the state including the Plano area. The Waco campus offers intensive, industry-driven programs with exceptional job placement rates. Their HVAC program includes NATE certification preparation, while the electrical lineworker program provides hands-on pole climbing and safety training. Welding technology covers all major processes with AWS certification opportunities. TSTC's "money-back guarantee" performance agreement demonstrates their commitment to graduate employment success, with many programs achieving 90%+ placement rates.

Experience:57 years
Reviews:156 student reviews
3801 Campus Drive, Waco, TX 76705

Programs Offered:

HVACElectrical LineworkerWeldingAutomotiveAdvanced Manufacturing
2

Lincoln Tech - Dallas Campus

Lincoln Educational Services

★★★★☆
4.2/5

Lincoln Tech's Dallas campus serves the entire DFW metroplex including Plano with comprehensive trade programs. The school maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers and offers hands-on training in modern facilities. Their HVAC program prepares students for EPA 608 certification, while electrical training covers residential and commercial systems. The automotive technology program features manufacturer-specific training, and welding students learn multiple processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Lincoln Tech provides career placement assistance with established relationships throughout North Texas.

Experience:75 years
Reviews:187 student reviews
9720 Metro Drive, Dallas, TX 75243

Programs Offered:

HVACElectricalAutomotive TechnologyWelding
3

Fortis College - Dallas Campus

Fortis

★★★★☆
4.1/5

Fortis College's Dallas campus provides comprehensive trade education serving the Plano and North Dallas regions. Their HVAC program prepares students for multiple certifications including EPA 608, while electrical training covers residential and commercial applications. The welding program teaches various techniques with AWS certification preparation. Plumbing courses include pipe fitting, fixture installation, and code compliance. Fortis emphasizes hands-on learning with industry-current equipment and maintains strong relationships with local employers for job placement assistance. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make programs accessible to working adults.

Experience:57 years
Reviews:89 student reviews
12225 Greenville Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75243

Programs Offered:

HVACElectricalWeldingPlumbing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest trade schools to Plano, TX, offering hands-on programs like HVAC or Automotive Technology?

While Plano itself is primarily a residential and corporate hub, several major trade schools are within a 30-45 minute commute. These include Lincoln Tech's Dallas Campus, Fortis College in Dallas, and Texas State Technical College in Waco (for more specialized residential programs). They offer in-demand programs such as HVAC, Automotive Technology, and Welding.

Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Plano for trades like Electrical or Plumbing that partner with area trade schools?

Yes, Plano's strong construction and commercial sector creates demand for apprenticeships. Many local contractors and unions partner with schools like Lincoln Tech or independent training centers. The North Texas Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors is a key resource for connecting Plano residents with Electrical and Plumbing apprenticeships that often include related classroom instruction.

Which trade programs in the Dallas-Plano area have the strongest job placement rates with local employers?

Programs aligned with the region's major industries typically have high placement. HVAC and Advanced Manufacturing are particularly strong due to Plano's many corporate campuses and data centers requiring climate control and maintenance. Automotive Technology also sees good placement, supported by the numerous dealerships and service centers throughout Collin County.

What certifications should I look for in a welding program near Plano to work in local manufacturing or construction?

Look for programs offering American Welding Society (AWS) certifications, which are the industry standard. Given Plano's proximity to metal fabrication shops and large-scale construction projects, certifications in processes like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) are especially valuable. Schools like Lincoln Tech's Dallas campus typically provide this credentialing.

How does the cost of trade school in the Dallas area compare to traditional college, and are there local financial aid options for Plano residents?

Trade school programs are typically a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree, with many programs completed in under two years. Plano residents can apply for federal aid (FAFSA) at accredited schools and should also explore Texas state grants like the Texas Public Educational Grant. Some local trade unions and large Plano-based corporations also offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement for specific skilled trades.

Welding Your Future in Plano: A Guide to Local Trade Schools

For residents of Plano, Texas, considering a stable and rewarding career, the path often leads to the skilled trades, with welding standing out as a particularly bright opportunity. The demand for skilled welders in North Texas is robust, fueled by the region's strong manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors. Enrolling in a local welding trade school is the most direct route to gaining the certified expertise that employers actively seek. While Plano itself is a hub for corporate headquarters, its proximity to the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex means access to premier technical training institutions just a short commute away, setting the stage for a successful career close to home.

Prospective students in Plano have excellent options for welding education. Schools like Lincoln Tech's Dallas Campus and Fortis College in Dallas offer focused welding programs designed to equip you with hands-on experience in various techniques, from MIG and TIG to stick welding. These programs typically blend classroom theory with extensive practical training, ensuring you graduate not just with knowledge, but with real, marketable skills. While Texas State Technical College in Waco is a bit farther, its renowned reputation in technical education is worth the consideration for some, especially for those interested in highly specialized welding applications. The key is to visit these campuses, speak with instructors, and see which welding trade school environment feels like the best fit for your learning style and career goals.

The local job market for welders in and around Plano is exceptionally promising. The DFW area is a national leader for manufacturing and industrial growth, with countless metal fabrication shops, machinery plants, and construction firms constantly in need of certified welders. Major infrastructure projects and the ongoing expansion in commercial and residential building throughout Collin County and beyond ensure a steady pipeline of work. Furthermore, the skills you learn at a welding trade school are highly transferable, opening doors to industries like aerospace, automotive repair, and even artistic metalwork. This versatility provides long-term job security that is highly valued in today's economy.

Choosing to pursue welding is an investment in a future built with your own hands. Trade schools offer a faster, often more affordable path to a high-paying career compared to traditional four-year degrees, with many programs completed in less than a year. For Plano residents with a practical mindset and a desire for tangible results, welding represents a clear and achievable goal. Take the first step by researching the programs at local schools, inquiring about financial aid options, and connecting with local welding professionals to understand the day-to-day reality of the trade. Your future in a stable, hands-on career is waiting to be welded together right here in North Texas.

Nearby Cities

Explore trade schools in cities near Plano:

About Trade Schools in Plano

Plano, Texas 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.