10 Best Trade Schools inScottsdale, AZ

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This page includes information about the best trade schools in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Whether you want to work in a beauty salon, a professional kitchen or on an airplane, Scottsdale trade schools offer a variety of programs that can get you ready for employment in a matter of months.

In order to be sure that you chose the right program, you have to thoroughly research all the schools that offer training in your chosen field.

Our list is meant to help you with this job; we selected the best trade schools in the region and provided you with some relevant information about each institution, such as tuition, accreditation, enrollment requirements and more.

We invite you to read further and see what Scottsdale trade schools have to offer.



1Penrose Academy

Penrose Academy offers training programs for future beauty professionals.

Academy students get a customized curriculum curated by leading international beauty experts.

Penrose Academy is the first school in Arizona to be approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer a Cosmetology Hybrid Program.

The Cosmetology Hybrid program includes distance learning that happens online and on-campus classroom and hands-on training.

Penrose Academy is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, certified by Arizona Department of Health Services and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

Penrose Academy Esthetics and Laser Programs are approved for GI Bill benefits.

Enrollment. Prospective students must be at least 17 years of age, complete a Campus Tour and achieve a score of 85% or higher on the Campus Tour.

Applicants also need a copy of a photo ID and proof of high school graduation.

Fees. Total costs vary between $6,000 and $19,750, depending on the program.

The total prices include tuition costs, kit fees, and application fees.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology Hybrid
  • Hair Hybrid
  • Esthetics
  • Nail Technician Hybrid
  • Laser Technician
  • Faculty Certification

Contact information:

  • Penrose Academy: 13402 North Scottsdale Rd., Suite B-160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
  • Phone: 480-222-9540
  • Website: https://penrose.edu

2Collett Academy

Collett Academy is teaching beauty professionals in the permanent cosmetics field.

Students learn Butterfly Effect Eyeliners, Scar Camouflage, and many other advanced procedures from real experts in their field.

Those who are new to the permanent cosmetics field are required to start with one of the two beginner classes before taking an add-on course.

The 90-hour beginner Microblading class covers the art of brow design, needle configuration and using, risks and contraindications, color theory, skin anatomy, sanitation and sterilization, business ethics, and much more.

The 100-hour beginner Machine Permanent Makeup Class if for those who want to learn the art of full-face Micropigmentation.

This course covers bloodborne pathogens and helps students get familiarized with machines, needles, and hand tools; students also learn eyeliner techniques, powder fill eyebrows with the machine, hair stroke eyebrows with the machine, an overview of topical numbing creams and gels, color theory, business practices, and sterilization and sanitation habits.

Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Completion and a separate certification for bloodborne pathogen training.

Those who have a minimum of 90 hours of Fundamental training can take an add-on class.

Courses offered:

Beginner Classes

  • Beginner Microblading Class
  • Beginner Machine  Permanent Makeup Class

Add On and Advanced Classes

  • Permanent Makeup Add On Class
  • Eyeliner Focused Add On Class
  • Lip Focus Add On Class
  • Eyebrow Focus Add On Class
  • Custom Coaching Classes
  • Hypertonic Tattoo Lightening/Removal

Contact information:


3Arizona Culinary Institute

Arizona Culinary Institute is an accredited cooking school in North Scottsdale.

The school’s team of instructors consists of a diverse group of experienced chef instructors who are passionate about teaching.

At the Arizona Culinary Institute, 80% of the class is focused on hands-on cooking time.

The school offers an 8-month Diploma program and 9-week Certificates programs.

The Institute has a 90% job placement rate.

Arizona Culinary Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Post-secondary Education.

Enrollment. The school recommends that all students tour the campus prior to applying or after being accepted.

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Fees. The Diploma in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management program costs $27,795; this includes tuition and a student supply fee.

The total cost is $10,625 for the Certificate in Culinary Arts program and $10,046 for the Certificate in Baking and Pastry program.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Diploma in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management
  • Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Certificate in Baking and Pastry

Contact information:

  • Arizona Culinary Institute: 10585 North 114th St., Suite 401, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
  • Phone: 1-866-294-2433
  • Website: http://azculinary.edu

4Classing Cooking Academy

Opened in 2007, Classic Cooking Academy is one of the most popular cooking schools in metropolitan Arizona.

At the cooking academy, students learn both through demonstration and hands-on lessons in a professional kitchen.

The Practical Series class teaches students the skills and knowledge to cook almost anything without a recipe.

The Practical Series class consists of 60 total hours of learning.

By attending the Pastry Series students learn the fundamental skills and knowledge to cook a variety of pastries,

The Pastry Series class includes 30 total hours of learning.

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

Individuals under the age of 18 may be accepted with a guardian or parental consent.

Fees. The total cost of the 24-week practical series is $2,500.

The cost of the 12-week pastry series is $1,285.

Courses offered:

  • Practical Series
  • Pastry Series
  • Advanced Pastry Series
  • Kids&Teens Classes
  • Recreational Classes
  • Wine Series

Contact information:

  • The school is located at 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
  • Phone: (480) 502-0177
  • Website: http://ccacademy.edu

5Arizona School of Real Estate and Business

Arizona School of Real Estate and Business offers real estate classes online and in the classroom.

Those who want to become real estate agents in Arizona must complete a 90-hour course, get a fingerprint clearance card, pass the school and the license exam.

After passing the school exam and prior to being licensed, the Arizona Department of Real Estate requires each student to attend an in-classroom 6-hour course called “Introduction to Contract Writing”; Certification will be given at the end of class.

In order to practice as a real estate agent, you will need to select a broker who will hold your license.

The Salesperson License program offered by the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business prepares students for the state exam and offers enrichment courses and networking opportunities.

Those who want to become brokers in Arizona must be at least 21 years of age and have 3 years of experience as a salesperson during the immediate 5 years preceding the application.

Fees vary by program.

The online Real-Estate pre-license package costs $559, while the classroom package costs $499.

Courses offered:

  • Real Estate: Salesperson License and Broker’s License
  • Contractors
  • Home Inspection
  • Appraisal
  • Mortgage
  • Insurance
  • Monthly Seminars

Contact information:

  • Scottsdale- Main Campus: 7350 North Dobson Road, Suite 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
  • Phone: 800-659-8088
  • Website: https://www.asreb.com

6Flight Attendant Prep Academy

Flight Attendant Prep Academy offers training classes for future flight attendants.

The course includes general aviation knowledge, CPR/AED training, passport assistance, resume building, safety demonstrations and more (depending on the chosen package).

The First-Class (in-class) program covers hands-on training, exercises/videos/assessments, resume building, airline interview preparation, airline referrals/recruiters, 60 days of private coaching after graduation and guarantees an airline interview.

The Coach Class (online) program includes 5 exercises, 5 video tutorials, resume building, and 2 private coaching sessions.

Enrollment. The first step is to fill out an online application; then you will be invited to speak to a FAPA coach.

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

Fees. Program cost varies depending on the coaching sessions (ticket).

The Coach Class Ticket costs $750, while the First Class Ticket costs $1,999.

Courses offered:

The school offers the following coaching sessions:

  • Coach Class Ticket (online class)
  • First Class Ticket (in-class)
  • Business Class Ticket (online class)
  • Stand-By Ticket (virtual classroom)
  • Resume Building
  • Mock Interviews
  • Coaching sessions (1 hour one-on-one coaching with a FAPA Airline Professional)

Contact information:


7Scottsdale Executive Flight Training

Scottsdale Executive Flight Training is offering a variety of flight training programs, including private pilot license and commercial pilot license.

The school offers Cessna flight training, Cirrus flight training, and Piper flight training.

Scottsdale Executive Flight Training is a premium Cirrus Training Center.

To be eligible for a Commercial Pilot License, applicants must hold at least a private pilot license, but an instrument rating is advised.

Applicants also need a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, including 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight, 50 hours of a cross-country flight, 10 hours of instrument training and 10 hours of technologically advanced aircraft.

A second class medical certificate is also required.

Fees. Total costs vary depending on the program and the aircraft.

Aircraft rental fees are between $89- $329.

Courses offered:

  • Cirrus Flight Training
  • Cessna Flight Training
  • Private Pilot
  • Instrument Pilot
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Multi-Engine
  • Flight Instructor Program
  • Discovery Flights

Contact information:


8Elite Flight Training

Elite Flight Training offers flight training for private and commercial pilots.

Students train one-on-one with experienced instructors, specialists in Cirrus Technically Advanced aircraft.

School instructors have between 6,000-26,000 flight hours.

Students train in a Cirrus, which incorporates technology and safety features that are not found in a typical training aircraft, such as the Traffic Collision Avoidance System and on-board parachute.

Ground school is conducted one-on-one; students have access to computer-based teaching materials and high-tech visual aids.

During ground school, students learn about lift and how the aircraft flies, airspace, GPS navigation, flight planning, radio communication and more.

Fees. Ground and Flight Instruction time costs $100/hour.

Aircraft rental fees are between $199-$279 per hour.

Courses offered:

  • Private Pilot License
  • Instrument Rating
  • Intensive Training

Contact information:


9Tony & Guy Hairdressing Academy

Tony & Guy offers high-quality education programs for future professionals in the beauty industry.

Students can choose between part-time schedules and full-time intensive courses.

The Cosmetology curriculum includes 11 cut and nice color techniques, makeup classes, skincare and more.

The program also includes a 4-week State Board prep which helps students prepare for the State Board Exam.

Students also learn how to build client relationships, how to write a resume and are exposed to salon life.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Fees. The Cosmetology program costs $20,184 if completed within normal time (47 weeks).

Grants and loans are available to those who qualify.

Several education and training benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are also available to qualifying students, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill™, Montgomery GI Bill™, Reserve Educational Assistance Program, and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology program

Contact information:


10Automotive Dealership Institute

The Automotive Dealership Institute is a licensed, independent Finance & Insurance Manager school.

The Institute has a placement rate of over 90%.

The courses can be completed in 4 weeks.

During the Automotive Finance Management course students learn about dealership retail operations, vehicle sales transactions, lease agreements, finance and insurance, interest and finance charge calculations, objection handling, practicing menu presentations, and much more.

The Automotive Service Advisor teaches students about the advisor’s responsibilities, telephone procedures and objectives, customer interview procedures, the sales process, realizing value and profit, and much more.

The Automotive Dealership Institute is approved by the State of Arizona Department of Education for various state-run financial aid programs.

Enrollment. Students must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED.

Fees. Tuition is $12,000 for the Automotive Finance Management course and $6,000 for the Automotive Service Advisor course.

Grants and students loans are also available.

Courses offered:

  • Automotive Finance Management
  • Automotive Service Advisor

Contact information:

  • Automotive Dealeship Institute: 6613 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
  • Phone: 480-998-7200
  • Toll-Free: 1-877-998-7200
  • Website: https://autodealerinstitute.com

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants5,830$68,380$32.88$96,330$41,200
Medical Records Specialists2,420$50,280$24.18$64,530$36,990
Nursing Assistants10,420$41,800$20.1$48,750$35,710
Dental Assistants5,180$48,230$23.19$58,440$37,470
Medical Assistants15,850$44,210$21.26$48,350$37,250
Phlebotomists4,000$44,570$21.43$56,510$37,600
Electricians14,240$59,450$28.58$76,970$39,210
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters7,790$62,470$30.03$92,670$41,120
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics11,630$55,260$26.57$80,910$35,980
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers8,180$56,400$27.11$78,020$38,570
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

If you decided that a trade school is a path you want to follow, then there are a multitude of options for you to choose from.

Before choosing a specific training program, it is very important to ensure that the school is trustworthy and accredited by government institutions.

Also, review all the alternatives to make sure you chose the school that is best for you.

The right trade school can be your key to a successful career, so take your time a choose wisely!


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