Trade SchoolsIf you live in the San Bernandino area and you’re contemplating the idea of learning a new skill or starting a new career, this page is for you.
Here we will compile information about the trade schools that offer career-ready programs in the region.
Most programs are designed to be completed in less than two years and lead to a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree in a variety of fields, including welding, medical assisting, nursing, electrical trades, and more.
We invite you to read further and see what training options are available.
1Concorde Career College
About the School
Concorde Career College offers a variety of medical programs at its San Bernandino campus.
The College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
The San Bernandino campus is close to major freeways and public transportation and includes labs, a learning resource center, career and student service centers, and more.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who qualify.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Dental Assistant- a 10-month program that leads to a diploma
- Dental Hygiene- an Associate of Science program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation that can be completed in 23 months
- Medical Assistant- a nine-month program that leads to a diploma
- Medical Office Administration- a nine-month diploma program that prepares students for the Certified Professional Coder exam.
- Neurodiagnostic Technology- an 18-month degree program
- Polysomnographic Technology- an eight-month program that leads to a PST diploma
- Respiratory Therapy- a program that can be completed in 18 months and leads to an associate degree
- Surgical Technology- an 18-month degree program
- Vocational Nursing- a 13-month program that includes NCLEX-PN review
Contact Information
- Address: 5800 Foxridge Dr # 500, Mission, KS 66202
- Phone: 800-693-7010
- Website: https://www.concorde.edu
2Summit College
About the School
Summit College offers training programs designed to equip adult learners with entry-level skills and technological knowledge that prepare them for employment in the career of their choice.
Summit College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Summit College:
- Certified Nursing Assistant- a program that prepares students for employment in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare companies
- Licensed Vocational Nurse- a program that can be completed in 12 months by full-time students and in 18 months by part-time students
- Medical Assistant Administrative & Clinical- a program that covers topics such as Legal & Ethics in Medical records, Vital Signs & Medical Terminology, Microbiology & Minor Surgery Skills, and Circulatory Systems, to name a few
- Electrician- a program that trains students in electrical safety and theory, National Electric Code, wiring and power distribution, commercial installation, electrical circuits, and more
- HVAC- a program that can be completed in as few as nine months
- Welding Basic- a curriculum that covers Gas Metal Arc Welding, Aluminum TIG Welding, Oxyacetylene, Plasma, Cutting and Carbon Arc, Structural Welding, Welding Symbols, and many other topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 804 East Brier Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Phone: (888) 504-2552
- Website: https://summitcollege.edu
3Technical Employment Training
About the School
If you want to start a career in the manufacturing field, Technical Employment Training provides a two-module program that can be completed in only a few months.
Technical Employment Training is a nonprofit organization and education cooperative that provides education in manufacturing trades in partnership with the San Bernandino County Superintendent of Schools Regional Occupational Program.
Students have the opportunity of earning nationally-recognized credentials in machine technology and advanced manufacturing.
The program provides trainees with hands-on experience in an operational business setting while working on real projects.
Students attend classes 7.5 hours per day, four days a week for 21 weeks.
Technical Employment Training is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.
In-house job development and placement assistance are available to help students find employment in the manufacturing industry.
Courses Offered
The following program is available at the school:
Manufacturing- a 630-hour two-module program that covers Metrology and Inspection, Essential Skills, Safety, Introduction to Lean Manufacturing, Workplace Safety, and Process Planning, to name a few of the classes included in the curriculum
The manufacturing program costs $7,700 for the two modules of training.
The $200 registration fee is included in the above price.
Contact Information
- Address: 194 N. Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Phone: (909) 382-4141
- Website: http://technicalemploy.org
4Spartan College
About the School
Spartan College offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology program that teaches students a variety of skills, from changing a tire to rebuilding a turbine engine.
Located on the grounds of the Historic Flabob Airport, the school’s Riverside campus includes six shop/lecture hybrid classrooms, a student break room, administrative offices, and over 36,000 square feet of hangar shop.
After completing the General and Airframe or General and Powerplant portion of the FAA-approved curriculum, students can take the General FAA Knowledge Exam.
After completing the General and Airframe FAA-approved curriculum and receiving an Airframe Completion Certificate, students can sit for the Airframe exam.
Students receive a Powerplant Completion Certificate after completing the General and Powerplant FAA and they can sit for the Powerplant Exam.
The oral and practical exams can be taken after completing the FAA-approved General, Airframe, and Powerplant curriculum and passing the other FAA Knowledge exams.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Courses Offered
This hands-on training program covers topics on:
- Aircraft Engine Change, Inspection, Review, and Testing
- Sheet metal repair techniques using industry tools and aluminum materials
- How to service, troubleshoot, and repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components
- Welding inspection, assembly and rigging of aircraft controls, aircraft fire protection
- And many other skills
Contact Information
- Address: 4130 Mennes Avenue, Riverside, CA 92509
- Phone: 866-635-3019
- Website: https://www.spartan.edu
5Heavy Equipment Colleges of America
About the School
Heavy Equipment Colleges of America offers a wide range of training programs that prepare students for a career in the heavy equipment industry.
The training programs are available at several locations and can be completed in as few as three weeks.
Those interested can request an application online.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Provide proof of identity
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be physically/mentally capable of safely operating the equipment
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operation- Level I- a three-week program that covers the basics of working as a heavy equipment operator
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operation- Level II- this part can be completed in three weeks and gives students the opportunity of working on real equipment
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operation- Mobile Crane- a three-week program that teaches students about crane set-up, lift planning, rigging, and signaling, among other topics.
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operation- Lattice Boom Crawler Crane- this three-week program teaches students the basics of working with lattice boom cranes
- Associate of Occupational Science in Heavy Equipment- a program that prepares students for entry-level operator roles and combines heavy equipment courses with general education courses.
Contact Information
- Address: 1955 W. 9th Street | San Bernardino, CA 92411
- Phone: (888) 414-0285
- Website: https://heavyequipmentcollege.com
6Forklift Certification
About the School
Forklift Certification offers training and certification in Southern California for 27 years.
Students who complete training are ready for certification tests.
Costs vary depending on the contents of the duration of the course and range from $35 to $500.
Their training program is available at six locations across California.
Graduates are ready to operate forklifts and heavy machinery in any work environment.
Students can choose between a wide range of programs, schedules, and pricing options.
Courses Offered
Forklift Certification provides state-compliant programs for
- Cherry Picker Forklifts
- Stand-Up Forklifts
- Sit-Down Forklifts
- Pallet Jacks
- Reach Forklifts
- Clamps Forklifts and more
The programs cover safety techniques that protect workers from accidents and their company from liability.
Graduates are ready to earn their certification and qualify for quality, well-paying jobs.
Students also obtain their forklift operator OSHA license.
The school covers forklift driving and safe warehouse operations- essential parts of the OSHA licensing process.
The OSHA license is a guarantee that the student is ready to safely operate within a dangerous, fast-paced work environment.
According to the school’s website, the program emphasizes hands-on demonstrations, in-depth training, and thoughtful teaching methods.
Contact Information
- Address: 738 S. Waterman Ave., Suite B29, San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Phone: (909) 717-6946
- Website: https://www.usaforkliftlicense-certification.com
7Inland Career Education Center
About the School
Inland Career Education Center offers several career education programs in San Bernandino.
Admission requirements vary depending on the program.
Applicants to the Barbering program must:
- Have a sponsor and the owner’s license number and signature on the application
- Have a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID and a Social Security Card or Tax ID
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
Those who want to pursue the Barbering program need to pay a $400 pre-apprentice supply fee, a $1,075 apprentice class fee (which includes an apprentice kit), and $25 payable to the Board of Barbering.
The barbering program offered by Inland Career Education Center teaches a variety of hairstyles, shaving techniques, and customer service skills.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Business and Computer Education- a program that includes classes in keyboarding, Google Docs, Computer Basics, and more
- Barber Apprentice- a program that covers the laws and regulations set by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and hands-on barbering skills
The Barbering class is primarily designed for those who want to continue with a California Barber Apprentice program.
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 North E St., San Bernardino, CA 92405
- Phone: (909) 388-6000
- Website: https://icec.sbcusd.com
8Southeast California College
About the School
Southeast California College offers medical education programs that prepare students for the future of medicine.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The charges for the Clinical Medical Assistant program sum up to $6,750 while the Vocational Nursing Program costs $26,915.25.
The above costs include registration, tuition, equipment and lab fee, textbooks and handbooks, and other fees.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Patient Care Technician Assistant- a 160-hour program that introduces students to patient care techniques needed in a hospital or another health care setting
- Home Health Aide- a 40-hour program that covers observation techniques, patient care record maintenance, and physical assistance.
- Acute Care Level 2- CNA Training Program- a program that prepares students for careers in pediatrics, postpartum, pre-op, medical-surgical, and transitional units
- Vocational Nursing Program- a 13-month training program that prepares students for the State licensure exam.
- Medical Assistant Program- a 675-hour fast-track training program that prepares students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam
- Continuing Education Units- continuing education classes for LVNs and RNs
Contact Information
- Address: 225 E. Airport Dr, #110/150, San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Phone: (909) 763-3481
- Website: https://www.southeastcacollege.com
9Center for Employment Training
About the School
The Center for Employment Training offers a variety of training programs that can be completed in less than one year.
The programs are designed to be completed in 7 to 9 months (depending on the curriculum) by students who attend school 30 hours per week.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The HVAC Technician course costs $14,500 in total, which includes books, uniforms, and supplies.
The auto specialist program costs $13,221 in total.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Center for Employment Training:
- Automotive Specialist- a career-training program that prepares students for employment in the automotive repair industry
- Electrician (Residential and General)- a program that covers residential and general electrical skills
- Green Building Construction Skills- a program that can be completed in 8-9 months and covers the hands-on and theory-based construction techniques and regulations
- HVAC Technician & Green Technology- a program that prepares students for a job in the field of installing and servicing air conditioning, ventilation, and heating units
- Welding Fabrication- a program that covers shop safety, shop math, shop English, blueprint reading, and a variety of welding techniques.
Contact Information
- Address: 1099 N. Pepper Avenue, Colton, CA 92324
- Phone: (909) 478-3818
- Website: https://cetweb.edu
10San Bernandino Cuts Apprenticeship Academy
About the School
San Bernandino Cuts Apprenticeship Academy prepares students for a career in barbering or cosmetology and the licensing exam.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage reported by California barbers was $36,440.
This profession will grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to BLS, this growth translates into 85,300 new jobs each year, over the decade.
Students enrolled in a Barbering apprenticeship receive paid work experience, classroom instruction as well as a state license.
The apprenticeship combines real-world traditional learning with on-the-job learning taking place in a work setting under the supervision of a mentor.
Group lessons take place in a classroom atmosphere with classes being held in English and Spanish.
Students who start the program receive assistance in earning their license- this process usually takes three months.
The center follows the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control, the Public Health Department, the state of California, and San Bernandino.
To qualify for admission, applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years of age and have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent
- Have completed a 39-hour pre-apprenticeship training
- Be able to work at least 32 hours per week
The trainee’s employer is required to pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage
Contact Information
- Address: 182 W 5th Street San Bernardino CA
- Phone: (909)532-4644
- Website: https://www.sbcapprenticeship.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 | 1,810 | $66,140 | $31.8 | $92,930 | $48,500 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 1,540 | $63,570 | $30.56 | $101,810 | $38,010 |
| Nursing Assistants | 8,930 | $43,330 | $20.83 | $48,760 | $37,400 |
| Dental Assistants | 5,770 | $48,190 | $23.17 | $58,090 | $38,210 |
| Medical Assistants | 11,290 | $44,580 | $21.43 | $63,900 | $36,160 |
| Phlebotomists | 1,360 | $50,880 | $24.46 | $66,690 | $38,860 |
| Electricians | 8,130 | $76,350 | $36.71 | $129,800 | $38,700 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 3,850 | $65,720 | $31.6 | $103,320 | $39,870 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 7,020 | $62,090 | $29.85 | $80,900 | $37,120 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 5,890 | $64,830 | $31.17 | $84,650 | $40,310 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
San Bernandino trade schools offer training programs that can get you ready for employment in high-demand fields such as allied health, skilled trades, or transportation in only a few months.
Once you decide what path you want to pursue, the next step is to review all your options and apply for the program that best meets your needs and aspirations.
Trade Schools by City in California
