The Demand for Skilled Trades Has Never Been Higher...
Tradesmen keep the world running—from heating and cooling systems to powering homes and businesses. With careers starting at $50,000 and often growing to $90,000 or more, these careers offer unmatched opportunities for financial and personal growth.
Industries like construction, energy, and technology are experiencing critical shortages of skilled workers. Whether you're interested in HVAC, welding, or diesel mechanics, there's never been a better time to start a career in the skilled trades.
Explore Our Entire Catalogue of Skilled Trades Programs
Unlock your potential with over 80 specialized skilled trades programs designed to get you job-ready fast.
All fundable with either scholarships, grants, or flexible loan programs.
Top Skilled Trades Programs
Automotive Technology
Drive Your Future with Automotive Technology! Train for a high-demand career in automotive diagnostics, repair, and technology with hands-on programs designed for today’s modern vehicles. Learn engine performance, electrical systems, and hybrid technology from industry experts.
With the rise of electric and advanced automotive systems, skilled technicians are more valuable than ever.
🔧 Job Growth: 67,700 openings expected each year (U.S. BLS)
💰 Salary Range: $40K–$70K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Dealerships, service centers, EV specialists
⏱️ Program Length: 6–12 months; often leads to ASE certification
Aviation Technician
Launch a high-flying career as an aircraft technician. From propeller planes to jet engines, you’ll gain deep experience with cutting-edge systems and aviation safety protocols. This program prepares you to maintain, repair, and inspect aircraft for commercial carriers and private fleets.
✈️ Job Growth: 10% growth expected in aviation maintenance roles
💰 Salary Range: $55K–$90K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Airlines, defense contractors, private aviation firms
⏱️ Program Length: 12–18 months; FAA certification pathways included
CAD Technician (SolidWorks / Design-to-Build)
Combine digital design with real-world building skills. This program teaches 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks), 3D printing, prototyping, and mechanical design—all applied to actual fabrication workflows. Students don’t just design—they build what they design using CNC, mills, and manufacturing tools. It’s a shortcut to careers in mechanical design, product prototyping, and tech-based trades.
📈 Job Growth: CAD jobs expected to grow 7%+ through 2032
💰 Salary Range: $50K–$90K+, depending on industry and software skills
⏱️ Program Length: 5–6 months
📍 Best For: Tech-minded students who want to design mechanical parts and products
🛠️ Funding Options: Grants, GI Bill, and low-payment loan options
Composite Materials (Carbon Fiber & Fiberglass)
Composite materials like carbon fiber and fiberglass are the backbone of today’s aerospace, drone, performance racing, and even theme park industries. In this program, you’ll learn how to design, mold, repair, and layer these lightweight but ultra-strong materials—used everywhere from SpaceX rockets to F1 cars.
📈 Job Growth: Composites and aerospace manufacturing demand is surging
💰 Salary Range: $45K–$75K+ with specialized skills
⏱️ Program Length: 4 months (hands-on lab focus)
📍 Best For: Hands-on creatives who want to build next-gen tech using cutting-edge materials
🛠️ Funding Options: Grants, GI Bill, and low-payment loan options
Diesel Mechanic
Work on the powerful engines behind the world’s logistics networks. Learn to service and repair trucks, buses, and industrial machines while mastering diagnostics, hydraulics, and emissions systems.
⚙️ Job Demand: 28,000+ openings per year projected (U.S. BLS)
💰 Salary Range:$48K–$80K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Trucking, construction, public transit, logistics fleets
⏱️ Program Length: 9–12 months; often leads to ASE Diesel certification
Electrician
Power your career as an Electrician. From home wiring to industrial panels, you’ll learn to read blueprints, install electrical systems, and work safely under code. This program sets you up for apprentice roles that lead to licensed journeyman status.
🔌 Job Growth: Over 79,000 new jobs projected per year through 2032
💰 Salary Range:$50K–$90K+ with licensing
🏢 Industries Hiring: Residential, commercial, energy, new construction
⏱️ Program Length: 9–12 months; apprentice pathways vary by state
HVAC Technician
Master the tools of climate control and start a recession-proof career. HVAC techs install and repair heating and cooling systems in homes, schools, and businesses—keeping people safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
🌡️ Job Growth: +6% expected through 2032
💰 Salary Range: $45K–$75K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Residential & commercial contractors, construction firms
⏱️ Program Length: 6–10 months; EPA Section 608 certification recommended
Learn to Fly (Commercial Pilot)
Turn a lifelong dream into a professional career with pilot training. From private pilot basics to commercial certification, this program prepares you to pass FAA exams and build flight hours toward a career in commercial aviation.
🛫 Job Demand: High due to national pilot shortage
💰 Salary Range: $60K–$150K+ depending on hours and airline
🏢 Industries Hiring: Regional airlines, cargo transport, tourism charters
⏱️ Program Length: 12–24 months; includes flight hours & ground school
Maintenance Technician
Learn how to diagnose and repair the systems that keep factories, warehouses, and buildings running. From electrical panels to conveyor belts, this training equips you for fast-paced, high-demand roles with stable pay and long-term growth.
🧰 Job Growth: Consistent demand across manufacturing and facilities
💰 Salary Range:$45K–$75K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Distribution centers, manufacturing, commercial real estate
⏱️ Program Length: 6–9 months; includes hands-on mechanical training
Metal Fabrication
Metal Fabrication is the core skill behind everything from custom motorcycles to race cars and aerospace components. You’ll master techniques like MIG and TIG welding, metal shaping, tube bending, chassis construction, and more. Unlike general welding programs, this path gives you end-to-end fabrication skills—turning raw materials into working machines.
📈 Job Growth: Skilled trades demand up 9%+ over the next decade
💰 Salary Range: $45K–$80K+, depending on specialty and region
⏱️ Program Length: 4–6 months, with intensive hands-on shop time
📍 Best For: Builders, tinkerers, and hands-on learners who want to create real custom work
🛠️ Funding Options: GI Bill, grants, and flexible loans available
Tower Technician
Scale new heights as a Tower Technician, installing and maintaining cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure. You’ll be trained to climb safely, work with antennas, and troubleshoot high-powered systems—all essential for supporting 5G networks and emergency communications.
📡 Job Growth: Exploding demand due to 5G expansion nationwide
💰 Salary Range: $50K–$85K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Telecom, wireless providers, government contractors
⏱️ Program Length: 6–10 weeks with certifications included
Welding
Forge a career that’s as solid as steel. Welders are needed everywhere—from pipelines and shipyards to art installations and advanced manufacturing. Learn MIG, TIG, and stick welding while building a portfolio of structural and fabrication projects.
🔥 Job Demand: Growing with demand for infrastructure and clean energy
💰 Salary Range:$42K–$70K+
🏭 Industries Hiring: Construction, aerospace, shipbuilding, energy
⏱️ Program Length: 4–10 months; AWS certification available
Wind Turbine Technician
Work at the forefront of clean energy. Wind turbine techs install, inspect, and maintain the towering machines that power rural and coastal communities. Get trained in climbing safety, diagnostics, and green energy systems.
💨 Job Growth: +45% through 2032—one of the fastest growing U.S. careers
💰 Salary Range: $52K–$80K+
🏢 Industries Hiring: Renewable energy firms, utilities, maintenance contractors
⏱️ Program Length: 6–12 months; includes tower climbing & rescue certification
Explore 50+ Additional Skilled Trades Programs
Unlock your potential with over 80 specialized skilled trades programs designed to get you job-ready fast. From HVAC and welding to electrical work and plumbing, there’s a trade for every interest and skill set. Skilled trades are the backbone of every industry—build a career that’s hands-on, stable, and rewarding. Start exploring today and take the first step toward a career that works as hard as you do.
Skilled Trade Program Reviews
“I always enjoyed working with my hands, but I never knew I could turn it into a high-paying career. Welding has opened so many doors for me.”
