Trade SchoolsWelcome to our list of the best trade schools in the Hickory region.
By focusing only on the skills that are relevant to the job market, vocational training typically can be completed in only one or 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.
If you want to combine classroom with on-the-job training, our list also includes apprenticeships that allow you to earn a wage while preparing for a new career.
Our selection also includes programs for high school students who want to earn high school and college credit at the same time.
We encourage you to use this information as a starting point in your research and choose the school and program that best meets your needs.
1Catawba Valley Community College
About the School
Catawba Valley Community College offers academic programs and courses designed to provide classroom study and applied experiences designed to prepare students for lifelong success in their chosen profession.
The classes are kept small, so students have access to experienced faculty dedicated to their mentorship.
Courses Offered
Catawba Valley Community College provides the following programs of study:
- Graphic Design
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Welding Technology
- Cosmetology Diploma
- Health and Fitness Science
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2550 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
- Phone: (828) 327-7000
- Website: https://www.cvcc.edu
2Lenoir-Rhyne University
About the School
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a world-class education designed to inspire students to become their best selves.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
Full-time undergraduate resident student tuition is $31,000 per year for the 2024-2025 year.
Courses Offered
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers the following degree programs:
- Accounting- Bachelor of Arts
- Actuarial Science Minor
- Applied Computer Science Minor
- Astronomy Minor
- Community Health Minor
- Healthcare Administration Minor
- Information Technology Minor
- Photography Minor
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
- Phone: 828.328.1741
- Website: https://www.lr.edu
3Appalachian Cares
About the School
Appalachian Cares offers small class sizes, high-quality student and faculty interaction, and exciting undergraduate research opportunities at its Hickory campus.
Appalachian State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees.
Courses Offered
The following career and technical education programs are available:
- Agriculture Education
- Trade and Industry Education
- Family and Consumer Science Education
- Workforce Leadership & Employment
- And more
The Trade and Industry Education Concentration, Bachelor of Science includes courses such as:
- Introductory Chemistry
- Biology in Society
- General Physics
- College Algebra and Applications
- Society and Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 223 S. West Street, Suite 1800, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Phone: (919) 962-1000
- Website: https://www.northcarolina.edu
4Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan Real Estate Education offers courses designed to give students the tools and confidentiality to move forward in their field of expertise.
The school provides a variety of education formats, flexible schedules, and a comprehensive selection of state-approved courses.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Kaplan Real Estate Education:
- Real Estate
- Home Inspection
- Contractor Education
Real Estate courses are held by instructors who are practicing real estate professionals with a first-hand understanding of the journey students have to complete.
Real estate licensing and continuing education courses are available.
Available are accessible and engaging education delivery methods, ultra-flexible schedules, and a wide selection of courses.
The school also offers online real estate classes that provide students the opportunity to learn from pre-recorded instructor-led videos that allow them to review each lesson segment.
The online Career Launcher Package costs $849 and includes 75 credit hours.
North Carolina Licensing with Exam Prep Package costs $449 online.
Contact Information
- Address: 1515 W Cypress Creek Rd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
- Phone: 800.636.9517
- Website: https://www.kapre.com
5Salt Air Flight Training & Aircraft Rentals
About the School
Salt Air Flight Training & Aircraft Rentals offers a very extensive fleet of five aircraft for training.
The school has highly dedicated FAA-certified instructors who guide trainees in obtaining their own pilot’s license.
To be eligible to receive a certificate in a single-engine airplane, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 16 years of age to fly solo
- Be 17 years of age to receive a pilot certificate
- Read, speak, and understand English
- Hold at least a third-class medical certificate for the private pilot certificate
The following certificates/ratings are available:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Sport Pilot Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 3103 9th Avenue Drive NW, Hickory, NC 28601
- Phone: (828) 962-0211
- Website: https://www.saltairleasing.com
6School of Skilled Trades
About the School
School of Skilled Trades offers student-focused education to help students accomplish their mission.
The school provides labs with equipment students will actually use in the field thus preparing them for real-life situations.
School of Skilled Trades is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
The school nurtures relationships with companies and professionals in the plumbing field to provide employment opportunities for their graduates.
Courses Offered
The school offers a Plumbing Technician Course as well as continuing education classes.
The Plumbing Technician program includes the following classes:
- Basic Plumbing
- Essentials of Plumbing
- Intermediate Plumbing
- Advanced Plumbing
In total, the program includes 720 hours: 240 lecture hours and 480 lab hours.
Tuition and uniforms cost $10,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 2800 Meridian Parkway #125, Durham, NC 27713
- Phone: 919-892-8989
- Website: https://www.schoolofskilledtrades.com
7Omitt Trade School
Omitt Trade School teaches trade skills for students in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas.
Courses Offered
The following courses and programs are available at the school:
- HVAC- a 26-week program that covers Mechanical Maintenance Techniques, Basic Electrical Theory, Introduction to HVAC Formulas, Safety Tools, Refrigerants, and more
- Welding- a program that helps students gain a wide scope of knowledge on the welding theory and applications
- Electrical- a program designed for students who want to increase their knowledge and skills and the potential for employment placement
- Forklift Operation Certification- a nine-hour program that prepares students to become a safe forklift operator
- Carpentry- a solid, professional training that prepares students for employment as qualified carpenters
- Facilities Maintenance- a 20-week program that covers specific skills on construction and maintenance
Contact Information
- Address: 101 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213
- Phone: (704) 248-0837
- Website: https://www.omitttradeschool.com
8Guilford Technical Community College
About the School
Guilford Technical Community College prepares students for careers in dental, nursing, physical therapy, radiography, and wellness fields.
By attending classes at the college, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful healthcare professionals in occupations that serve their community.
Guilford Technical 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 at the school:
- Dental Hygiene
- Emergency Medical Science
- Medical Assisting
- Healthcare Administration
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Pharmacy Technology
- EKG Technician
- Medical Receptionist
- Pharmacy Technician Certification
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 601 E. Main Street P.O. Box 309 Jamestown, NC 27282
- Phone: 336.334.4822
- Website: https://www.gtcc.edu
9Wake Tech
About the School
Wake Tech offers hundreds of programs in 13 career fields designed to meet students’ interests.
The college offers more than 250 degree programs and transfer options and more than 850 non-degree programs.
Programs are available at 114 campuses and locations across the nation.
Courses Offered
The following program pathways are available at Wake Tech:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Construction and Maintenance
- Health Care and Wellness
- Hospitality and Personal Services
- Science and Math
- Transportation
- And more
The Construction and Maintenance pathway includes programs such as:
- Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology
- Architectural Technology
- Building Automation Technology
- Carpentry and Construction
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Construction Equipment Systems Technology
- Electrical Wiring
- Fiber-Optic Technician
- Interior Design
- Welding
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Phone: 919-866-5000
- Website: https://www.waketech.edu
10Millennium Trade Academy
About the School
Millennium Trade Academy provides students with training in the theory and practice of Natural Hair Care, Manicuring, Instructors, and Esthetics disciplines.
The programs are designed to teach the skills required to pass the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts exam.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the Academy:
- Natural Hair- students experience all the necessary required skills and theory in a mock salon environment
- Esthetician- a program that covers topics such as healthy skin, disorders, and the anatomy of the skin
- Nails- a program that includes basic manicures and pedicures, disorders of the nails, structure, and growth
- Instructors Program- students receive hands-on training as well as theory and lesson planning required to prepare them for careers as educators
- Business Mentor- every student has the opportunity to receive mentorship, from group team building to personal job placement
Contact Information
- Address: 1912 Coliseum Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403
- Phone: (336) 542-9495
- Website: https://millenniumtradeacademy.com
Final Thoughts
The schools included in our list offer hands-on programs for future hair stylists, welders, carpenters, plumbers, and more.
If any of the career paths included in our selection sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs and career aspirations.
Trade Schools by City in North Carolina
