California is a land of opportunity, and it’s not just about the glitz and glam of Hollywood. With over 30,000 state jobs no longer requiring a college degree, Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent decision is opening doors for blue-collar workers and individuals looking for stable, well-paying careers. California is taking bold steps to modernize its workforce and create an economy that supports all families, with plans to double these opportunities by 2025.
For those considering trade schools, the potential is huge. Industries like healthcare, construction, and renewable energy are booming, with many employers facing worker shortages. Fast food workers can now earn at least $20 an hour, and California’s minimum wage will rise to $16.50 for all employers in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for a career in welding, electrical work, or healthcare, now is the time to explore training opportunities that lead directly to these high-demand jobs. Dive into the possibilities in your area—California’s workforce is waiting for you!
Advanced Career Institute - Estimated Cost: $16,948.00
Location: CaliforniaAirstreams Renewables
Location: CaliforniaPrograms Offered:
Wind Turbine Technician Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Airstreams Renewables, Inc. is a private institution that is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. It offers programs that help workers gain employment in the wind energy sector. This 240 hour program will cover safety, climbing, electrical, schematic reading, mechanical, and telecommunications. Working as a wind turbine technician is one opportunity for those who graduate from the school.
APC Crane Training
Location: VariousPrograms Offered:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trade SchoolsSchool Details
APC Crane training offers classroom and field training in classrooms across the country in a variety of cities. They only offer training and certification for crane operators. Courses include aerial lift, forklift, mobile crane operator, overhead crane training, rigging, and signalperson.
Caterpillar Operator Training
Location: VariosPrograms Offered:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Caterpillar offers hands-on and classroom training in their Edwards, Illinois and Tinaja Hills, Arizona facilities.
Center For Employment Training
Location: VariousPrograms Offered:
Commercial Driver Trade Schools, Construction Trade Schools, Culinary Trade Schools, Electrician Trade Schools, HVAC/R Trade Schools, Medical & Nursing Trade Schools, Welding Trade SchoolsSchool Details
The Center for Employment Training has 12 career training centers, with most being located in California. Each location will have different programs, so be sure to check the location program offerings.
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education - Estimated Cost: $3,221.00
Location: CaliforniaHeavy Equipment Colleges of America
Location: VariousPrograms Offered:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trade SchoolsSchool Details
The Heavy Equipment Colleges of America offers 4 locations across the US and provides heavy equipment operations training using the Adaptable Equipment Proficiency Test program. This program is a recognized certification for most heavy equipment. Crane operators will be certified under the Certification of Crane Operators.
The school offers financing, grants, and VA benefits and offers job placement assistance.
Institute of Technology - Estimated Cost: $21,178.00
Location: CaliforniaInternational Union of Operating Engineers - Estimated Cost: NA
Location: VariousPrograms Offered:
Heavy Equipment Operator Trade SchoolsSchool Details
With over 1,000 instructors and many locations throughout the United States and Canada, IUOE is a great choice for learning how to handle heavy duty equipment. Each location offers different types of opportunities for training and apprenticeships. Classroom instruction, simulators, and working onsite with an experienced journeyman are all parts of the training you will receive.
No data is available for costs, you will need to contact the school to get more information.
National Career Education - Estimated Cost: $24,168.00
Location: CaliforniaRiverside City College - Estimated Cost: $7,161.00
Location: CaliforniaSacramento City College - Estimated Cost: $7,788.00
Location: CaliforniaSaddleback College - Estimated Cost: $7,918.00
Location: CaliforniaSan Joaquin Delta College - Estimated Cost: $17,503.00
Location: CaliforniaSanta Rosa Junior College - Estimated Cost: $9,220.00
Location: CaliforniaSierra College - Estimated Cost: $5,921.00
Location: CaliforniaSpartan College of Aeronautics & Technology - Estimated Cost: $24,283.00
Location: CaliforniaPrograms Offered:
Aviation & Aircraft Mechanic Trade SchoolsSummit College - Estimated Cost: $28,471.00
Location: CaliforniaThe Fab School - Estimated Cost: $37,857.00
Location: CaliforniaPrograms Offered:
Universal Technical Institute - Estimated Cost: $23,474.00
Location: CaliforniaPrograms Offered:
Automotive Trade Schools, Diesel Mechanic Trade School, Welding Trade Schools, Wind Turbine Technician Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Universal Technical Institute has several locations across the United States. Each location offers programs in different trade skills which include automotive, welding, motorcycle, and even Nascar! Visit their main website to find the location and program that is right for you!
School data shown on this listing is for the Southern California location.