Trade & Vocational Schools In Colorado
With one of the highest labor participation rates in the country—67.9%, well above the national average—Coloradans are no strangers to rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. In 2024 alone, the state added nearly 49,000 nonfarm jobs, with blue-collar industries like construction, trade, transportation, and manufacturing leading the charge. Workers in Colorado are also earning more for their efforts, with average hourly wages climbing to $39.63—almost $4 higher than the national average.
As job growth continues into 2025, industries like health services, professional trades, and utilities are expected to see even more demand. Whether you’re looking to join the 3.25 million-strong workforce or start fresh in a new career, there’s no better time to explore the training and resources available right here in the Centennial State. Ready to make your mark? Start by discovering the trade schools and job opportunities shaping Colorado’s future.
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.
Colorado School of Trades - Estimated Cost: $32,150
Location: ColoradoPrograms Offered:
Gunsmith Trade SchoolsSchool Details
The Colorado School of Trades is a hands-on trade school specializing in gunsmithing, offering an industry-respected program with over 75 years of history. Students learn through an immersive, project-based curriculum in a 20,000-square-foot facility, gaining real-world experience in firearm repair, customization, and manufacturing. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the firearms industry, from working in gun shops to starting their own businesses. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, the school focuses on practical skills, ensuring students graduate job-ready.
Intellitec College - Estimated Cost: $19,064
Location: ColoradoInternational 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.
Lincoln College of Technology - Estimated Cost: $38,374.00
Location: ColoradoPrograms Offered:
Automotive Trade Schools, Heavy Equipment Technician, HVAC/R Trade Schools, Welding Trade SchoolsLincoln Technical Institute - Estimated Cost: $31,847.00
Location: VariousPrograms Offered:
Automotive Trade Schools, Cosmetology Trade Schools, Culinary Trade Schools, Diesel Mechanic Trade School, Electrician Trade Schools, Heavy Equipment Technician, HVAC/R Trade Schools, Machinist Trade Schools, Medical & Nursing Trade Schools, Welding Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Lincoln Technical Institute has campuses across the United States. Each location offers different programs, so be sure to check the location to make sure the program is available at the location you are interested in.
Northeastern Junior College - Estimated Cost: $12,929.00
Location: ColoradoOtero Junior College - Estimated Cost: $12,664.00
Location: ColoradoPickens Technical College - Estimated Cost: $7,180.00
Location: ColoradoPrograms Offered:
Automotive Trade Schools, Barber Trade Schools, Construction Trade Schools, Cosmetology Trade Schools, Culinary Trade Schools, Diesel Mechanic Trade School, Electrician Trade Schools, HVAC/R Trade Schools, Machinist Trade Schools, Medical & Nursing Trade Schools, Veterinary Assistant Trade Schools, Welding Trade SchoolsSpartan College of Aeronautics and Technology - Estimated Cost: $22,272.00
Location: ColoradoPrograms Offered:
Aviation & Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools, HVAC/R Trade Schools, Welding Trade SchoolsTechnical College of the Rockies - Estimated Cost: NA
Location: Colorado