Trade SchoolsIf you want to start a career in an allied health profession, in skilled trades, or the beauty industry, you can get ready for employment by attending a post-secondary program at a trade school or community college.
The training period is usually only a few months old and focuses on hands-on practical learning.
Once you have decided what path you want to pursue, the next step is to choose the program that will take you there.
We invite you to read our list of top trade schools in Norfolk to find out more about the options available in your region.
1Fortis College
About the School
Fortis College is offering healthcare and medical training programs at its many campuses.
The college offers quality education provided by experienced instructors.
Graduates of their medical programs are ready for employment in a hospital, clinic, nursing home, dental office, or a different medical setting.
The programs are designed to be completed much faster than usual four-year college programs.
The college’s catalog also includes a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program that prepares students for a career as HVAC technicians.
Fortis College of Norfolk is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
To qualify for admission you must be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
You will also be required to complete a personal information sheet during the admission process.
A personal interview with the admission staff will help them review your career goals and find the right program.
Tuition costs vary depending on the location and the program.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Fortis College, Norfolk campus:
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
- Medical Assisting
- Dental Assisting
- Massage Therapy
Their Associate Degree Nursing program is offered in a hybrid format, with less than 50 percent of the classes being online.
Graduates of this program are ready to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed registered nurses.
Contact Information
- Address: 6300 Center Drive, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23502
- Phone: (757) 499-5447
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu
2Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy
About the School
Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy is preparing students for a career at sea.
The Academy is also offering USCG-approved hybrid distance learning for deck and engine room courses.
Students enrolled in these hybrid courses can learn online and then test in person in Norfolk.
Tuition varies between a few hundred dollars and $4,000, depending on the course you choose.
The school’s instructors use real-world teaching techniques with new technology.
Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy has been designated 2021 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.
Courses Offered
Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy is offering over 90 maritime courses split into two categories:
- Deck Courses
- Able-Bodied Seaman
- Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting
- Advanced Navigation
- Advanced Stability
- Advanced Watchkeeping
- Cargo Handling and Stowage
- Company Security Officer
- And many more
- Engine Room Courses
- Aluminum and TIG Welding
- Designated Duty Engineer Horsepower
- Diesel Course over Endorsement
- Engineering Assessments
- Fiber Optics
- Gas Cutting Assessment
- Valve Maintenance
- And more
Licensing programs in engineering career advancement are also available and cost from $6,000-$8,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 5301 Robin Hood Road, Suite 100, Norfolk VA 23513-2419
- Phone: 757-464-6008
- Website: https://mamatrains.com
3Aviation Institute of Maintenance
About the School
Aviation Institute of Maintenance prepares students for careers as technicians in Aviation, Manufacturing, Welding, and other industries.
The training is mostly hands-on with tools used every day in the industry.
The Avionics Institute of Maintenance is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Financial Aid is available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered:
The following aviation programs are offered at the Norfolk campus:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer
Aviation focused courses are also available in the following areas:
- Professional Aviation Maintenance Certification Online Course
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Aviation Maintenance Technician program is 21-months long and provides students with the knowledge and skills for a career as an aircraft mechanic.
The Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer program can be completed in 27 months and covers topics regarding basic theories of flight, advanced electronic systems, and more.
Students receive hands-on education in sheet metal and composite fabrication, hydraulics, avionics, communications, piston and turbine engines, and other systems.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
For example, tuition is $34,810 for the 59-academic credit hours Aviation Maintenance Technician program.
Contact Information
- Address: 2329 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA 23518
- Phone: (757) 363-2121
- Website: https://aviationmaintenance.edu
4Nail Technology Training and Education Center
About the School
Nail Technology Training and Education Center is offering personalized instruction.
The school operates under the Virginia Licensure Board.
Classes at the Center start every Tuesday.
If interested, you can make an appointment to take a school tour before deciding if you want to enroll in one of their programs.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion and state board paperwork.
After passing the state board test, you will pay a $75 licensure fee.
The license has to be renewed every two years.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the Nail Technology Training and Education Center:
- Nail Technician Program
- Wax Technician Program
The Nail Technician program costs $2,420 and can be completed in 7-14 weeks by full-time students and in 20-75 weeks by part-time students, depending on the schedule.
Students enrolled in this program learn about infection control, manicures, pedicures, shaping, nail prep, nail wraps, acrylic applications, gel builder application, e-file & bit training, and fill in & balancing.
The Wax Technician program teaches topics on professional ethics, bacteriology/infection control, anatomy, skin diseases, skincare safety rules, threading, sugaring, hard wax, and more.
The Wax Technician program can be completed in 6 weeks by full-time students and in 8-12 weeks by part-time students.
Contact Information
- Address: 368 N.Newtown RD Virginia Beach VA 23462
- Phone: 1-888-N2-Nailz
- Website: https://ntechva.com
5Advanced Technology Institute
About the School
Advanced Technology Institute is offering training programs in the field of automotive technology, diesel/heavy vehicles, maritime welding, commercial driving, and HVAC.
The Institute has two campuses in Virginia:
- The main campus- located in Virginia Beach
- Commercial driving campus- in Norfolk
The programs focus on hands-on training.
The Advanced Technology Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Total costs vary between $4,300-$36,500 depending on the program you choose and include tuition and technology fees.
Programs are between 6 weeks and 18 months long.
The six-week Commercial Driving-Class B program costs $4,285 while the 18-month AOS Trades Leadership with Specialization in Automotive Technology costs $36,420.
Courses Offered:
The following programs are available at the Advanced Technology Institute:
- Automotive Technology – a program available at the school’s main campus
- Commercial Driving – class A and class B tractor-trailer driving programs
- Maritime Welding Technology – this program offers students the opportunity of earning welding certifications during training.
- Heavy Vehicle Technology – a program that offers diesel training in engine maintenance and major vehicle subsystems.
- HVAC/Refrigeration – a program that prepares students for careers in residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Contact Information
- Address: Main Campus 5700 Southern Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462
- Phone: 888-346-2315
- Website: https://www.auto.edu
6Tidewater Tech
About the School
Tidewater Tech offers training programs that get students ready for employment in a few months.
The programs are designed by industry leaders and offer students hands-on training opportunities.
Tidewater Tech is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Tuition is between $700-$725 per credit hour, depending on the program.
The Combination Welding and Building and Construction trades programs include 24 credits, while the other programs have 36 credits.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at Tidewater Tech:
- Auto Technician – with courses in Steering & Suspension Systems, Brakes & Anti-Lock Brakes, Engine Repair, Electrical & Electronics Systems, Engine Performance, HVAC Systems.
- Building & Construction Trades – a program that covers classes in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Commercial Equipment & Repair, Structural Building Repair, Plumbing Applications, Tiling, Flooring, & General Repairs.
- Combination Welding – with courses in Fundamentals of Modern Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Core Arc Welding, Special Cutting, and Tungsten Arc Welding.
- HVAC Technician – a program with classes in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Heating Systems, Commercial Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Comfort & Psychometrics, Heat Pumps, and Troubleshooting & Service
- Combination Maritime Welding – this program covers welding techniques such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Core Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Carbon Steel Pipe Welding with GTAW as well as Special Cutting and Fundamentals of Modern Welding.
Contact Information
- Address: 4535 East Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
- Phone: (757) 858-8324
- Website: https://tidewatertechtrades.edu
7Training Solutions
About the School
Training Solutions, LLC provides training programs for medical staff.
Classes fit different experience levels.
Tuition costs are between $500-$850, depending on the program.
Admission requirements also vary depending on the program.
For example, you must be a Nurse’s Aide, Personal Care Aide, or Direct Aide Staff to become a Medication Aide.
The requirements for the Certified Nurse’s Aide program include:
- No barrier crime convictions
- Being able to read and write English well enough to understand the material.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Medication Aide – a 68-hour class approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Person Care Aide
- Certified Nursing Aide – a 4-week course that includes 120 hours of training (80 hours of theory and 40 hours of clinical training)
Students who complete the Certified Nurse Aide program receive a Nurse Aide certificate and are ready to take the Virginia Board of Nursing exam to become a CNA.
The Board exam includes 70 multiple-choice questions and five nurse aide skill tests.
Students have approximately 30 minutes for the five nurse aide skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 2428 Almeda Ave suite 146, Norfolk, VA 23513
- Phone: 757-321-8887
- Website: https://trainingsolutionsva.com
8Norfolk Technical Center
About the School
Norfolk Technical Center is preparing students for immediate employment or post-secondary education.
The programs offered by the center give high school students a head start when preparing for post-secondary education or employment immediately after graduation.
Norfolk Technical Center offers students the opportunity to earn certifications recognized all over the nation.
Students enrolled in one of their programs have the opportunity of earning real-world experience through internships and hands-on training.
The center offers students training in business and marketing, engineering and technical fields, fine arts, and health and human services.
Application is open to Norfolk high school students grades 10th, 11th, or 12th and to Norfolk public school graduates who live in Norfolk and are less than 20 years of age.
Application is also available online.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Norfolk Technical Center:
- JAVA Programming
- Culinary Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Fashion Design
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Advertising Design
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Auto Mechanics
- Carpentry
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Fire Fighting
- Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1330 North Military Highway, Norfolk, Virginia 23502
- Phone: (757) 892-3300
- Website: https://www.npsk12.com/ntc
9ABS Allegiance Beauty School
About the School
ABS Allegiance Beauty School is offering cosmetology training and certification programs.
The classes are available full-time and part-time.
The registration fee is $100, while the application fee is $50.
Books and kits cost $1,500 in total.
Tuition is $16,500, bringing the total cost for attending this program to $18,150.
Enrollment requirements include:
- A high school diploma, transcripts, or GED
- Proof of date of birth
- A copy of the social security card
ABS Allegiance Beauty School is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.
Courses offered
ABS offers a 1,500-hour Cosmetology program that leads to a diploma.
The program can be completed in 10-12 months.
The curriculum is structured in three levels:
- Freshman Level – this level is 180 clock hours long and lasts six weeks
- Junior Level – this includes 180 clock hours and takes six additional weeks.
- Senior Level – an 1140-clock hour program that can be completed in 38 weeks.
You have to complete the Freshman and Junior levels before starting the Senior level.
Students who participate in this program learn a variety of useful skills, including hair design, shampooing, conditioning, haircutting, anatomy, physiology, makeup, and many more.
Contact information
- Address: 7525 TideWater Drive, Suite 200, Norfolk, VA 23505
- Phone: 757-934-0656
- Website: https://absbeautyschool.edu
10Norfolk Allied Health Training Center
About the School
Norfolk Allied Health Training Center offers training programs for a variety of allied health professions.
Norfolk Allied classes are approved by the SCHEV of Virginia and ACCS.
The application fee is $25.
The application form can be downloaded from the school’s website and emailed back to their address.
Tuition is between $375-$4,700, depending on the program you choose.
Graduates are ready to sit for their board exams.
Courses Offered
Training is available for the following professions:
- Certified Nursing Assistant – a 126-hour program that can be completed in three and a half weeks.
- Patient Care Assistant – a 40-hour program that can be completed in five days and includes 8 hours of practice one on one with the instructor
- Medical Assistant – a 400-hour program that lasts 10 weeks
- Medication Aide – a 68-hour program
- Phlebotomy Technician – a 40-hour program
- EKG Technician – a 40-hour program
- Pharmacy Technician
Most classes combine online education with hands-on, one-on-one training with an instructor.
The Pharmacy Technician program is eight weeks long and is available only online.
Contact Information
- Address: 6387 Center Drive Suite 13, Norfolk, VA 23502
- Phone: 757-395-4398
- Website: https://norfolk-allied.com
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 | 1,880 | $51,370 | $24.7 | $66,590 | $33,150 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 870 | $48,040 | $23.09 | $66,040 | $34,400 |
| Nursing Assistants | 7,120 | $31,470 | $15.13 | $37,760 | $22,900 |
| Dental Assistants | 1,580 | $42,230 | $20.3 | $54,080 | $31,200 |
| Medical Assistants | 2,950 | $37,180 | $17.87 | $45,930 | $30,490 |
| Phlebotomists | 540 | $36,620 | $17.61 | $47,900 | $28,950 |
| Electricians | 5,090 | $56,760 | $27.29 | $74,940 | $38,650 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 3,600 | $55,240 | $26.56 | $66,500 | $37,250 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 4,000 | $48,120 | $23.14 | $72,110 | $29,300 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 2,790 | $52,180 | $25.09 | $71,480 | $36,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list is time to continue with your research and choose the program that best meets your needs and professional aspirations.
Before deciding where to enroll, you should take into account: tuition costs, curriculum, accreditations, schedules, location, and all the other factors that are relevant to you.
Trade Schools by City in Virginia
