For many students, trade schools are an excellent alternative to traditional college programs. These schools focus on training students in specific skills that they can turn into a stable career.
Keep reading to discover ten of the best trade schools in Alabama and learn more about their programs.
Featured Trade Schools in Alabama
Alabama is home to dozens of colleges with trade programs. Keep reading to discover ten of the best trade schools in Alabama for 2024.
All colleges listed are part of the Alabama Community College System.
1. Bevill State Community College
Bevill State Community College is a public community college in Jasper, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs on campus and online.
Trade programs are available in fields like:
- air conditioning and refrigeration
- automated manufacturing technology
- electrical systems technology
- machine tool technology
- vehicle technology and repair
- welding technology
BSCC also offers four apprenticeship programs in automation, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology, and welding technology. Students will need to complete a pre-apprenticeship program first.
2. Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College is a public college in Tanner, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs in person and online.
Students can learn trades in fields such as:
- aerospace technology
- air conditioning and refrigeration
- automotive technology
- electrical technology
- health sciences
- industrial maintenance
- welding
Apprenticeships are available in several fields, including industrial maintenance mechanic, machine assembler, machine tool technology, operations leadership, registered nursing, and tool and die maker.
3. Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a public community college in Phenix City, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.
Trade programs are available in fields like:
- automotive manufacturing
- health sciences
- HVAC
- industrial maintenance
- welding
Many programs at the college include a paid work-based learning component, including automotive manufacturing, HVAC, industrial maintenance, and welding.
4. Coastal Alabama Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College, a public college based in Bay Minette, is considered one of the best community colleges in Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificates on campus and online.
Students can learn trades in fields such as:
- aviation
- construction
- culinary arts
- healthcare
- manufacturing
- welding
The college provides apprenticeship programs through local businesses, including apprenticeships in hospitality, home inspection, laboratory technology, and mechanics.
5. Drake State Community and Technical College
Drake State Community and Technical College is a public, community technical college in Huntsville. One of Alabama’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Drake State offers associate degrees and certificates in person and online.
Trade programs are available in fields like:
- advanced manufacturing
- automotive
- health sciences
- heating and air conditioning
Apprenticeships are available to students in several programs, including construction, engineering design, machine tool technology, mechatronics, and nursing.
6. Jefferson State Community College
Jefferson State Community College is a public community college based in Birmingham, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs on campus and online.
Students can learn trades in fields such as:
- construction and building science technology
- culinary arts
- emergency medical services
- health sciences
- mechatronics
- veterinary technology
- welding technology
The college offers apprenticeships to students in building science, culinary arts, information technology, manufacturing, nursing, and welding programs.
7. Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College is a public community college in Andalusia, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificates in person and online.
Trade programs are available in fields like:
- automotive mechanics
- building construction
- diesel and heavy equipment mechanics
- health sciences
- industrial electronics
- personal services
- welding
Apprenticeships are available through local businesses in diesel mechanics, LPN and RN nursing, mechatronics, and welding.
8. Northeast Alabama Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College is a public community college in Rainsville, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.
Students can learn trades in fields such as:
- building construction
- emergency medical services
- engineering technology
- industrial electronics
- manufacturing
- medical assisting
Most students in trade or technical programs must participate in some sort of organized work experience, either an apprenticeship or a cooperative education program.
9. Northwest-Shoals Community College
Northwest-Shoals Community College is a public community college based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs on campus and online.
Trade programs are available in fields like:
- automotive service technology
- carpentry and cabinetmaking
- design engineering technology
- electrical
- health sciences
- welding
The college offers a handful of apprenticeships for students studying industrial maintenance, advanced manufacturing, HVAC, and automotive services.
10. Wallace Community College
Wallace Community College is a public community college in Dothan, Alabama. It offers associate degrees and certificates in person and online.
Students can learn trades in fields such as:
- air conditioning and refrigeration
- automotive technology
- cosmetology
- electrical technology
- fiber optics
- health sciences
- masonry
- welding
Several apprenticeship programs are available, including those for automotive technicians, early childhood education, industrial electricians, industrial maintenance technicians, and nurses.
Common Trade Jobs in Alabama
Alabama has many trade jobs available. Some of the most in-demand trade jobs, according to the Alabama Department of Labor, are:
- nurses
- industrial machinery mechanics
- aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- machinists
- electricians
- welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
- bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
- heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- medical and clinical laboratory technologists
- electrical power-line installers and repairers
How Much Does Trade School Cost in Alabama?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of two-year colleges in Alabama tends to be slightly higher than the national average.
For in-state students at a public two-year college, tuition and fees average about $4,854 per year. For out-of-state students, the average is $9,707 per year, before things like room and board.
To help students pay for trade programs, several scholarship programs are available. Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.
Are There Online Trade Schools in Alabama?
Many of the colleges listed above offer online trade school programs and courses to students. Unfortunately, many trade programs require hands-on learning and can’t be completed fully online.
However, it may be possible to take some of your courses online, even if you can’t do the whole program online. Talk to your admissions counselor to see what might be possible.
Explore Trade Schools Today
The listed top 10 trade schools in Alabama can help students become skilled in various trades. Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect trade school today.
