Trade SchoolsLocated in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is home to many trade schools that can prepare students for careers in high-demand industries.
Trade schools are an alternative to four-year colleges, and prepare students for entry-level employment in two years or less.
The curriculum typically focuses only on the skills that are relevant for employment.
By attending a trade school, you can prepare for a career as a medical assistant, dental assistant, welder, cosmetologist, massage therapist, and many other in-demand professions.
To help you choose the program that best meets your skills and career aspirations, on this page we have compiled information about the top trade schools in Asheville.
1Haywood Community College
About the School
Haywood Community College provides a variety of programs divided into career clusters.
Programs are available for students who want to start careers in automotive and manufacturing, education and human services, health sciences, natural resources and agriculture, and many other in-demand fields.
The college has a partnership with the Haywood County School District and the North Carolina University System to offer opportunities such as college and career readiness programs for young college students.
Haywood Community College enrolls full-time and part-time students in its more than 30 programs.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes programs such as:
- Auto Systems Technology
- Collision Repair & Refinishing
- Industrial Systems Technology
- Welding
- Information Technology
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assisting
- And many more
The Auto Systems Technology program offers the following credentials:
- Associate Degree
- Diploma
- Basic (Certificate)
- Diesel (Certificate)
- Mobile Equipment & Repair (Certificate)
The curriculum covers topics such as Braking Systems, Climate Control, Design Parameters, Drive Trains, Engine Repair & Performance, Product Finish, Environmental Regulations, and more.
The number of credits required for graduation depends on the credential.
The Automotive Systems Technology Basic Certificate requires 14 credits, while the Associate in Applied Science requires 70 credits.
After graduation, students can pursue careers as Mechanical Technicians, Automotive Service Technicians, or Automotive Service Mechanics.
Contact Information
- Address: 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721
- Phone: 828.627.2821
- Website: https://www.haywood.edu
2Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
About the School
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers a wide selection of short-term training, certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
The school’s catalog covers areas such as Architecture & Construction, Education & Training, Finance, Health Science, Human Services, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Marketing, and more.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes programs such as:
- Accounting
- Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Cardiovascular Sonography
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Construction Science
- Criminal Justice
- Dental Assisting
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing
- Office Administration
- And more
The number of credit hours required for graduation varies depending on the pathway and the credential it leads to:
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree – 68 credits
- Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology Diploma- 40 credits
- Air Conditioning Coding Certificate- 16 credits
- Heating Certificate- 15 credits
Contact Information
- Address: 340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801
- Phone: (828) 398-7900
- Website: https://abtech.edu
3Western North Carolina School of Massage
About the School
Western North Carolina School of Massage guides students through their personal and professional growth in the massage therapy field.
The school has a spacious, light-filled main classroom and treatment rooms where students can practice their skills.
The school has adjustable massage tables and massage chairs, anatomy charts, audiovisual equipment, and skeletal models.
Students also have access to a library with a wide selection of books, periodicals, and videos on massage therapy and other health-related subjects.
The instructors have more than 30 years of combined experience in the classroom and on the table.
Courses Offered
A 600-hour Massage Therapy Diploma Program is available at the college.
The curriculum covers Therapeutic Relaxation Massage, Integrative Deep Tissue Technique Neuromuscular Therapy, Energetic Touch, and many other topics.
Students learn how to practice a variety of massage techniques, including Swedish, Shiatsu, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point, Reflexology, LomiLomi, Neuromuscular Therapy, Orthopedic, sports massage, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 707 Haywood Rd, Suite 001 Asheville, NC 28806
- Phone: (828) 761-1553
- Website: https://www.wncsom.com
4Carolina College of Hair Design
About the School
Carolina College of Hair Design prepares knowledgeable and skilled professionals who are ready to apply for their cosmetology license.
Classes are kept small to ensure each student receives personal attention from the instructor.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or possess a GED
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Provide a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or school transcript
- Provide a copy of their driver’s license
Prospective students also have to tour the campus and complete an interview.
The application is processed within 5-10 days.
Applicants may be required to complete a second interview.
The application fee is $50
Contact Information
- Address: 1302 Patton Ave. Suite 20, Asheville, NC 28806
- Phone: (828) 253-2875
- Website: https://carolinacollege.com
5TransTech
About the School
TransTech is a CDL School and truck driver training school located in North Carolina.
The school helps students earn a CDL license in only five weeks.
Students learn in modern facilities and have access to modern equipment and professional and certified trainers.
The school has training locations in Ahoskie, Asheville, Charlotte, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Newton, Roxboro, and Winston-Salem.
The course of study follows the requirements and specifications set forth by the Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Full-Time Class A Training- a four-week program that begins every Monday
- Part-Time Class A Training- a program that can be completed in 10 weekends with classes taking place Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Full-Time Class B Training- this program consists of one week of online/distance learning and six days of practical/in-person training
The classroom courses cover pre-trip inspection, mechanics, equipment safety, driver wellness, driver logging techniques, map and travel planning, defensive driving techniques, accident prevention, and many other topics.
Students also get behind-the-wheel experience in proper gear shifting, backing and turning techniques, actual road experience, and speed/space management.
The truck driver training program available at the school provides the following:
- One-stop training and testing
- Small class size
- Four-week training
- Week, weekend, and evening classes
- Highest job placement
- Low-cost classes that start weekly
Contact Information
- Address: 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801
- Phone: (828) 398-7924
- Website: https://trans-tech.net
6South College
About the School
South College provides college degree and certificate programs in Asheville, North Carolina.
Courses are available in person, online, or in a hybrid format.
The faculty members have experience in their field and many are active professionals in professional organizations.
More than 25 certificate and degree programs are available for in-demand fields.
The campus has state-of-the-art labs, including a computer lab, science lab, nursing lab, radiography lab, surgical technology lab, medical assisting lab, and more.
Grants, scholarships, loans, and other financial aid options are available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- IT Specialist Certificate
- Certificate in Paralegal
- Certificate in Medical Assisting
- Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Certificate in Computer Tomography
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Science in Health Science
- Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 140 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803
- Phone: (828) 398-2500
- Website: https://www.south.edu
7ABC Bartending School
About the School
ABC Bartending School provides a two-week hands-on training bartending certification course.
Students also receive job placement.
The school trains students to become professional bartenders/mixologists and prepares them for work anywhere in the world.
Students learn in a classroom that is set up in a real bar setting which allows them to get hands-on experience.
The school provides two convenient class schedules for students to choose from.
Tuition for this program is $295 in total.
Graduates receive a national bartending certificate and a license to work in any type of bar.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers topics such as liquors and definitions, beers and wine, drinks and shots, bar equipment, fruit cutting, customer service, responsible liquor service, free pouring techniques, bar set up, bar breakdown procedure, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 1796 Hendersonville Rd Suite O, Asheville NC 28804
- Phone: 888-472-2824
- Website: https://abcbartendingschool.com
8Tech Talent South
About the School
Tech Talent South provides recruiting, training, and staffing services.
The Coding Bootcamp available at Tech Talent South helps equip students with the most sought-after skillsets for the digital workforce.
The curriculum covers a variety of topics, from full-stack development to data science.
The intensive training programs available at Tech Talent South prepare students for the demands of the school’s hiring partners.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Full Stack Web Development- a 12-week course
- Data Analytics- a 12-week program
- Digital Marketing- a 10-week program
The programs are available in a virtual but live format.
Contact Information
- Address: 56 Ravenscroft Dr #3637, Asheville, NC 28801
- Phone: 888-909-1542
- Website: https://www.techtalentsouth.com
9Asheville Mountain Kitchen
About the School
Asheville Mountain Kitchen teaches hands-on cooking technique classes for couples, individuals, groups, or parties who want to learn how to prepare a meal that is both delicious and healthy.
Hands-on classes are available for individuals, groups, or parties.
Asheville Mountain Kitchen also provides family-friendly and kid-friendly events from time to time.
A Dinner Plan Weekly one-hour week course is available for those who want to learn how to prepare a delicious and healthy dinner that can be enjoyed all week by spending only two hours per week in the kitchen.
Contact Information
- Address: 332 E Sondley Dr. Asheville
- Phone: 917-566 5238
- Website: https://ashevillemountainkitchen.com
10Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts
About the School
Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts was founded by a group of accomplished practitioners and offers training programs for those who want to learn about classical Chinese medicine.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medical Professional Track
- Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine
The curriculum and cost vary depending on the track.
The Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine program is 24 months long and offers 510 didactic hours and 210 clinical hours in total.
Students learn about individual herbs and herbal formulas and the functions of the herbs in relation to one another.
The curriculum covers:
- Materia Medica & Classical Formulas
- Classical Channels and Herbs
- Food Therapy
- Essential Oils
- Patent Meds
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- And more topics
The Certificate includes 41 credits and 720 hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 382 Montford Avenue Asheville, NC 28801
- Phone: (828) 225.3993
- Website: https://daoisttraditions.edu
Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers
| Career | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 480 | $54,930 | $26.41 | $71,630 | $35,850 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 250 | $43,370 | $20.85 | $58,140 | $30,240 |
| Nursing Assistants | 2,920 | $32,970 | $15.85 | $38,410 | $26,840 |
| Dental Assistants | 700 | $46,200 | $22.21 | $51,500 | $38,060 |
| Medical Assistants | 1,240 | $37,010 | $17.79 | $43,950 | $30,820 |
| Phlebotomists | 250 | $36,720 | $17.65 | $44,100 | $30,180 |
| Electricians | 770 | $48,670 | $23.4 | $61,660 | $34,330 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 570 | $50,020 | $24.05 | $69,960 | $31,650 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 960 | $45,520 | $21.88 | $64,980 | $28,790 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 560 | $49,530 | $23.81 | $61,810 | $37,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of best trade schools in Asheville, the next step is to decide what profession you want to pursue and choose the school that will teach you the skills necessary for licensure and entry-level employment.
This is an important decision, so take your time.
Trade Schools by City in North Carolina
