10 Best Trade Schools inGrand Junction, CO

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Grand Junction is home to many trade schools that offer career-ready programs.

Most programs are designed to get students ready for employment in only a few months, thus being a viable alternative to a four-year college.

The programs available in the Grand Junction region can prepare students for careers in:

  • Medical Assisting
  • Commercial Driving
  • Cosmetology
  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • And many other high-demand industries

We invite you to read further to find out more.



1IntelliTec College

About the School

IntelliTec College offers automotive, IT, beauty, healthcare, and HVAC training at its Grand Junction campus.

The college offers many small, specialized classes which allow students to receive personalized instruction.

The Grand Junction campus offers modern classroom equipment, an automotive training facility, a massage therapy clinic, a cosmetology clinic, and many other facilities.

IntelliTec College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The following certificate programs are available at the school:

  • Automotive Technician- this program is 15 months long and includes hands-on training using today’s modern and sophisticated automobiles
  • Computer Systems Technician- this hands-on program takes 12 to 19 months to complete
  • Cosmetologist- 15 months of hands-on training
  • Dental Assistant- a 10.5-month hands-on program
  • Massage Therapy- a nine-month program
  • Medical Assistant- this program takes 12 to 18 months to complete
  • Medical Billing and Coding Specialist- a program that can be completed in 12 to 18 months

Associate of Occupational Studies programs are also available in the following fields:

  • Automotive Technician
  • Healthcare Administration-Medical Assistant
  • Refrigeration and HVAC Technician
  • Healthcare Administration-Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Contact Information


2Western Colorado Community College

Western Colorado Community College offers training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers.

Courses Offered

The College’s catalog includes a variety of programs, such as:

  • Agricultural Science- an Associate of Science in Agricultural Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture
  • Aviation Technology- an Associate of Applied Science in Fixed Wing
  • Baking and Pastry- students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry or a Technical Certificate in Bakeshop Production
  • Construction Electrical- an Associate of Applied Science and a Technical Certificate in Construction Electrical are available
  • Emergency Medical Technician- students have the following degree options: an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Technical Certificate, and an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Technical Certificate
  • Manufacturing Technology- students can earn certificates in CNC Machinist, Manufacturing Technology, Manual Machinist, CAD, CAM, and other related fields, as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Machining Technology, Manufacturing Technology
  • Pharmacy Technician- an Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician and a Certificate in Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician are available
  • Welding- an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology, Technical Certificate in Basic Welder, and Technical Certificate in Welding Technology are available.

Contact Information


3SAGE Truck Driving Schools

About the School

SAGE Truck Driving Schools offers CDL training programs that prepare students for careers as commercial drivers.

With schools located all over the country at its 25 locations, Sage also has partnerships with potential employers.

Before starting training, students are required to obtain a commercial driver’s instruction permit.

This permit can be obtained after passing the CLP exam.

SAGE also helps students in this process by providing CDL Permit Prep Tests that cover:

  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Doubles & Triples
  • Tankers
  • Hazardous Materials

After passing this exam, students can begin their behind-the-wheel training.

To qualify for a CDL license, applicants must:

  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Pass a physical/medical exam
  • Obtain a score of a minimum of 80% on their permit test

SAGE is a member of the American Trucking Associations, the National Safety Council, and the Truckload Carriers Association.

Training costs vary depending on location, but the school offers several tuition assistance alternatives for students who qualify.

Contact Information


4Commercial Vehicle Training Center

About the School

Commercial Vehicle Training Center offers a training program that prepares students for careers as commercial drivers.

The school is open six days per week: from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students can start the training program when they want.

The schedule is flexible which allows students to keep a full-time job while training for their CDL license.

The school offers one-on-one driving instruction.

Their Commercial Truck Driver CDL A program includes 170 hours of training which consist of 114 hours of online/lab courses, 22 hours of inspector guided pre-trip inspection, and 33 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

The Class B program usually takes 3-5 days to complete, with three-six hours of training per day.

The Class B program costs $1,900, while the Class A program costs $3,950.

Courses Offered

The following commercial training courses are available:

  • OTR Entry Level Commercial Truck Driver CDL A- a program that equips students with the basic skills and knowledge needed for passing the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam
  • CDL Class B or Buss Certificate Course- this program covers the basics of a Class B vehicle or Bus

The following training courses are also available:

  • Driver Safety Training
  • Pre-Trip Inspection Course

Contact Information


5Colorado Mesa University

About the School

Colorado Mesa University offers a variety of degree and certificate programs.

Four-year bachelor’s degree programs and one-semester certificates are available, depending on the path you want to pursue.

Its main campus is located on 141 acres located between mountains and high-desert canyons in the heart of Grand Junction.

Total costs vary depending on the program and the student’s state of residence, among other factors.

For 15 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, Colorado residents pay approximately $9,600 for tuition and fees.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for students who qualify.

Colorado Mesa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Colorado Mesa University:

  • Emergency Medical Responder- a three-credit program that can be completed in one semester
  • Phlebotomy Course- this semester-long course is offered twice per year: in the Fall and Spring
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology- and Associate of Applied Science program is available
  • Criminal Justice- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Applied Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees are available
  • Addiction Studies- Professional Certificate
  • And more

Contact Information


6Emily Griffith Technical College

About the School

Emily Griffith Technical College offers a variety of career-ready programs that prepare students for a variety of in-demand industries.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Barbering program, for example, costs approximately $8,400 while the Massage Therapy program costs close to $5,400.

Courses Offered

The following programs are included in the school’s catalog:

  • Accounting- a program that takes nine months to complete and prepares students for a variety of accounting and business jobs
  • Automotive Collision Repair- an 18-month program that teaches students how to repair and restore the bodies of different types of vehicles
  • Welder: The Welding I program is eight months long while the Welding II program can be completed in five months
  • Barbering- a nine-month program that teaches shaving, haircutting, scalp treatments, styling techniques, chemical textures, and more
  • Massage Therapy- a 10-month program that prepares students for employment in massage clinics, sports massage, resorts, physical therapy, spas, and other similar settings
  • Dental Assisting- a seven-month program that includes classroom teaching and a 300-hour clinical internship
  • Apprenticeships are also available in the following professions: Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Ironworker, Pipefitter, Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker, Steel Fabrication, Voice Data Video Technician.

Contact Information


7Technical College of the Rockies

About the School

Technical College of the Rockies is a public institution funded by federal, state, and local sources.

The college offers postsecondary vocational training in Western Colorado.

Its career and technical programs are approved or accredited by the Colorado Community College System.

Technical College of the Rockies is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

Program duration and tuition costs vary depending on the curriculum.

The Automotive Service Technician program includes 33 credits and 622.5 hours and costs approximately $4,000.

The 1,500 hours Cosmetology program costs approximately $8,100.

Its Massage Therapy program is a two-semester long and includes 622.5 hours of training.

The programs are designed to prepare students for employment and/or licensing exams.

Massage Therapy graduates are ready to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX)

The Emergency Medical Technician program prepares students for the National Registry Certification exam.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the College:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Esthetician
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nail Technology
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • Heating/Air Conditioning Service Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Maintenance and Air Repair
  • Nurse Aide
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 1765 U.S. Hwy 50, Delta, Colorado 81416
  • Phone: (970) 874-7671
  • Website: https://tcr.edu

8The Salon Professional Academy

About the School

The Salon Professional Academy offers training programs for students who want to start careers in the beauty industry.

The programs are updated constantly to keep up with the latest advancements.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Cosmetology program costs $19,990 if completed within normal time, while the Nail Technology program costs $5,590.

Enrollment requirements vary depending on the program.

To qualify for admission to the Salon Professional Academy, students must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Have a record clear of felonies

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at The Salon Professional Academy:

  • Cosmetology Program- a 12-month program that includes 1,800 class hours and takes place Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Esthetics Program- a five-month program that includes 600 hours of training
  • Nail Tech Program- a five-month program that covers 600 hours of training

The following specialty classes are also offered:

  • MUD Make-up- an 84-hour course that can be completed in six weeks
  • Bella Lashes Course
  • Chemical Peels Course

Contact Information


9The Giving Touch Massage School

About the School

The Giving Touch Massage School offers a variety of training programs for experienced massage therapists and for those who want to start a career in this field.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The 500-hour massage therapy program costs $5,000.

Tuition includes textbooks, workbooks, and study guides as well as one year of professional liability insurance.

The Giving Touch Massage School is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Program- a two-day masterclass designed for experienced healthcare professionals and therapeutic bodyworkers who want to learn a new skill
  • Massage Therapy Program- a 12-week fast track that provides entry-level training for those who want to start careers in massage therapy.
  • Foot Reflexology Program- a six-week hands-on program that includes 60 hours of training.

The foot reflexology program is also for those who are considering a career in the field of massage therapy and would like to see if this is a right fit for them.

Contact Information


10Mesa County Workforce Center

About the School

Mesa County Workforce Center offers Career Development and Workforce Innovation programs that prepare students for full-time self-sufficient employment.

Its Workforce Innovation project is designed to create a library of skills training needed in the manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturing Skills program includes training for job seekers and for those who are already employed in this sector.

This program is a collaborative effort between Mesa County Workforce Center, The Business Incubator, and local manufacturers.

The Center combines online learning with personal instruction and shop projects.

Its completion certificate includes:

  • Orientation- one hour online and one hour of lab work
  • Math- 10 hours online
  • Safety- six hours online
  • General Manufacturing- 11 hours online
  • Communication- 13 hours online
  • Time Management- nine hours online

The following classes are also available:

  • Precision Instruments- 23 hours of online classes and 12 hours of laboratory work
  • CNC Introduction- seven hours online and five hours in the lab
  • CNC Vertical Machining- 12 hours online and 12 hours in the lab
  • CNC Horizontal Lathe- 18 hours online
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Address: 512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504
  • Phone: (970)248-0871
  • Website: https://mcwfc.us

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants100$52,620$25.3$75,640$35,240
Medical Records Specialists80$46,990$22.59$63,840$33,380
Nursing Assistants630$35,630$17.13$39,340$30,630
Dental Assistants220$42,230$20.3$55,660$35,230
Medical Assistants370$40,230$19.34$46,280$32,060
Phlebotomists60$39,650$19.06$49,100$30,470
Electricians350$54,590$26.25$75,710$35,610
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters250$55,610$26.73$80,980$35,800
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics480$50,490$24.28$72,270$29,650
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers250$52,210$25.1$70,750$37,290
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Grand Junction, CO metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have read our selection of Top 10 Trade Schools in Grand Junction Colorado, it’s your turn to decide what career path you want to pursue and what school will help you in this journey.

Take your time and gather information about all the relevant factors before making a decision.


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