Trade SchoolsIf you want to prepare for a new career but can’t afford to spend four years in post-secondary education, trade schools offer a faster and less expensive route toward a rewarding job.
By focusing only on the skills that are relevant to the job market, vocational training typically can be completed in less than two years.
To help you decide if this is the path you want to pursue, on this page, we have compiled information about the best trade schools in your region and the programs they offer.
The programs included in our list of the best trade schools in Greenville are designed to get you job-ready in a wide range of fields, including Automotive, HVAC, Hair Styling, Manufacturing, Medical Assistant, Welding, and more.
Choosing the school that will prepare you for your future career is an important step, so make sure you take your time and consider all your options before deciding where to enroll.
1Greenville Technical College
About the School
Greenville Technical College has offered affordable, accessible learning that prepares students for great jobs since 1962.
The college also offers online classes designed to help students drive their careers forward from the comfort of their homes.
Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
In-county tuition and fees sum up to approximately $6,000 in total.
Courses Offered
The college offers training programs at the following schools:
- School of Advanced Manufacturing & Transportation Technology
- School of Engineering Technology & Professional Studies
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Business & Computer Technology
Students may take programs such as:
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Paralegal
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Radiologic Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 5616, Greenville, SC 29606
- Phone: 864-250-8000
- Website: https://www.gvltec.edu
2The Academy of Hair Technology
About the School
The Academy of Hair Technology offers a top-rated cosmetology program in South Carolina.
The school offers a 12-month program in Greenville.
This program includes the business, art, and science of the cosmetology field.
The program offers many ways for students to finance their education, from scholarships to veterans’ education benefits.
This program costs $14,000.
Students pay an additional $700 for a kit.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Academy of Hair Technology:
- Undergraduate Diploma in Cosmetology
- Undergraduate Certificate in Esthetics
- Certificate in Nail Technology
Continuing education programs are also available in Cosmetology, Nails, and Esthetics.
Contact Information
- Address: 3715 East North Street, Suite F, Greenville, SC 29615
- Phone: 864-322-0300
- Website: https://www.hairchamps.com
3The Real Estate Academy
About the School
The Real Estate Academy offers courses and coaching for licensed and non-licensed individuals who want to learn about the field of real estate.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available for non-licensed individuals:
South Carolina Pre-License Course- units 1 and 2- a course that costs $625
Unit 1 includes 60 hours of training, while unit 2 includes 30 hours.
Coaching and continuing education programs are also available for individuals who already have a license.
Contact Information
- Address: 1427 Laurens Rd. Suite G. Greenville, SC
- Phone: (864) 477-9928
- Website: https://www.screalestateacademy.com
4PITT Community College
About the School
PITT Community College helps students start a career in skilled trades by working closely with community partners and local businesses to determine the areas of need within the community.
Skilled trades cover a wide range of industries and specialties, including HVAC trade, carpentry, electrical wiring, and truck driving.
Each class in the Skilled Trade certificate program includes hands-on labs for at least 80 percent of the class, which allows students to gain the expertise that will allow them to enter their careers after graduation.
Graduates are ready for employment in the following fields:
- HVAC
- Welding
- Plumbing
- Long-range truck driving
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Masonry
- Escort vehicle certification
- Auto repair
Courses Offered
The college provides the following major courses of study:
- CFC Refrigerant Certification
- Cabinet Making Fundamentals II & III
- HVAC Preventive Maintenance
- Building Construction Blueprint Reading
- Plumbing Fundamentals
- Framing and Carpentry
- GMAW (MIG) Plate Welding
- GTAW (TIG) Plate Welding
- And more
PITT Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Drawer 7007, Greenville, NC 27835-7007
- Phone: 252-493-7200
- Website: https://pittcc.edu
5T.H.E. Training Center @ Johnstone Upstate
About the School
T.H.E. Training Center at Johnstone Upstate offers several programs designed to give students the tools they need to gain an advantage in the job market through specialized training.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the T.H.E. Training Center at Johnstone Upstate:
- Nate Certifications
- Coleman Technical Certification
- Air Flow Workshop 101
- AC/HP Installation Workshop 101
- Heat Pump 101
- Furnace Basics 101
- EPA 608 Certificate
- Electrical Troubleshooting 101
- Dehumidification for Every Application
Program objectives vary.
The Air Flow Workshop 101 course objectives are:
- Understand Airflow Terminology
- Fan Type and Application
- Simple Duct Evaluation
- Air Flow Measurements
- Static Evaluation
- Filtration
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2108 Highway 72 West, Greenwood, SC 29646
- Phone: 864-259-3000
- Website: https://www.hvacproacademy.net
6Miller Motte
About the School
Miller-Motte offers a variety of on-campus programs at its several locations across the United States.
The college has three South Carolina locations: Charleston, Conway, and Summerville.
Courses Offered
The following Associate Degree programs are available at the Miller-Motte
- Business Administration
- Construction & Trades Management
- Dental Assisting
- Early Childhood Education
- Healthcare Information Technology
- IT Support Specialist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
Diplomas are also available in the following fields:
- Business Studies
- Combination Welding
- Electrical
- HVAC & Basic Refrigeration Training
- Medical Clinical Assistant
You may also earn a certificate in:
- CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Medical Clinical Assistant
Program duration varies depending on the credential it leads to and the pathway.
The 72-hour Diploma program in Medical Billing and Coding can be completed in 15 months.
The 90-hour Associate of Occupational Studies in Practical Nursing can be completed in 14 months.
Contact Information
- Address: 8085 Rivers Ave # E, Charleston, SC 29406
- Phone: 843-405-8798
- Website: https://www.miller-motte.edu
7Aiken Technical College
About the School
Aiken Technical College is a public, open-door, two-year institution of higher education.
The college was established to provide citizens of greater Aiken County with educational and workforce development programs.
Aiken Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Courses Offered
The college offers programs at the following schools:
- School of General Education & University Transfer
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Nursing
- School of Technical and Continuing Education
The School of Health Sciences offers the following allied health programs:
- American Heart Association Courses
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
- Radiologic Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Surgical Technology
- Emergency Medical Services
- Patient Care Technician
The School of Technical and Continuing Education covers:
- General Technology
- HVAC
- Maintenance Technology
- Welding
- Nuclear Fundamentals Certification
- Electronic Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2276 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, SC 29829
- Phone: 803-593-9231
- Website: https://www.atc.edu
8Midlands Technical College
Courses Offered
Midlands Technical College offers more than 150 programs at its eight schools of study.
Online, virtual, in-person, and hybrid classes are available in flexible schedules, to accommodate different lifestyles.
Courses Offered
The following pathways are available at the college:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades- this pathway includes Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Mechatronics, CDL, and more
- Education and Public Service- Teaching, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Career Development, and Human Services programs are available
- Health Care- with programs in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Patient Care, Emergency Medical Services, and more
- Social and Behavioral Studies- programs in Anthropology, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
- Business- Management, Marketing, Accounting, and more
- English and Humanities- Art Studio, History, Writing, and more
- Science, Information Technology, Engineering, and Math- programs in Biology, Computers, Mechanical, and more
- Interdisciplinary Studies- students also have the option of customizing their degree
The college also offers dual enrollment programs for high school students who want to earn high school and college credit at the same time.
Contact Information
- Address: 1674 U.S. 321 Business, Winnsboro, SC 29180
- Phone: 803.815.6650
- Website: https://www.midlandstech.edu
9Fortis College in Columbia
About the School
Fortis College in Columbia provides career education and training in South Carolina for students who want to start careers in nursing, medical, dental, healthcare, and skilled trades career fields.
Fortis offers postsecondary education to students who are looking to start a new career or advance a current one.
The college offers a variety of quality certificate and degree programs to serve the needs of students in Columbia and the state of South Carolina.
The nursing program available at Fortis is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as registered nurses.
After graduation, students are ready to sit for the licensure exam to become registered nurses.
Allied health and medical career programs are also available in the fields of Medical Assisting and Dental Assisting.
Skilled trades programs are also available for those who want to become HVAC technicians.
Contact Information
- Address: 246 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 101 Columbia, SC 29210
- Phone: (803) 678-4800
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu
10Piedmont Technical College
About the School
Piedmont Technical College offers training programs at eight campuses and online.
The Greenwood campus is located on Emerald Road on the outskirts of Greenwood, South Carolina.
Students become career-ready for in-demand fields in two years or less.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college offers the following healthcare options:
- Cardiovascular Technology, Associate in Applied Science degree- a six-semester program
- Vascular Sonography Certificate- a two-semester program
- Health Care Certificate- a two-semester program
- Medical Assisting D.A.S.- a five-semester program
- Patient Care Technician Certificate- a one-semester program
- Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.- a seven-semester program
- And more
STEM programs are also available, such as:
- Electronic Engineering Technology, A.A.S.- a five-semester program
- Mechanical Engineering Technology, A.A.S.- a five-semester program
- And more
Students who want to start a career in skilled trades have the following options:
- Automotive Fundamentals, Certificate- a three-semester program
- Advanced Gunsmithing, Certificate- a two-semester program
- HVACR Installers, Certificate- a two-semester program
- Machine Tool Operator, Certificate- a two-semester program
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 620 N. Emerald Road, Greenwood, SC 29646
- Phone: (864) 941-8324
- Website: https://www.ptc.edu
Final Thoughts
If you’re a high school student, a graduate, or an adult who want to learn a new skill, the schools included in our selection of the best trade schools in Greenville offer plenty of training options for you.
We encourage you to continue your research and choose the program that best meets your needs.
Trade Schools by City in North Carolina
