The Best Trade Schools in Norfolk, Virginia
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Norfolk.
Top Trade Schools in Norfolk
Tidewater Community College - Norfolk Campus
Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College's Norfolk campus is a well-established institution offering comprehensive trade programs with high ratings for training quality and affordability. It provides industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeships, and transfer pathways, supported by experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The college has strong job placement records and partnerships with local businesses, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready. Student reviews often praise the diverse program options, accessible resources, and commitment to student success, making it a top choice for trade education in the region.
Programs Offered:
Advanced Technology Institute
ECMC Group
Advanced Technology Institute is a highly-rated trade school located in nearby Virginia Beach, serving the Norfolk area with specialized career training. It offers hands-on programs in high-demand trades, with strong industry partnerships and certifications from organizations like ASE and HVAC Excellence. The school boasts high job placement rates, modern facilities, and experienced instructors focused on practical skills. Student reviews frequently highlight the supportive learning environment and effective career services.
Programs Offered:
Centura College - Norfolk Campus
Centura Colleges
Centura College's Norfolk campus provides career-focused trade education with a reputation for high student satisfaction and job placement. Programs are designed to align with industry standards, offering hands-on training and certifications in fields like HVAC and electrical trades. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and externship opportunities. Despite being founded earlier, it maintains strong ties with local employers and has adapted its curriculum to current market needs, earning positive reviews for its practical approach and supportive staff.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in Norfolk, VA, and which local schools offer training for them?
Norfolk's strong maritime, defense, and construction sectors create high demand for welders, HVAC/R technicians, electricians, and automotive technicians. Local schools like Advanced Technology Institute, Centura College - Norfolk Campus, and Tidewater Community College offer specific programs in these fields, with TCC's Welding Technology program being particularly well-regarded for preparing students for shipyard and industrial work.
How do Norfolk-area trade schools like Tidewater Community College help students prepare for Virginia state licensing exams?
Programs at Tidewater Community College and other Norfolk trade schools are designed to meet Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requirements. They incorporate the necessary curriculum hours and hands-on training for trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, often including exam preparation materials and guidance on the application process for licenses such as the Virginia Journeyman or Master Electrician certifications.
Are there specialized maritime or shipyard trade programs available at Norfolk vocational schools?
Yes, Norfolk's location as a major port and home to Naval Station Norfolk drives specialized training. The Advanced Technology Institute offers programs in Maritime Welding and Marine Technology, while Tidewater Community College provides training aligned with shipyard needs. These programs often include certifications from the American Welding Society that are specifically valued by local employers like Newport News Shipbuilding and Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
What financial aid or apprenticeship opportunities are specifically available for trade students in Norfolk, VA?
Norfolk trade school students can access Virginia-specific aid like the G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) program for high-demand fields at Tidewater Community College. Additionally, local unions and contractors, such as those in the Hampton Roads Electrical Joint Apprenticeship, offer earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction at Norfolk schools with paid on-the-job training at area worksites.
Which Norfolk trade schools offer the shortest path to employment for fields like Medical Assisting or Culinary Arts?
Centura College - Norfolk Campus offers accelerated diploma programs in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as little as 8 months, including preparation for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam. For Culinary Arts, Tidewater Community College's Norfolk Campus provides an Associate of Applied Science that includes internships with local hotels and restaurants, with many students securing employment at Norfolk venues like the Waterside District or Hilton Norfolk The Main before graduation.
Nearby Cities
Explore trade schools in cities near Norfolk:
About Trade Schools in Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia 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.