If you live in Hoover, Alabama and you’d like to prepare for a rewarding career but can’t afford to spend four years in college, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the top trade schools in the region and the programs they offer.
Our list includes programs for those who want to prepare for carers in high-demand professions such as dental assisting, nursing, welding, or esthetics- just to name a few.
Through vocational hands-on training, you can get employment-ready in less than two years.
We invite you to read further and find out more about the available options.
1Weld South
About the School
Weld South offers training programs that can get you ready for employment in a high-demand industry.
The programs are taught by Certified Welding Educators and Certified Welding Inspectors with more than 50 years of combined experience.
The student to instructor ratio is 5 to 1 which allows each individual to have one on one hands-on experience.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
The program is designed so that students learn not only the current industry demands but also the skills needed to meet future welding demands.
Courses Offered
The school offers a six-month Professional Welder Program that covers hands-on welder training, welding fundamentals, and safety education.
Students can choose between three available times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Classes take place Monday thru Friday.
The program teaches the following welding processes:
- SMAW/Stick
- GTAW/TIG
- GMAW/MIG
- FCAW/Dual Shield
The program also teaches the following cutting processes:
- OxyFuel cutting
- Plasma arc cutting
Students who complete the program have access to job placement services.
Contact Information
- Address: 113-D David Green Rd., Hoover, AL 35244
- Phone: (205) 381-8118
- Website: https://weldsouth.us/
2Hoover City Schools
About the School
Hoover City Schools opened its doors in 2019 and is home to five academy programs: Culinary and Hospitality Academy, Cyber Innovation Academy, Fire Science Academy, Health Science Academy, and Skilled Trades Academy.
The programs are designed to equip students with the technical skills and employability abilities that will help them find a job or advance in their careers.
Courses Offered
Their Skilled Trades Academy offers the following programs:
- Core Curriculum: Architecture, Construction, and Manufacturing
- Building Construction
- Electrical Technologies
- HVAC 1
- Welding 1
The following programs are available at the Fire Science Academy:
- Introduction to Fire Science
- Emergency Services
- Emergency Medical Technician
Programs for those who want to receive certifications as Certified Pharmacy Technicians, or Emergency Medical Responders are also available.
Contact Information
- Address: 2810 Metropolitan Way, Hoover, AL 35243
- Phone: 205-439-1000
- Website: https://www.hoovercityschools.net
3Birmingham Dental Assistant School
About the School
If you want to become a dental assistant, Birmingham Dental Assistant School offers a training program that prepares students for employment in a dental office in only a few weeks.
The school also offers classes in Fultondale.
By giving students the option of choosing between flexible schedules, the school allows them to keep a job while preparing for a new career.
An online course and a hybrid program are also available.
The classes are designed to be completed in only nine weeks and are taught by professional instructors who have years of experience in their field.
The course requires a 40-hour externship that must be completed as part of the program.
Tuition for the Dental Assistant class is $3,350 if paid in full before the first day of class.
Applicants have to complete the following few steps:
- Fill out an application on the school’s website
- Make a deposit to secure their spot
- Complete enrollment paperwork
- Set up a payment plan and enroll in the course
To qualify for admission, students need to submit the following documents:
- Photo ID or passport
- High school transcripts or equivalent
- A copy of their shots records
Birmingham Dental Assistant School is licensed by the local state workforce commission.
Graduates receive certificates that are valid anywhere in the state.
Contact Information
- Address: 140 Village Street, Suite 203, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Phone: 812-203-5263
- Website: https://birminghamdentalassistant.com
4Fortis Institute
About the School
Fortis Institute offers a variety of career-training programs at its Birmingham campus.
Here students can prepare for careers in healthcare or skilled trades.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available in Birmingham:
- Electrical Trades- a program that covers safety procedures, high voltage electrical standards, troubleshooting, and more.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Trades- a program that prepares students for entry-level employment as installers/mechanics.
- Welding Technology- a program that prepares students for entry-level employment as industrial welders or welding apprentices.
- Medical Assisting- a program that covers the clinical and administrative procedures medical assistants perform.
- Medical Billing and Coding- students enrolled in this program learn medical terminology, medical office management, medical coding techniques, and more.
- Medical Laboratory Technician- a course that prepares students to perform laboratory procedures used in preventing, diagnosing, and treating disease.
- Dental Hygiene- a program that prepares students for the tasks dental hygienists perform, such as teaching patients about good oral hygiene, examining teeth and gums, taking dental x-rays, placing periodontal dressings and temporary fillings, and more.
- Dental Assisting- a program that teaches hands-on strategies and techniques when working alongside dentists
Contact Information
- Address: 100 London Parkway, Suite 150 Birmingham, AL 35211
- Phone: (205) 940-7800
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/alabama/birmingham.html
5Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes
About the School
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute offers programs in Cosmetology and Esthiology that prepare students for a career in the beauty and spa industries.
The school uses only naturally-derived products with certified organic ingredients.
Tuition is $18,500 for the Cosmetology program and $13,000 for the Esthetician program.
The state testing and licensing fees are included in the tuition.
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Those interested can contact the school in person, through text, or by filling out an online application through the school’s website.
The school’s campus operates according to the earth-conscious mission of Aveda schools.
Programs are fast-paced and include hands-on practice that provides students with experience working with guests in a real salon and spa environment.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available in Birmingham:
- Cosmetology- a program that teaches hair cutting, color, texture, nail care, makeup application, business development, and many other skills.
- Esthiology- a course that prepares students for a career as skincare specialists by covering facials, waxing, makeup application, business development, wellness, and retail.
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL 35244
- Phone: 205.769.3500
- Website: https://avedaarts.edu/locations/birmingham
6Winonah School of Cosmetology
About the School
Another place where you can prepare for a career in the beauty industry is Winonah School of Cosmetology in Birmingham.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and need a copy of a high school diploma or GED certificate, a home school certificate, or a foreign high school diploma.
The cosmetology program at Winonah School of Cosmetology can be completed in 50 weeks by full-time students who attend the school 30 hours per week and in 75 weeks by students who attend the school 20 hours per week.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Cosmetology program- a curriculum that covers the fundamentals of hairstyling, customer care as well as building a customer network.
- Cosmetology program (refresher)
- Manicure program- a program that instructs students to meet the industry standards set for the Manicurist/Pedicurist profession
- Instructor program- a 650-hour program designed for students who have at least one year of salon experience
- Natural Hair Stylist program- a program that teaches natural hair care, braiding and twisting, as well as sanitation and professionalism
- Instructor 1,500-hour program- a program designed for licensed cosmetologists with no prior salon experience.
Contact Information
- Address: 1870 Chace Drive, Suite 140, Hoover, Alabama 35244
- Phone: 205-703-8070
- Website: http://www.winonah.net
7Body Logic School of Cosmetology and Esthetics
About the School
Body Logic School of Cosmetology and Esthetics was founded in 2009 and prepares students for a new career and the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Esthetics Licensure.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have completed at least 10 grades of secondary school or equivalent.
They need at least two forms of valid identification.
Classes are available both full-time and part-time during the day or nighttime schedules.
Depending on the program you are enrolled in, you can finish training in as few as five months.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Esthetics Course- a 1,000-hour program that covers the scientific/artistic principles and hands-on Esthetics fundamentals.
- Cosmetology Course- the curriculum includes 1,500 hours of competency-based knowledge, artistic and scientific principles, as well as hands-on skills
- Manicure Course- this program includes 750 hours of training and uses the Milady Standard nail technology workbook.
- Instructor Course- a 650-hour program that prepares students with skills, information, and advanced teacher training.
- Waxing Course- a 160-hour program that can be completed by students who already have a manicurist license
- Refresher Course- a 375-hour program
Contact Information
- Address: 5511 Highway 280, Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Phone: (205) 991-8083
- Website: https://bodylogicschool.com
8SM School of Opportunity
About the School
SM School of Opportunity helps students start a career in healthcare.
Prospective students can apply for one of the programs through the school’s website.
Applicants must be up to date on immunizations.
A TB skin test and Hepatitis B series are also required.
For the CCMA program, applicants need a high school diploma.
SM School of Opportunity is accredited by the Alabama Community College System.
The school offers blended or traditional programs.
Students who are enrolled in the blended format are still required to come on campus for laboratory work and they have to attend clinical training at a clinical site.
Courses Offered
A Nursing Assistant program that can be completed in two or four weeks is available as a blended course and in a traditional classroom format.
Each class consists of 10 students.
The school also offers a Clinical Medical Assistant program that is 13 weeks long.
The first nine weeks consist of theory and lab training, while the last four weeks consist of an externship.
The CNA package is $955, while the Medical Assistant program costs $2,550.
The school also provides CPR and First Aid certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 1304 Eastern Valley Road, Bessemer, Alabama 35020, United States
- Phone: (205) 940-1880
- Website: https://smschoolofopportunity.com
9Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
About the School
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy, LLC offers affordable dental assisting programs designed to prepare students for employment in as few as 10-12 weeks.
The program includes hands-on training in a real dental office.
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy provides three courses per year.
Classes are eight hours long and held one day per week on Fridays or Saturdays.
Students learn from instructors who are seasoned dental professionals licensed by the state.
Flexible payment plans are offered to make the course affordable for the students.
The Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy program combines an online learning system that offers students flexibility in acquiring information with hands-on learning that allows students to gain experience in a real work environment.
The dental assistant profession is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 44,000 new openings expected to appear each year over the decade.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers the following topics:
- Dental terminology and equipment
- Impressions and pour/trim models
- OSHA and HIPAA guidelines
- X-rays
- Room setup, breakdown, and sterilizing instruments
- Front desk operations
- And many other subjects
In addition, the school offers a course held by the school’s Career Services Department that equips students with employability skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 4685 Hwy 17 Ste. C, Helena, AL 35080
- Phone: (844) 727-3755
- Website: https://www.adaa.us
10Benefit Solutions School of Insurance
About the School
Benefit Solutions School of Insurance offers pre-licensing courses taught by instructors who specialize in teaching life, health, property, and casualty insurance.
The school was established 15 years ago and is designed to cater to the needs of future insurance agents in the state of Alabama.
The courses are offered both in the classroom and online formats.
The instruction is flexible and prepares students for the licensing exam.
The Benefit Solutions School of Insurance is an Alabama Department of Insurance Certified Pre-Licensing Provider.
After finishing the program, students have a full understanding of insurance laws and requirements and meet the Alabama Department of Insurance Pre-Licensing Requirements.
The school’s instructors use different learning plans to meet each student’s learning style.
All instructors are licensed in the courses they teach.
The regular classroom schedule is Monday to Friday from 8 to 5 p.m.
The Life & Health and the Property & Casualty classes cost $250 each.
The testing fee is $175.
Weekend and night classes are available for $300.
Courses Offered
The Benefit Solutions School of Insurance program includes classes in:
- Property and Casualty
- Life and Health
Contact Information
- Address: 1935 Hoover Court Suite 215, Birmingham, Al 35226
- Phone: (205) 915-1110
- Website: http://www.benefitsolutionsschoolofinsurance.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 | 1,720 | $58,550 | $28.15 | $77,890 | $39,310 |
Medical Records Specialists | 570 | $43,920 | $21.12 | $65,060 | $30,000 |
Nursing Assistants | 5,830 | $32,800 | $15.77 | $37,480 | $26,910 |
Dental Assistants | 1,250 | $38,120 | $18.33 | $47,550 | $29,250 |
Medical Assistants | 4,120 | $36,350 | $17.47 | $46,340 | $28,720 |
Phlebotomists | 830 | $37,910 | $18.23 | $44,790 | $30,970 |
Electricians | 2,490 | $55,110 | $26.49 | $77,160 | $36,310 |
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2,170 | $54,390 | $26.15 | $70,710 | $36,250 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 2,370 | $53,030 | $25.5 | $82,290 | $30,510 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1,760 | $51,410 | $24.71 | $71,550 | $31,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your budget, schedule, needs, and career aspirations.
Many factors should be taken into account when making this important decision, so take your time.