The Best Trade Schools in Arlington, Washington
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Arlington.
Top Trade Schools in Arlington
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham Technical College District
Bellingham Technical College is a highly respected institution serving the North Puget Sound region with comprehensive trade programs. The college boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 85% across most trades, with welding and HVAC programs particularly renowned. Students receive hands-on training from industry-experienced instructors and can earn multiple industry certifications. The welding program includes AWS certifications, while HVAC students can earn EPA 608 certification. With modern facilities and strong industry partnerships, BTC provides Arlington residents access to top-tier technical education within reasonable commuting distance.
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Everett Community College - Washington State Apprenticeship & Education Center
Everett Community College District
Everett Community College's Washington State Apprenticeship & Education Center serves as a premier training hub for Arlington and surrounding communities. The center offers state-approved apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry trades with earn-while-you-learn models. Programs feature comprehensive hands-on training, industry-standard certifications, and direct pathways to union careers. The electrical program is particularly strong with IBEW partnership, while the plumbing apprenticeship leads to journey-level certification. Located just 20 minutes from Arlington, the center provides accessible, high-quality trade education with proven employment outcomes.
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Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute
Perry Technical Institute is a well-established trade school serving students statewide from its Yakima campus. While farther from Arlington, the institution offers exceptional residential programs with comprehensive training in high-demand trades. The electrical technology program includes NEC code training and preparation for state licensing, while the HVAC/R program covers commercial and residential systems with EPA certification. Perry Tech maintains strong industry relationships and boasts impressive job placement rates, with many graduates securing positions with major employers throughout Washington. The school's reputation for quality instruction and career-focused training makes it a worthwhile option for Arlington residents seeking intensive trade education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Arlington, WA, and which programs are they best known for?
The closest trade schools to Arlington include Everett Community College's Washington State Apprenticeship & Education Center (about 20 minutes away), which is renowned for its Electrical, Plumbing, and Carpenter Apprenticeships. Bellingham Technical College (about an hour north) is highly regarded for its Welding Technology and Instrumentation & Control programs, while Perry Technical Institute in Yakima offers comprehensive training in Electrical Technology and HVAC.
Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Arlington, WA, for trades like electrical or plumbing?
Yes, Arlington residents have excellent access to union and industry-sponsored apprenticeships through the nearby Everett Community College Washington State Apprenticeship & Education Center. These programs, often partnered with local contractors and unions in Snohomish County, provide paid on-the-job training alongside classroom instruction in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, leading to journey-level certification.
What local industries in the Arlington, WA, area hire the most trade school graduates?
The Arlington and surrounding Snohomish County area has strong demand in construction, manufacturing, and aerospace support industries. Graduates in Welding, HVAC/R, and Electrical Maintenance are particularly sought after by local manufacturing plants, construction firms servicing the growing residential and commercial sectors, and maintenance teams for regional facilities and the nearby aerospace supply chain.
Can I complete a trade certification program near Arlington, WA, while working full-time?
Absolutely. Many programs at Everett Community College's Apprenticeship Center and Bellingham Technical College offer flexible schedules, including evening and weekend classes, specifically designed for working adults. Apprenticeship programs are inherently work-based, and shorter-term certificate programs in areas like HVAC or Electrical Maintenance often have part-time or accelerated options.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for Arlington, WA, residents attending local trade schools?
Arlington students can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) at all accredited institutions like BTC and Everett CC. Additionally, Washington State offers the Washington College Grant for eligible residents, and many local trade unions, industry associations, and the schools themselves provide specific scholarships for trades such as welding, electrical, and carpentry to support the local workforce.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Arlington
Arlington, Washington 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.