10 Best Trade Schools inGeorgia

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Georgia is known for its amazing educational system that offers various opportunities for everyone.

Not only does this state hold some of the best colleges, but did you know that it’s also home to an abundance of great trade schools?

Trade schools are in high demand because they provide students with specific skillset suited for various fields of work.

Our list will feature schools from the following areas of expertise:

  • Health Care
  • Laser and Aesthetics
  • Beauty and Cosmetology
  • Aviation
  • Hairdressing
  • Dentistry
  • HVAC

Our mission is to provide future students with all the relevant information needed to make a perfect choice.

Luckily, Georgia has a lot of amazing educational facilities eager to enroll new students.

Here’s what Georgia has to offer:



State FlagTrade Schools by City


1Heavy Equipment Colleges of America

Heavy Equipment Colleges of America is a private training school that specializes in operating heavy equipment such as cranes.

They offer a wide selection of programs, suited for different levels of knowledge and expertise.

This is a lucrative industry since heavy-equipment professionals are very sought-after and hard to come by.

HECA’s training programs aim to effectively prepare students to work in this industry.

Their courses include both hands-on experiences, as well as academic lessons.

This school offers accelerated education that doesn’t compromise the quality of the program itself.

Enrollment: These are the requirements in order to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants must be able to provide proof of identity
  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Applicants must be both physically and mentally capable of safely operating the heavy equipment

Fees: Tuition fees start from $4,000 depending on the selected course and go up to $15,000.

They also offer the following types of financing options:

  • Military benefits
  • Student loans
  • Climb credit

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level I: This course will provide students with all the necessary heavy equipment basics upon which they can build their career.
  • Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level II: This course teaches more progressive skillset related to heavy equipment.
  • Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Mobile Crane: This class combines practical experience with classroom interaction. This includes swing cab and fixed-cab hydraulic cranes, crane set-up, lift planning, rigging and signaling, and load dynamics. Mobile Crane is a prerequisite for the next program.
  • Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Lattice Boom Crawler Crane: In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of crane set-up, lift planning, load dynamics, rigging, and signaling.

Contact information:


2Georgia Trade School

Georgia Trade School provides classes and professional training in the field of welding.

They operate on state-of-the-art equipment and teach the latest welding technology.

This school’s facility is very modern and well-equipped.

GTS offers a flexible schedule, including both full-time and part-time course options.

Their educational program is licensed by the Georgia Post-Secondary Board of Education.

Students will be able to obtain up to 5 qualifications.

Stellar students will be able to secure a job thanks to GTS’ relationship with different shipbuilding, construction, energy, and manufacturing companies.

In the end, students will earn a Certification of Completion, as well as the American Welding Society Qualification.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements – anyone’s welcome to apply. Applicants will have to fill out a Student Application, make a deposit, and review the enrollment agreement.

Fees: Tuition fee is $9,000. The estimated cost of books, tools, and supplies is around $500. They also offer scholarships.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Contact information:


3Health Tech of Georgia

Health Tech of Georgia offers a well-rounded program for each and every one of their courses.

This is a very reputable institution, with many positive reviews and pleasant experiences.

It provides a unique opportunity to acquire and enhance one’s skills and prepare them for a career in the field of health.

All their courses have been approved by two agencies: The Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC) and the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF).

NPEC is in charge of determining whether an institution is educationally and financially sound, while the GMFC examines and monitors all Certified Nursing Assistant programs.

HTG aims to prepare students for future work opportunities.

Not only does their program coves the basic course material, but they also teach you how to identify potential employers, fill in applications, build resumes, and ace job interviews.

Enrollment: These are the requirements in order to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants must be in good health
  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED

Fees: Tuition fees start from $229 depending on the selected course and go up to $2,612.

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • EKG Technician
  • ECG Monitor Tech
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Medical Terminology
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Front Office Medical Assistant
  • Back Office Medical Assistant
  • Medical Office Specialist

Contact information:


4All American Technician Academy - HVAC Training School in Georgia

All American Technician Academy was founded in 2017.

They recognized the need for trained HVAC professionals, so they decided to open a well-rounded academy eager to teach new students.

They offer a true hands-on experience.

Their instructors are well-versed in the HVAC industry, with years of experience as both technicians and business owners.

After completing a class, instructors will be available to students via phone, text, in the field, or via e-mail.

Students will also be able to schedule two Zoom calls with their instructors to ask any questions they might have.

This academy is very unique in its approach, forming a firm bond with its students and creating potential job opportunities afterward.

The courses include the EPA Certification.

Enrollment: These are the requirements to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants must be in good health
  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED

Fees: Tuition fee is $2,482, which includes EPA Certification. They also offer different financing options. You can get more information about the financing options by calling them.

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Level 1 – Maintenance
  • Level 1 – Installation
  • Level 2 – Installation
  • Advanced HVAC Electrical

Contact information:


5Dental Assisting School of Georgia

Dental Assisting School of Georgia is highly regarded in the community thanks to their amazing programs and hands-on teaching.

Students will train side-by-side with experienced dental assistants, in an actual dentists’ office.

Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:

  • Basic dental sciences
  • Laboratory proficiency
  • Clinical skills
  • Practical experience

Their educational program is licensed by the Non-Public Post-Secondary Education Commission, which further proves the quality of their courses.

The program lasts for eight weeks and upon completion, students will feel confident working in a dental office.

Enrollment: These are the requirements to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years
  • Applicants must have proof of age
  • Applicants must have either a high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts
  • Must have Hepatitis B shot record or sign a declination waiver
  • Applicants will need to include a personal statement
  • Must understand and speak fluently in English
  • Must attend orientation at Roswell Campus

Fees: Tuition fee is $3,600. There is also an application fee of $75, as well as materials and supply fee that amounts to $60. They offer financing options through Care Credit and PayPal

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Dental Assistant

Contact information:

  • Dental Assisting School of Georgia
  • Location 1: 3395 Sixes Rd Ste 120, Canton, GA 30115
  • Location 2: 2221 Johnson Ferry Rd NE Ste 2A, Atlanta, GA 30319
  • Location 3: 3796 Satellite Blvd Ste 201, Duluth, GA 30096
  • Phone: 770-599-7169
  • Website: http://dasgeorgia.com/

6Shadow Nursing, LLC

Shadow Nursing is another renowned name in the health industry.

So far, they have successfully taught over 3,500 students and have been praised by many.

Their goal is to create caring, educated, and professional health care staff for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities.

Shadow Nursing LLC was originally found by a nurse for nurses.

Thanks to their high-quality courses, students will be able to develop, enhance, and fortify their skills and apply them in the real world.

All students will receive guidance and advice on the following health care aspects:

  • Familiarization with clinical skills
  • Patient assessment
  • Documentation
  • Medication administration
  • Patient care

Their staff consists of experienced, thoroughly-trained individuals eager to share their knowledge.

Enrollment: These are the requirements to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must receive a TB vaccine
  • Applicants must go through a drug screening procedure
  • A background check will be performed before the class starts
  • Applicant must bring a copy of their Social Security Card
  • Applicants must bring a driver’s license
  • If they want to attend the CMA course, applicants must be a certified CNA.

Fees:

  • The course fee for CNA training is $825. The state exam fee is $112. Applicants will have to make a $325 deposit to secure a spot in a class. The deposit is non-refundable.
  • The course fee for First Aid/CPR/AED is $65
  • The course fee for CMA is $225

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant
  • First Aid/CPR/AED
  • CMA – Certified Medical Assistant

Contact information:


7Savannah Cosmetology - Nail, Barber & Esthetic Institute

Savannah Cosmetology School is a privately-owned secondary education institution located in Savannah.

They have been operating since 2012, and have created many outstanding beauty professionals.

This school offers a wide variety of courses which focus on practical knowledge.

It’s a very modern school that teaches the latest method and techniques.

By earning a certificate in any of the courses listed below, students will be able to instantly become a part of this rapidly-growing industry.

Enrollment: These are the requirements to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must complete an enrollment application form
  • Applicants must provide proof of secondary education (a high school diploma, GED, or official transcripts of completion)
  • Instructor applicants must hold current practitioner license and complete an instructor in-training application

Fees: Prices vary depending on the course:

  • Hair Design Course Fee – $7,800 + $300 for books + $325 for a kit
  • Master Cosmetology Course Fee – $8,200 + $275 for books + $375 for kits
  • Nail Technology Course Fee – $8,500 + $200 for books + $200 for a kit
  • Barber Cross Over Course Fee – $2,610
  • Barber I Course Fee – $7,800 + $375 for books
  • Instructor Course Fee – $8,500 + $400 for a kit
  • Barber II Course Fee – $8,475 + $425 for a kit
  • Esthetician Course Fee – $6,200 + $375

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Hair Design – 9 months
  • Master Cosmetology – 12 months
  • Nail Technology – 7 months
  • Barber Cross Over – 4 months
  • Barber I – 9 months
  • All instructor courses last for 6 months
  • Barber II – 9 months
  • Esthetician

Contact information:

  • Savannah Cosmetology Nail, Barber & Esthetic Institute
  • Address: 405 Pennsylvania Ave, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
  • Phone: +1 912-358-1317
  • Website: https://savannahcosmetology.com/

8Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Georgia Piedmont Technical College has a long tradition of producing successful individuals in various fields of expertise.

They want to inspire students to further develop their skills, to work on themselves, and prepare them for future business opportunities.

GPTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on College.

Here, teachers combine practical knowledge with theory in creative and innovative ways.

Their facilities are state-of-the-art, following the latest industry standards.

Enrollment: These are the requirements to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must complete an online application form
  • Applicants must provide proof of secondary education (a high school diploma, GED, or official transcripts of completion)
  • Applicants must have satisfactory results on the Accuplacer, SAT, ACT, or the ASSET Test
  • Applicants must have a current driver’s license
  • Applicants must have a current ID issued by the State of Georgia
  • Applicants must have a certified US birth certificate
  • Other documents that will confirm the applicant’s lawful presence in the US

Fees: Tuition fees may vary from $40 to $1,150, depending on the course. The application fee is $25, while the late application fee amounts to $45.

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Computer Information Systems
  • Electronics Technology
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology
  • Computer Graphics and Design/Drafting Technology
  • Building Automation Systems
  • Criminal Justice Technology
  • Paramedicine Technology
  • Design and Media Production Technology
  • Accounting
  • Sustainable Technology Certificate
  • Motorcycle Service Technology
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Clinical Laboratory Technology
  • Ophthalmology Technology
  • Practical Nursing
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Welding and Joining Technology

Contact information:

  • Georgia Piedmont Technical College
  • Address: 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021
  • Phone: 404-297-9522
  • Website: https://www.gptc.edu/

9School of Aviation – Middle Georgia State University

School of Aviation is the only aviation school within the university system of Georgia.

The school’s airplane fleet is equipped with modern and advanced avionics systems.

Their staff is comprised of reputable individuals, credentialed individuals, and industry leaders.

It’s home to the Institute for Applied Aerospace Research, which works in collaboration with NASA.

Individuals who attend this school are certain to receive many job-offers upon completion.

It’s a well-rounded program that provides students with all the tools needed to succeed in this field.

Enrollment: These are the requirements to be eligible for the program:

  • Applicants must complete an online application form
  • Applicants must provide proof of secondary education (a high school diploma, GED, or official transcripts of completion)
  • Applicants must send their SAT or ACT test results
  • Applicants must provide documents that will confirm applicant’s lawful presence in the US

Fees: Tuition fees may vary from $527 to $2,371 depending on the selected course and type

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Aviation Science and Management
  • Air Traffic Management
  • Aircraft Structural Technology
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Helicopter Flight Technology
  • Airplane Flight Technology
  • Technical Management

Contact information:

  • School of Aviation – Middle Georgia State University
  • Address: 100 University Parkway Macon, GA 31206
  • Phone: 478-471-2700
  • Website: https://www.mga.edu/aviation/

10Connecticut School of Broadcasting

Connecticut School of Broadcasting is a fast and fun way to learn about the communications industry.

They truly do follow the latest industry standards and have modern equipment.

From the first day, students will get a chance to play around with the equipment instead of sitting and taking notes.

Students especially love this school because of their dynamic academic plan that includes a lot of practical work and great interaction with teachers.

Class sizes are deliberately small so that every individual would get personalized attention.

Their staff is very qualified, with years of work experience in broadcasting and coding.

A lot of their teachers are still employed in these industries, so if you work hard enough, you might get a job offer straight upon completion of the course.

CSB will also prepare students for job interviews and writing resumes. Their courses last a couple of months

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. To get further information, you must get in touch with their Admissions team by calling the number below

Fees: The tuition fee is $11,000

The School Offers the Following Courses:

  • Broadcast Media
  • Web Development

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants12,440$61,210$29.43$90,810$35,880
Medical Records Specialists4,800$51,070$24.56$72,340$32,330
Nursing Assistants40,980$34,890$16.77$44,800$26,580
Dental Assistants10,050$43,710$21.02$55,500$34,840
Medical Assistants25,160$39,640$19.06$48,020$30,620
Phlebotomists5,920$41,860$20.12$50,410$32,200
Electricians21,010$57,930$27.85$80,020$36,920
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters7,520$56,980$27.39$76,520$36,050
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics23,970$49,660$23.88$77,170$28,410
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers11,520$53,500$25.72$77,190$34,390
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Georgia, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

A lot of programs and courses that these trade schools offer are in very high demand.

These schools will effectively prepare students for actual, real-life work experience. Traditional schooling is not the standard anymore.

Another benefit of going to trade schools is that they teach a specific skillset, unlike traditional 4-year college programs.

It will be much faster to find a job with a specific trade – there’s a rapidly-growing need for high-precision skills.

Moreover, trade schools can be a fun and less time-consuming alternative to traditional colleges.