10 Best Trade Schools inFresno, CA

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This page compiles information about 10 of the best trade schools in Fresno, California.

We created this selection in order to help those who are looking to start a new career or simply want to gain a new set of skills.

Trade schools offer training programs that are mostly hands-on and focused on getting the student ready for entry-level employment in their field right after graduation.

Vocational programs can be a great alternative to a traditional four-year college because, after only a few months of training, they can prepare you for careers in some of the most in-demand industries: allied health, skilled trades, transportation, beauty, and more.

Let’s see what Fresno has to offer!



1SJVC Fresno

Opened in 1985, SJVC Fresno offers several career training programs in a variety for fields, such as medical, dental, business, criminal justice, trades or industrial.

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students must participate in an interview with an admissions advisor.

Fees. Program costs vary between $14,460-$52,000.

Financial aid programs are available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Dental Assisting – Certificate
  • Clinical Medical Assisting – Certificate
  • Medical Office Administration – Certificate
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant – Associate Degree
  • Pharmacy Technology – Certificate
  • Surgical Technology – Associate Degree
  • Veterinary Assistant – Certificate
  • Veterinary Technology – Certificate
  • Business Administration – Certificate
  • Criminal Justice: Corrections – Associate Degree
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration – Associate Degree and Certificate programs
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology – Certificate

Fresno Aviation:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology – Associate Degree and Certificate programs

Contact information:


2Fresno Adult School

Fresno Adult School is offering educational programs for adult students.

The school is offering career & technical education, adult secondary education, an English as a second language program and community education.

The career technical education programs are designed to prepare students for a new career in healthcare, information technology, education or service.

Students can choose between full certificate programs or individual classes that will update their skills and prepare them to start their careers.

All career education pathways result in industry-recognized certification.

Enrollment. Admission requirements vary by program.

For most programs, prospective students need a High School Diploma or equivalent.

Courses offered:

Career technical education:

  • Medical Pre-Requisites
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Licensed Vocational Nurse
  • Professional Office Assistant
  • Professional School Office Assistant
  • Paraprofessional
  • Food Service Technician
  • Custodian & Head Custodian
  • School Bus Driver
  • Welding
  • Heavy Truck Mechanic
  • Groundskeeper

Contact information:

  • César E. Chávez Adult Education Center: 2500 Stanislaus St., Fresno, CA 93721
  • Phone: (559) 457-6000
  • Manchester Center: 3402 N. Blackstone Ave., Suite 245, 2nd floor
    Fresno, CA 93726
  • Phone: (559) 248-5780
  • Website: http://www.fas.edu

3United Truck Driving School

United Truck Driving School provides short term training to students and prepares them for entry-level jobs in the trucking industry as Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.

The 40-hour truck driver classroom training covers topics such as truck/trailer and system/operation, vehicle inspection, brake system, map reading and more.

Students will also complete 120 hours of field training which covers, tractor/trailer inspection, brake system, braking/parking, parallel parking, upshift by speed, upshift by RPM, downshift by speed, downshift by RPM, driving controls and much more.

United Truck Driving School is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED or to take a Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.

The school also requires a 10 year DMV print-out.

Students must pass a Department of Transportation physical exam and drug screening.

Fees. Training fees sum up to approximately $3,900.

Contact information:


4Advanced Career Education

Advanced Career Institute’s Fresno Campus offers Class A CDL training, Class B Commercial Bus training and School Bus Driver Training, Ag Transportation training, CDL Refresher training, and welding courses.

The Class A CDL and Class B CDL programs consist of classroom teaching and behind-the-wheel training designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as truck drivers.

The welding training program helps students gain experience working with a variety of welding techniques and different metal types.

Advanced Career Institute is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Enrollment. Applicants must be high school graduates or possess the recognized equivalent and be past the age of compulsory attendance in California.

Applicants who do not have proof of graduation from high school or an equivalent may qualify for enrollment in certain programs by using the Scholastic Level Examination.

Fees. Program costs vary between $2,500-$13,500.

The school also offers veterans assistance, grants, scholarships and other financing options.

Courses offered:

  • Class A CDL Training
  • Ag Transportation
  • Class B CDL Training
  • CDL Refresher Course
  • Welding Training

Contact information:


5The Makeup Imaginarium

The Makeup Imaginarium offers training classes for those who want to study makeup artistry.

The course consists of four sections: business, technique, practice, and portfolio.

During the business section, students learn about tax, DBA license information, LMS, resume insight, contracts, interview insight & practice, and self-analysis.

The technique section focuses on foundation, highlights, contour, camouflage, liner(s), lashes, eye shadow, and more.

The practical section consists of hands-on practice of written material such as application, understanding pressure, angles, and personal eye.

In the portfolio part, students get the chance to work with models and on-site photographer to build their portfolio and gain real photoshoot experience.

After completing the course students receive a certification signed by school instructors.

Enrollment. Applicants need to be at least 18 years old or have parental permission to apply.

Having a high school diploma or GED is not necessary.

Contact information:


6Police Science Institute

The Police Science Institute is the Valley’s first independent school for security and law enforcement.

Students learn from master instructors who are affiliated with law enforcement agencies and certified by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Department of Justice, P.O.S.T. and the National Rifle Association.

The school also offers a state-approved Security Guard Card class, the basic course for students to obtain employment in the security industry.

Security Guard classes include Powers to Arrest, Terrorism Awareness, BSIS Mandatory Training, BSIS Elective Training, BSIS Exposed Carry Firearms Permit, Taser and more.

Fees. Training fees vary between $40-$200, depending on the course.

Courses offered:

  • Fingerprints/Livescan, Powers CCW Classes
  • Security Guard Classes
  • Self Defense
  • CPR/First Aid/ AED
  • Women Only Classes

Contact information:


7Certified Forklift Training Center

Certified Forklift Training Center offers safety programs designed to train forklift operators and instructors.

All programs are in compliance with the O.S.H.A. Requirements regarding the operation of powered industrial trucks.

Training is conducted on-site or off-site; school instructors are available to travel at any location upon request.

The Operator Certification course covers topics such as Basic Operation Concepts, General Safety Principles, Flipping and Tipping, Hazard Recognition, and much more.

Certified Forklift Training Center is certified by the National Safety Council, the US Department Of Labor, and the National Foreman’s Institute.

The Instructor Development program is designed for the in-house trainer.

The course covers topics such as Basic Operating Principles,  the Memreminder, Instructor Certificate, and I.D. Card, Procedure of Fueling and Maintenance of Electric and Propane Lifts, and much more.

Courses offered:

  • Operator Certification Course
  • Operator Re-Certification Course
  • Instructor Development Course

Contact information:

  • Certified Forklift Training Center: 4934 E. Lansing Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727
  • Phone:(559) 325-8097
  • Website: https://cftc.net

8Fresno City College

Fresno City College is offering vocational competency-based education and job placement.

The school’s programs are designed to mirror industry needs.

Fresno City College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment. Applicants over 18 years of age don’t need a high school diploma to enroll.

Applicants under 18 years of age need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Fees. Tuition costs vary by program.

Tuition is $5,017 for the Undergraduate Certificate in Automotive Technology program if the course is completed within normal time (108 weeks).

Students will have to pay an additional $1,980 for books and supplies.

Tuition for the Undergraduate Certificate in Fire Technology is $3,361 if completed within normal time (72 weeks); books & supplies cost an additional $1,980.

Financial aid and scholarships are available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Automotive Program
  • Industrial Program
  • Professional Development Program (Customized Training)
  • First Responders: Fire Technology
  • First Responders: SCRTF Police Academy

Contact information:


9Contractors State License Schools

The Contractors State License Schools (CSLS) provides training programs for those who want to pass the Contractors license exam.

The school has over 25 contractor license schools in California, including one in Fresno.

Contractors State License Services is the largest school in California for Construction professionals.

With an experience of over 25 years, CSLS has helped more than 120,000 students prepare and pass the Contractors License Exam.

CSLS is awarding a scholarship every month towards one free program valued up to $895.

As an institution offering non-degree educational programs for total charges of $2,500 or less, Contractors State License Services operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 as an exempt institution.

Courses offered:

Exam Prep Classes

  • In-School Law & Trade
  • Law & Business Online
  • Home Study Law & Trade
  • Crash Course
  • Test Taking Skills
  • Construction Math Review

Seminars and Continuing Ed

  • Blueprint Reading Seminar
  • California Electrical Cert.
  • EPA-RRP Certification
  • Mold Remediation
  • Home Inspection Course
  • ICC Certification

Contact information:


10Nursing Assistant Training Academy

Nursing Assistant Training Academy offers students the opportunity to complete their CNA Training in just 30 days.

Nursing Assistant Training Academy is approved by the Department of Public Health California Licensing and Certification Section.

The school hires highly experienced RN’s and LVNs that are approved by the California Department of Public Health to help students pass their Board Certification Exam.

Enrollment. Application requirements vary by program.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

A diploma or GED is preferred, but not required.

Students also need a TB skin test prior to the date of the first clinical experience, physical examination completed within one year prior to the start of instruction and a mal praxis insurance of $25 for 1 year.

Those applying to the Home Health Aide Course must be a Certified Nursing Assistant or currently attending Nursing Assistant Training Academy’s CNA training program.

Fees. Training fees vary by program.

The 30-day CNA course costs $950; the 5-day Home Health Aide Course costs $500.

Courses offered:

  • CNA Training – 30 days
  • Home Health Aide Course – 5 days
  • CNA Certification Renewal

Contact information:

  • Nursing Assistant Training Academy LLC: 3636 N First Street, Suite 129, Fresno CA 93726
  • Phone: 559-277-3369
  • Website: https://www.cnacademy.com

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants750$60,340$29.01$91,720$35,780
Medical Records Specialists580$52,240$25.11$81,420$33,010
Nursing Assistants2,550$38,240$18.38$45,480$31,780
Dental Assistants1,390$46,260$22.24$57,530$35,200
Medical Assistants3,190$43,990$21.15$66,200$33,730
Phlebotomists360$46,300$22.26$57,910$36,240
Electricians1,690$66,270$31.86$101,030$37,530
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters950$68,960$33.15$117,710$38,280
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1,770$53,750$25.84$74,870$31,570
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers1,040$61,380$29.51$95,220$38,130
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Fresno, CA metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right trade school may be the step you need to make in order to fulfill your career goals.

Fresno trade schools offer high-quality training in many educational fields.

Whether you want to become a medical assistant, a truck driver or a makeup artist, there are many schools ready to help you build a successful career.

With so many options out there, you need to research your options thoroughly before deciding.

Make sure the school you choose is trustworthy and accredited by government institutes.


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