Trade SchoolsTrade schools, also known as vocational schools, technical schools, or career centers, are a great alternative for students who want to learn a new trade but can’t afford to spend 4 years in college.
This page compiles information about 10 of the best trade schools in the Irvine, California region.
The aim of this compilation is to help prospective students decide where to complete their vocational education.
Our list also includes relevant information about each institution, such as tuition costs, enrollment requirements, accreditation, and more.
Let’s see what Irvine trade schools have to offer!
1Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University is offering Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Associate of Science, and Diploma programs.
The University’s diploma program in Vocational Nursing is offering hands-on learning with comprehensive NCLEX-PN exam preparation.
The program uses high-fidelity Simulation and Nursing Skills Labs.
Students learn from an experienced and caring faculty.
The Stanbridge University Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) in Orange County and Los Angeles.
The Vocational Nursing program can be completed in 17-19 months by full-time students and in 26-28 months by part-time students.
Enrollment. Application requirements vary by program.
Those who apply to the Vocational Nursing program must hold proof of high school graduation, a GED, or a higher degree.
Prospective students must meet with the Admissions Representative for a personal tour and take an entrance exam
Fees. N/A.
Courses offered:
- Diploma in Vocational Nursing
- Associate of Science – RN
- Associate of Science – Vet Tech
- Associate of Occupational Science – OTA
- Associate of Occupational Science – PTA
Contact information:
- Irvine Campus: 2041 Business Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92612
- Phone: 888-789-6208
- Website: https://www.stanbridge.edu
2Learning Fuze
LearningFuze is a web development Bootcamp / coding school and is the longest-running OC code school.
The school offers a 12 -week full-stack development program that teaches front-end and back-end subjects like JavaScript/jQuery, React, Node.js, PHP, C# .net, MySQL, HTML, CSS, Amazon Web Services, Git/GitHub, and others.
LearningFuze has relationships with employers in the Orange County area that offer multiple student internships at the conclusion of the program.
Enrollment. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
They need a high school diploma and a laptop.
No programming experience is required to apply, but applicants must participate in an interview.
Fees. Tuition is $12,995 for the Full Immersion program.
The school offers a $500 up-front tuition payment discount, a $500 early registration discount and a $500 women and veterans scholarships.
Courses offered:
- Full Immersion 12 Week Program
- Prep Classes (Part-Time)
- Part-Time Comprehensive Program
Contact information:
- Learning Fuze: 9200 Irvine Center Dr., 2nd Floor Irvine, CA 92618
- Phone: 949-679-7699
- Website: https://learningfuze.com
3The Dev Masters
The Dev Masters is offering Data Science courses.
The school offers 100% hands-on applied labs to cover the gap between academic learning and real demand in the job market.
Students receive self-paced instruction, mentorship, and certification.
Class duration varies between 5 days and 16 weeks, depending on the program.
The school offers a certificate at the end of each course.
The Dev Masters offers small class sizes; most courses have a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Students get lifetime membership – if you miss a class or project you can come back and repeat.
Fees. Training fees vary between $4,995-$14,995, depending on the program.
The school also offers student and merit-based scholarships.
Courses offered:
- Mastering Applied Data Science
- Data Science for Professionals
- Project-Based Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science Applied Labs
- Block Chain
Contact information:
- The Dev Masters: 17875 Von Karman Ave, Suite 122 | Irvine, CA 92614
- Phone: 888-713-9711
- Website: https://www.thedevmasters.com
4Sabio
Sabio offers a comprehensive coding program taught by successful engineering professionals.
School instructors provide a highly personalized classroom experience, connected to the real world, and committed to each student as an individual.
Sabio also offers an Online Bootcamp as a flexible alternative that provides remote access to the program’s curriculum.
Online Bootcamp students have access to real-time classes, support from senior instructors, an industry-tested learning platform, hands-on assignments, and much more.
The training period lasts around 12 weeks.
Enrollment. Applicants can take a technical assessment or attend Sabio’s in-depth PreWork course.
Fees. Sabio offers students the opportunity to get a full education without paying anything until they begin earning more than $3,750/month.
Through the Income Share Agreement, students agree to pay 13 percent of their monthly gross income starting three months after they leave a program.
When the income is under $3,750, a student’s account is placed in deferment status, and they don’t make payments for every month their income is below the threshold.
Courses offered:
- Full Stack Web Development
- AWS Academy Program
- Part-time Full Stack
- React
Contact information:
- Irvine Campus: 300 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
- Phone: (562) 307-7589 / (424)750-3057
- Website: http://www.sabio.la
5NRE Schools
NRE Schools provide training programs for those who want to get their real estate license.
The courses are taught by top instructors.
The school offers an 8-week Real Estate Salesperson License course.
There are three prerequisite courses for taking the state exam mandated by the California Bureau of Real Estate: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and a third from a list of electives from which NRE Schools chose Real Estate Finance.
The courses are included in tuition cost and are completed on a home study basis.
The course is completed after the student takes and passes the course final examination.
The school also offers Online Exam Prep which gives students the chance to practice with thousands of state-specific questions updated with recent 2019 exam changes.
Enrollment. Students must be over 18 years old.
Fees. The Sales Person License course costs $249.
If the course is not completed in 6 months, a $75 re-enrollment charge is implemented.
Courses offered:
- Real Estate Salesperson License
- Live Crash Course
- Online Exam Prep
Contact information:
- Phone: 888.314.8498
- Email: info@nreschools.com
- Website: https://nreschools.com
6Saddleback Beauty Academy
Saddleback Beauty Academy is a beauty institute located in the Southern Orange County area.
Equipped with quality, cutting-edge products, and equipment along with innovative techniques and practices, the school prepares students for a career in one of the largest growing industries in the world.
The Cosmetology curriculum consists of 1,600 clock hours of technical instruction and practical training.
The 600-hour Esthetician course includes technical instruction and practical operations covering all practices of Skin Care.
Technical instruction means instruction by demonstration, lecture, classroom participation, or examination.
During practical operations students complete service on another person.
The 400-hour Nail Technician program covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology of nails and skin, nail beautification techniques, and use of professional nail care products; the curriculum includes technical instruction and practical operations.
Enrollment. Students need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Fees. Total fees vary between $4,540-$12,460, depending on the program.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Cosmetician (Skin Care/Esthetician)
- Manicuring
- Massage Therapist
- Instructor Trainee
Contact information:
- Main Campus: 23565 Moulton Pkwy, Suite B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- Satellite Campus: 23555 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- Phone: (949) 455-4908
- Website: https://www.saddlebackbeautyacademy.com
7California Career Institute
California Career Institute provides affordable nursing and medical assistant programs.
The vocational nursing program prepares students for the National Licensing Examination.
California Career Institute’s CNA program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The CNA program prepares students for certification and for their future career.
Students can graduate from the Medical Assistant program in as little as eight months.
California Career Institute is accredited by the ACCET (the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training).
Enrollment. Some of the requirement for the Vocational Nursing program include holding a high school diploma or GED certificate and pass the Entrance Test with a cumulative score of 70% or higher.
The institution will process a background check for all applicants to the Vocational Nursing program.
For the other programs, applicants must be at least 17 years of age, be graduates of high school or hold a GED and pass the Wonderlic exam with a minimum SLE of 13.
Fees. Total costs vary by program.
Fees sum up to $29,790 for the Vocational Nursing program.
The Medical Assistant program costs $12,500, while the CNA program costs $2,000.
Courses offered:
- Vocational Nursing Program
- Medical Assistant Program
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Contact information:
- Garden Grove Campus: 12141 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92840
- Phone: 714-539-5959
- Website: http://www.calinstitute.edu
8Academy of Makeup Artistry Cammua
Academy of Makeup Artistry- Cammua is a makeup artist school that teaches modern makeup techniques.
Academy graduates have been at the top of high fashion makeup artistry, bridal makeup business, film and television industry, and independent freelance artists.
The school offers small classes to ensure proper education.
Academy of Makeup Artistry hires instructors that have had years of experience in the field of makeup.
Graduates can take the class over as many times as they like without paying additional fees.
Enrollment. Anyone who is over the age of 14 can enroll.
There is no diploma or other requirements to attend school.
Fees. Training fees vary between $695-$3,299, depending on the program.
Courses offered:
- Makeup Classes & Dates
- Accelerated Basic Beauty Program
- Accelerated Master Program
- Accelerated Airbrush Program
- Accelerated Bridal Program
- Eyelash Extensions Training
- One Day Group Training
- One Day Private Training
- Hair Styling Program
- Personal Makeup Lessons
Contact information:
- Academy of Makeup Artistry Cammua: 188 E 17th St. Suite 201, Costa Mesa, CA
- Phone: 949-413-8869
- Website: http://cammuamakeupschool.com
9Los Angeles Training Institute For Alcohol & Drug Counseling
Los Angeles Training Institute for Alcohol & Drug Counseling is offering a training program for those who want to prepare to become a counselor.
The institute also provides continuing education units for already certified counselors.
The program consists of 11 modules of instruction, 45 hours of supervised practicum and a minimum of 255 hours of on-site clinical instruction designed around the student’s schedule.
The required internship gives students the hands-on experience of working at a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
The school offers alternate weekend classes for working individuals.
Alternate weekday classes are available too.
Students can earn their certificate in as few as 11 months.
After successfully completing the program, students are able to take the written exam and become Certified Alcohol and Drugs Counsellor.
Los Angeles Training Institute For Alcohol & Drug Counseling is approved by California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals.
Enrollment. Applicants must have completed high school or hold a GED.
Prospective students must complete an application form and write a 1-2 page essay on why they are interested in becoming an Alcohol & Drug Counselor.
Contact information:
- Newport Beach Address: 20351 SW Acacia Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Phone: (949) 447-0085
- Email: info@training4aod.org
- Website: https://www.training4aod.org
10Jurman Medical Associates
Jurman Medical Associates is offering certification training to medical professionals.
JMA provides on-site and classroom American Heart Association BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certification and recertification courses.
The Basic Life Support (BLS) course trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED.
The BLS course completion card is valid for two years.
The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, highlighting the importance of high-performance team dynamics, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course aims to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children.
The PALS course uses a series of videos and simulated pediatric emergencies.
Courses offered:
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation
Contact information:
- Jurman Medical Associates Irvine Campus: 2575 McCabe Way #250, Irvine, CA 92614
- Website: https://aclsedu.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 | 16,560 | $78,720 | $37.84 | $107,790 | $48,160 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 7,680 | $60,530 | $29.1 | $98,770 | $38,120 |
| Nursing Assistants | 41,860 | $46,000 | $22.11 | $57,410 | $37,980 |
| Dental Assistants | 22,080 | $47,390 | $22.78 | $58,030 | $37,430 |
| Medical Assistants | 34,330 | $46,480 | $22.35 | $63,220 | $35,290 |
| Phlebotomists | 4,600 | $50,900 | $24.47 | $61,210 | $38,840 |
| Electricians | 19,520 | $83,090 | $39.95 | $130,790 | $46,710 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 13,700 | $73,530 | $35.35 | $118,410 | $43,710 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 16,610 | $59,890 | $28.79 | $80,690 | $34,970 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 8,440 | $72,160 | $34.69 | $106,340 | $46,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Trade school students can learn all the skills they need for entry-level employment in their field after only a few months of training.
Vocational schools provide many opportunities for people who want to learn a new trade through hands-on learning.
In order to help you choose the right school, we selected some of the best educational institutions in the Irvine region along with essential information about each of them.
Don’t forget to do your own research before enrolling at a trade school.
Trade Schools by City in California
