Trade SchoolsIf you enjoy hands-on learning and you don’t want to spend four years in a traditional college, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best trade schools in Fairbanks and the programs they offer.
Most programs take less than two years to complete and prepare students for entry-level employment in their chosen field immediately after graduation.
By enrolling in one of the programs included in our list, you can prepare for rewarding careers in fields such as:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Phlebotomy
- Plumbing
- Therapeutic Massage
- And many more
Classes are typically kept small to ensure each student has access to hands-on education.
Some schools also offer transferable credits for students who want to continue their post-secondary education.
If you’d consider starting a career in a skilled trade, we encourage you to start by reading our list.
1University of Alaska Fairbanks- Community and Technical College
About the School
University of Alaska Fairbanks offers more than 50 one-year certificates and two-year associate degree programs in a variety of exciting fields at its Community and Technical College.
The college aims to prepare workforce-ready graduates by providing community-driven education.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and programs are available at the university:
- Apprenticeship Technology- Associate of Applied Science
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Aviation Maintenance Associate of Applied Science
- Airframe and Powerplant Certificate
- Construction Trades Technology O.E.
- Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
- Dental Assistant Certificate Program
- Diesel/Heavy Equipment Certificate Program
- Drafting/Design Technology
- Paramedicine A.A.S.
- Medical Coding O.E.
- Phlebotomy (Specialized Training)
- Entry-Level Welding O.E.
- And many more
Program duration, number of credits, curriculum, and total cost vary depending on the program and the credential it leads to.
The Construction Trades Technology O.E. program includes 14.5 credits and offers courses in facilities maintenance, basic carpentry, and sustainable energy, with an emphasis on saving money by performing self-home repairs.
Contact Information
- Address: 604 Barnette Street, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
- Phone: 877-882-8827
- Website: https://www.ctc.uaf.edu
2Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District offers Introduction to Trades Apprenticeships.
The sequence of courses also prepares students for direct entry into employment or post-secondary training in their chosen field.
Courses Offered
The following high school programs of study and career pathways are available:
- Architecture and Construction
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
The Introduction to Trades Apprenticeship classes are:
- Introduction to Carpentry
- Electrical Academy
- Welding Academy
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Process Technology
- Construction Crafts Laborers Training
Contact Information
- Address: 520 Fifth Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Phone: 907-452-2000
- Website: https://www.k12northstar.org
3Northern Industrial Training
Northern Industrial Training offers advanced career training programs in Alaska.
The programs are designed to enable students to learn job-relevant, employable skills.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Construction Equipment
- Safety
- Mechanic Programs
- Pro Truck Driving
- Project Management
- Welding Programs
The Welding Programs prepare qualified welders who are in high demand all over the world.
The programs provide students the training and practice required to qualify, certify, and succeed in the welding industry: Structural, Advanced, Ultimate, Pipe, Aluminum, Fabrication, Workshops, Testing/Booth Rental.
Contact Information
- Address: 1740 N. Terrilou Ct. Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: 907.357.6400
- Website: https://nitalaska.com
4Alaska Laborers Training
About the School
Alaska Laborers Training offers training programs at its Chugiak and Fairbanks locations.
Fairbanks School offers classroom space for training and is a second main location for the Alaska Laborers Training School.
The location serves the whole north region of Alaska.
Courses Offered
The Alaska Laborers Training School offers training in the following construction fields:
- Highways and Heavy Civil Construction
- Building Construction
- Pipeline Construction
- Oil and Gas Industry: maintenance and support
- Pipelaying and Utility Work
- Construction Site Preparation
- Environment and Specialty Work
Contact Information
- Phone: (907) 452 – 3146
- Website: https://www.aklts.org
5Department of Labor and Workforce Development- Alaska Vocational Technical Center
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development- Alaska Vocational Technical Center provides a variety of career training programs.
The center is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the center:
- Construction Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies
- Industrial Electricity
- Industrial Machine and Maintenance
- Industrial Welding
- Information Technology
- Plumbing and Heating
- Refrigeration
The Construction Technology program offers a blend of classroom instruction, lab, and live work practice.
The program is fast-paced and challenging.
The small class sizes at AVTEC provide students with the opportunity to experience hands-on training.
This program provides students with a wide variety of fundamental skills that prepare them for entry-level employment and for apprenticeships in the construction and maintenance fields.
Contact Information
- Address: 809 Second Ave | PO Box 889, Seward, AK 99664
- Phone: (907) 224-3322
- Website: https://avtec.edu
6Alaska Career College
About the School
The Alaska Career College offers education programs designed to prepare students for in-demand career fields.
The training prepares students for a competitive market.
The college emphasizes smaller classroom settings, and students receive the extra time and attention that can give them an edge on the job market.
Certificate and degree programs are available at the college.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Alaska Career College:
- Business: Accounting Technology
- Business: Human Resources
- Business: Technology Specialist
- Medical Assistant Specialist
- Medical Insurance and Billing Specialist
- Phlebotomy Laboratory & ECG Technician Specialist
- Therapeutic Massage Specialist
Contact Information
- Address: 1415 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
- Phone: 907 563-7575
- Website: https://www.alaskacareercollege.edu
7Kenai Peninsula College
Kenai Peninsula College offers a curriculum that covers a wide variety of degrees and certifications.
The college offers traditional disciplines and specialized programs that focus on the needs of industry.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Accounting
- Certified Nurse Aide Preparation
- Early Childhood Development
- Medical Assisting
- Instrumentation
- Marine Biology
- Medical Imaging
- Natural Sciences
- Process Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
The Welding Technology program is a one-year certificate program.
The following graduation requirements are included in this program:
- Technical Mathematics
- Introduction to Welding
- Technical Drawings for Welders
- Welding of High-Strength Steels
- Pipe Welding Vertical-Down SMAW or Pipe Welding Vertical-Up SMAW
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 156 College Rd. Soldotna, Alaska 99669
- Phone: (907) 262-0330
- Website: https://kpc.alaska.edu
8Iḷisaġvik College
About the School
Iḷisaġvik College offers quality post-secondary academic, career, and technical education to develop a well-educated and trained workforce that meets the needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Accounting
- Allied Health
- Construction Technologies
- Dental Therapy
- Industrial Safety
- Information Technology
- Office Management
- And more
The Allied Health programs prepare students for health careers.
The following programs are offered at the college:
- Dental Assistant Trainee Endorsement
- Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
- Associate of Science Degree, Allied Health
- Associate of Arts Degree, Human Services Emphasis
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Stevenson Street, P.O. Box 749, Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska 99723
- Phone: 907-852-3333
- Website: https://www.ilisagvik.edu
9Kodiak College
Kodiak College provides a variety of degree and certificate programs.
Courses Offered
The following programs of study are available at the school:
- Associate of Arts, General Program
- Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
- Undergraduate Certificate in Welding
- Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Infant and Toddler Development
- Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Marine Services Technology
- And more
Tuition is $241 per credit for resident students for lower-level courses (100-200 level) and $290 per credit for upper-level courses (300-400 level).
Contact Information
- Address: 117 Benny Benson Drive, Kodiak, Alaska 99615
- Phone: 800-486-7660
- Website: https://koc.alaska.edu
10Mat-Su College
About the School
Mat-Su College is a community campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage.
It is included in UAA’s accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Courses Offered
Mat-Su College offers a variety of academic programs, including:
- Accounting Associate in Applied Science
- Cisco-Certified Network Associate
- Emergency Medical Technician- Certificate
- Nursing- BSN
- Paramedical Technology A.A.S.
- Refrigeration and Heating OEC
- Veterinary Assisting OEC
- Veterinary Technology A.A.S.
- And more
The Refrigeration and Heating Occupational Endorsement Certificate prepares students with the technical skills to install, diagnose, and repair modern commercial and residential heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
The program can be completed in nine months and includes courses in:
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Electrical Circuits for Refrigeration and Heating
- Fundamentals of Heating
- HVAC/R Codes
- HVAC/R Distribution Systems
- HVAC/R Control Systems
- HVAC/R Troubleshooting Essentials
- And more
In total, this program includes 24 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 8295 E. College Drive, Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: (907) 745-9774
- Website: https://matsu.alaska.edu
Schools Summary Table
Final Thoughts
If you live in Fairbanks and you want to start a career in trades by enrolling in a program that emphasizes hands-on experiential learning, there are many career options available.
Now that you have read our list of the best trade schools in your region, the next step is to continue with your own research and apply for the program that best meets your career aspirations and lifestyle.
Trade Schools by City in Alaska
