10 Best Trade Schools inOlympia, WA

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If you live in Olympia and want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in higher education, we encourage you to read our selection of the best trade schools in your region.

Here we compile information about many relevant factors, including curriculum, tuition costs, accreditations, and admission requirements.

Our compilation includes both on-site and online programs, as well as hybrid options.

The schools in our selection cover a wide range of career paths, including:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Cosmetology
  • Welding
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Air Conditioning
  • Plumbing
  • And more

We invite you to read further and decide if any of the paths included in our list are fit for your skills and career aspirations.



1Charter College

Charter College has provided career-focused training since 2008.

The programs are developed specifically to address the hiring needs of Washington employers.

Through hands-on training, students become workplace-ready.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the Lacey campus:

  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration, Certificate
  • Medical Assistant Certificate
  • Pharmacy Assistant Certificate

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Certificate program prepares students for jobs where they can work with their hands.

Students prepare to install, service, and repair heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

After successfully completing their training, students are able to:

  • Complete basic HVAC practices needed for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems maintenance and repair
  • Demonstrate basic industry safety practices
  • Be prepared for the EPA refrigerant handling test and certification
  • Identify and use EPA guidelines, Clean Air Act rules and regulations, manufacturer recommendations, and good trade practice
  • And more

The program can be completed in ten months.

Contact Information


2SGA Inspection Inc.

About the School

SGA Inspection Inc. is a home inspector training school in Washington state.

The school provides a fast-track 17-day course designed to help students meet the state requirements with the least amount of disruption in their lives.

Classes are taught at a home inspector’s office with lectures being held by working home inspectors.

Tuition for the 120-hour classroom training program is $2,000.

40-hours of field training cost $1,000.

In total, the 160 hours of training are $3,000.

Students also receive an online curriculum in the school’s computer lab with daily material testing to measure their progress.

Contact Information


3Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty College offers beauty industry education and a broad curriculum.

Students prepare for careers in Cosmetology and Esthetics.

Courses Offered

The Cosmetology program is for students who love designing hair, makeup, and nails.

The Esthetics program teaches students about spa facials, facial massage, touch therapy techniques, microdermabrasion, facial and body waxing, individual eyelash extensions, skin analysis, body treatments, and more.

Students must be above the age of 16- the age of compulsory education in the state of Washington.

They also need proof of a High School Diploma, its equivalent, a transcript showing high school completion, or a certificate of attainment.

Evergreen is accredited by NACCAS and offers classes at seven convenient locations.

Contact Information


4Bodymechanics School

Bodymechanics School provides Myotherapy and Massage training to students in counties such as Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Pierce, Pacific, and more.

The school offers training at two locations: Tumwater and Vancouver.

Courses Offered

The massage programs available at Bodymechanics School include a 700-hour day and evening program and a 648-hour weekend program.

Classes are designed to prepare students to become critical thinkers and for success at the MBLEx.

The school has the following admission requirements:

  • Hold a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Be at least 18 years of age

The school provides the following schedules:

  • Morning sessions: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday
  • Evening sessions: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday
  • Weekend sessions: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays for two to three weekends per month.

Contact Information


5Olympia School of Advanced Skincare

Olympia School of Advanced Skincare aims to empower aspiring beauty professionals with knowledge, skills, and confidence for success in esthetics.

The school provides personalized attention and hands-on training.

The comprehensive curriculum merges science, artistry, and innovation.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Basic Esthetics- 750 hours
  • Master Esthetics- 1,200 hours
  • Instructors Course- 500 hours

The following continuing education programs are also available:

  • Master Esthetics
  • Permanent Makeup
  • Lash Extensions

The Basic Esthetics program includes courses such as:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Skin Analysis
  • Facial Massage Techniques
  • Hair Removal
  • Makeup Essentials
  • Like Skills
  • Professional Image
  • Infection Control
  • Chemistry and Chemical Safety
  • And more

Tuition for the Basic Esthetics program is $10,650 while the Master Esthetics program costs $16,650.

Contact Information


6Washington Trucking School

About the School

Washington Trucking School is a Class CDL truck driving school in Olympia or Chehalis.

Students train on real trucks, in the open road.

New four-week courses begin every Monday at both Chehalis and Olympia locations

With a CDL Class A license, you can drive:

  • Semi tractor trailers
  • Double and triple trailers
  • Tankers
  • Flatbeds
  • Any Class B and Class C vehicles

Students spend 40 hours in the classroom where they complete the FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Theory Training.

Afterward, they have 120 hours of field time.

Vehicle training includes:

  • 70 hours of observation
  • 16 hours of backing
  • 16 hours of proficiency training
  • 18 hours on the road with a trained CDL instructor

Contact Information


7UEI College

About the School

UEI College provides valuable vocational training at its Tacoma campus.

The college prioritizes hands-on learning in industries like healthcare and the trades.

Small classes are prioritized, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 24-to-1.

The Tacoma campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

It is located in an active commercial district adjacent to Tacoma’s 72nd Street Transit Center.

Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Students may graduate in as few as ten months, depending on the chosen pathway.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the college:

  • Automotive Technician
  • Dental Assistant
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Billing and Insurance Coding

Contact Information


8Olympia Dental Assistant School

About the School

Olympia Dental Assistant School provides students with the skills, training, and requirements they need to enter the local workforce.

The 12-week dental assistant course available at the school has helped thousands of people start a new career in the dental field at a fraction of the cost of other schools.

The school provides a comprehensive hybrid learning program that includes in-person labs at a local dental office once a week, paired with at-home learning through self-paced online lectures during the week.

Each week consists of a combination of pre-recorded lectures, online learning activities, and hands-on skills.

Students attend a 4.5-hour class dedicated specifically to learning and perfecting lab skills.

Tuition is $3,890 if paid in full.

Contact Information


9Olympia University of Business & Technology

About the School

Olympia University of Business & Technology offers .NET, JAVA, Big Data, and Cloud Computing courses.

The .NET program teaches the basic skills of writing software applications using the C# programming language, JavaScript, Hypertext Markup Language, and Transact-Structured Query Language, among others.

After completing the course, students have the knowledge to pass one of the Microsoft Technology Associate exams to obtain entry-level certification.

The JAVA program prepares students to:

  • Comprehend the structure and principles of programming in Java
  • Prepare programs using common data structures and algorithms
  • Modify, compile, debug, and execute programs in Java
  • Create graphical interfaces for a webpage

The Big Data program teaches students how to:

  • Recognize challenges faced by applications dealing with large volumes of data
  • Create scalable solutions for dealing with large volumes of data
  • Use algorithms and methods for big data analysis
  • Master big data technology and tools

The Cloud Computing program covers:

  • Latest trends in cloud computing
  • Working effectively with different cloud programming platforms and tools
  • Deploy cloud-based systems
  • Developing applications using cloud platforms
  • Identify security issues
  • And more

Contact Information


10Olympic College

About the School

Olympic College helps students earn an associate degree, transfer degree, technical certificate, or high school diploma.

The Shelton campus also offers a series of continuing education courses as an affordable option to obtain career certifications or pursue personal interests.

The annual in-state tuition and fees sum up to $4,347 for 12 credits.

Courses Offered

The following healthcare courses are available at the school:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Pre-Professional Health Occupations
  • And more

Manufacturing and trades programs are also available in the following fields:

  • Associate Controls Specialist Apprenticeship
  • Construction Trades
  • Industrial Trades Technician
  • Manufacturing & Engineering Technology
  • Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Photography
  • Welding
  • And more

Contact Information


Final Thoughts

Olympia trade schools provide plenty of training options for students who want to start an in-demand career in less than two years.

Now that you have read our selection of the best trade schools in Olympia, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.


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