Trade SchoolsIf you want to start a rewarding career in a skilled trade, you can become job-ready in less than a year by attending a program at a trade school.
Vocational training focuses only on the skills that are relevant to that profession and consists of a large portion of hands-on training.
To help you decide if this path is right for you, on this page we have compiled information about the best trade schools in Gulfport.
The schools included in our list prepare you for rewarding careers in healthcare, construction, skilled trades, transportation, and many other in-demand fields.
Costs vary depending on the program duration and the credentials it leads to, but many schools also offer financing options to help you cover tuition and additional expenses.
So let’s see what Gulfport trade schools have to offer!
1Blue Cliff College Gulfport
About the School
Blue Cliff College helps students prepare for the career of their choice at the Gulfport campus.
The campus is a branch of the Metairie campus and is located at 12251 Bernard Parkway.
The school prepares students for careers in the beauty and healthcare industries.
Blue Cliff College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Dental Assisting Diploma- a program that covers subjects such as typical dental procedures, dental terminology, and more.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS- the program prepares students for a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.
- Cosmetology Diploma- students gain skills through in-class instruction and experience in the school’s cosmetology clinic.
- Massage Therapy Diploma- students prepare for a career in a field that focuses on the art of natural healing
- Clinical Medical Assisting Diploma- a program that aims to prepare students with the skills needed for entry-level employment in the healthcare industry.
- Health Information Management, Billing, and Coding Diploma- students learn the medical billing and coding skills they may need for entry-level employment
- Esthetics (a program that is not available in Gulfport at this time)
Contact Information
- Address: 12251 Bernard Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503
- Phone: (228) 896-9727
- Website: https://www.bluecliffcollege.edu
2Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
About the School
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers a variety of academic and career programs.
The programs prepare students for the workforce or to continue their education at a four-year university.
The college has eight schools and hundreds of career-technical and academic programs.
Fall and spring tuition for 1-14 credits is $165 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The following career/technical programs are available at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College:
- Accounting Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Auto Collision Repair Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
- Medical Assisting Technology
- Public Health Technology
- Surgical Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2226 Switzer Rd. Gulfport, MS 39507
- Phone: (228) 896-2536
- Website: https://mgccc.edu
3Harrison County Career and Technical Center
About the School
Harrison County Career and Technical Center prepares students with the skills and confidence to pursue a variety of career options, discover their passions, and get on the path to success.
Students are engaged in hands-on learning programs that blend classroom instruction with experience.
High school students have the opportunity to experience specialized classes, internships, and networking with members of their community.
Students gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue career options, discover their passion, and get on a pathway to success.
CTE students can earn E-2 credits toward their graduation with Honors or High Honors.
They may also earn national industry certifications for the skills and knowledge learned during the high school program.
Contact Information
- Address: 15600 School Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
- Phone: 228-832-6652
- Website: https://harrisoncctc.ss11.sharpschool.com
4Chris' Beauty College
Chris’ Beauty College offers training in many beauty industry areas and prepares students to become full-service professionals.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Cosmetology Course- students learn haircutting, coloring, perming, and styling, as well as manicuring and pedicuring, and other skills that prepare them for a career as licensed cosmetologists.
- Manicure Course- students learn nail structure and manicuring techniques
- Barber Course- students learn barbering skills as set by the MS Board of Barber Examiners
- Instructor Course- students learn how to plan lessons, motivate students, and practice successful teaching techniques
Contact Information
- Address: 1265 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39501
- Phone: (228) 864-2920
- Website: https://chrisbeautycollege.edu
5Crescent School Gaming and Barbering
Crescent School Gaming and Barbering offers bartending and casino dealing classes.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Three-week Bartending Course- a course on mastering the art of mixing drinks quickly and properly
- 12-week Beverage Management Course- the class includes hands-on bartending/mixology training as well a wide range of management skills and product knowledge training
- Dealer Instruction: Focused on What Employers and Players Expect
- Casino Dealer Programs: 350-hour Two-Game Dealing Program and 750-hour Comprehensive Dealing program
Contact Information
- Address: 1306 29th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501
- Phone: 228-822-2444
- Website: https://crescent.edu
6Academy of Hair Design
The Academy of Hair Design is dedicated to training competent cosmetologists and cosmetology instructors.
Students participate in intensive training so that, upon graduation, the students can successfully enter their chosen profession.
Classes are offered at three convenient locations: Grenada, Pearl, and Hattiesburg.
Courses Offered
The school offers the following programs:
- Cosmetology
- Instructor Program
The Cosmetology program includes the following courses:
- Shampooing
- Wet Waving, Hairsetting, Pincurls
- Scalp Treatments
- Facial Massage
- Facial Make-up
- Eyebrow Arch
- Chemistry
- Chemical Relaxer
- Eyelash and Eyebrow Dye
- Manicuring
- Salesmanship, Business Training, and Law Relating to Cosmetology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1301 Sunset Drive #JK, Grenada, MS 38901
- Phone: 662-226-2464
- Website: https://academyofhair.com
7Corinth Academy of Cosmetology
Corinth Academy of Cosmetology is a fully licensed cosmetology school through the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology.
The school is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career, Arts, and Sciences and Certified by the United States Department of Education to administer Title IV Funds under the Higher Education Act of 1964.
The school has a location in Corinth and one in Tupelo.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Cosmetology
- Manicurist
- Instructor Training
The 1,500-hour Cosmetology program includes 230 hours of theory classes, 1,200 hours of skilled work, and 70 unassigned hours of theory or skill, used at the instructor’s discretion to satisfy students’ needs.
This program costs $16,275 and includes tuition, books and kit, and registration fee.
Contact Information
- Address: 509 Cruise Street, Corinth, MS 38834
- Phone: 662-286-9200
- Website: https://www.cac.edu
8Truck Driver Institute
About the School
Truck Driver Institute offers CDL training classes that can be completed in three weeks.
TDI has been providing job-seekers with the opportunity to start a career in the truck driving industry since 1973.
The institute offers classes at several locations, including Pensacola, Columbia, Atlanta, Indianapolis, South Bend, and Tupelo.
The Tupelo campus has served the area for over 16 years.
The facility covers more than 10 acres.
Students participate in hands-on training.
The school offers on-site training and testing.
Courses Offered
Truck Driver Institute offers CDL A Class, CDL Class B, and Class C programs.
CDL Class A drivers are qualified to drive a truck that tows a trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
When you receive a Class A CDL training you’re also able to drive the Class B and Class C vehicles.
Contact Information
- Address: 341 East Franklin Street, Tupelo, MS 38802
- Phone: 800-848-7364
- Website: https://www.drivebigtrucks.com
9Itawamba Community College
About the School
Itawamba Community College offers more than 100 programs of study and a 20 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio.
The college has three campuses: Fulton, Tupelo, and Belden.
The college offers a variety of programs through its ten schools:
- School of Arts
- School of Business
- School of Career Education
- School of Education
- School of General Studies
- School of Health Sciences
- Schools of Health-Related Professions
- School of Humanities
- School of Legal Studies
- School of STEM
Itawamba Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available through the college’s School of Career Education:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Management Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Heating and Air Conditioning Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Paralegal Technology
- Welding and Cutting Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2176 South Eason Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804
- Phone: 662.620.5000
- Website: https://www.iccms.edu
10Pearl River Community College
About the School
Pearl River Community College is Mississippi’s first public two-year institution of higher learning.
The college has four campuses– located throughout Mississippi, each offering unique qualities, courses, and scenery.
Courses Offered
The following career and technical education programs are available at the college:
- Film & Video Technology
- Business Management Technology
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Barbering
- Court Reporting Technology
- Automotive Mechanics Technology
- Construction Equipment Operation
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
- Utility Lineman Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- And more
Program durations vary depending on the pathway and the credential it leads to.
The Barbering program available at the Poplarville campus leads to a certificate and can be completed in 12 months.
This program costs $1,745 for in-state tuition and fees.
Books and supplies cost $300.
Contact Information
- Address: 454 Highway 90, Suite D, Waveland, MS 39576
- Phone: 601.403.1000
- Website: https://prcc.edu
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to put your professional dream on hold just because you can’t afford to spend four years in post-secondary education.
Trade schools offer plenty of programs that can be completed in less than a year and allow you to graduate debt-free.
Now that you have read our list of the best trade schools in Gulfport, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
Trade Schools by City in Mississippi
