San Diego Area Skilled Trades
Resource Guide
We need more skilled tradespeople!
- An estimated 31 million skilled trade workers in the United States retired in 2020, and many of those jobs remain unfilled.
- 62% of companies report that they struggle to fill skilled trade labor positions.
- Skilled trades jobs are high skill, high wage, high demand careers with a high degree of job satisfaction.
Apprenticeship Programs - Earn While You Learn
Associated Builders and Contractors Apprenticeship and School
Earn while you learn!
ABC provides training in: Electrical, Electronic Systems Technician (EST), Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and Pipefitting.
As an apprentice, you will receive paid on-the-job training with no tuition fees, but still earning college credits.
You graduate with life-long job mobility, skills that you can take anywhere, and debt-free.
Associated General Contractors of America Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn with on-the-job training and education
Video presentation
- Carpenter
- Cement Mason
- Drywall Finisher
- Drywall Lather
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Laborer
- Painter
Western Electrical Contractors Association Apprenticeship
Click here
- Commercial Inside Wireman Apprenticeship
- Residential Wireman Apprenticeship
- Low Voltage (Sound and Communication Installer: Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety) Apprenticeship
3 training locations in California
San Diego location is in Sorrento Valley
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship - SMART Local 206
San Diego County Office of Education Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training information video
Click here
State certified apprentice training programs (5-year program)
- 960 hours of classroom instruction
- 8000 hours of on-the-job training
- Specification and blueprint reading
- Sketching and drafting
- CAD (computer aided drafting)
- Welding
- Testing and balancing of air systems
- HVAC service work
- Green Technologies
Southwest Carpenters Apprenticeship
San Diego County Office of Education & Carpenters Union Apprenticeship information video
CARPENTER CRAFTS
- Acoustical Installer
- Cabinetmaker / Millworker
- Carpenter
- Drywall Applicator (IS)
- Floor Layer / Worker
- Insulator (IS)
- Lather
- Millwright
- Modular Furnishing Installer
- Pile Driver
- Plasterer (IS)
- Residential Carpenter
- Scaffold Erector
- Terrazzo Finisher
- Terrazzo Installer
Virtual Tour
(858) 621-2667 San DiegoContact: Reiner Hopfner
Electrical Training Institute Apprenticeship
Click here
San Diego County Office of Education & ETI & IBEW Apprenticeship information video
Apprentices can learn in two areas through ETI - inside wiring electrical and telecommunications/sound technician. Apprentices work during the day at training assignments with contractors (employers), who pay the apprentice directly for time worked. Apprentices may be sent to work anywhere in San Diego and Imperial counties.
Apprentices attend school two nights per week two semesters during the year (ETI operates on a trimester year). Our apprenticeship classes are credited through Palomar College, San Marcos, California. All classes are held in classrooms and labs at our training facility in San Diego and/or Imperial Valley.
California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association
Programs and more Information Click HERE
US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Guide
Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries and how to become an apprentice.
San Diego & Imperial Valley Community College Career Ed Resource
The San Diego & Imperial Valley community colleges have created this fantastic Career Ed resource to help link people to career industry sector community college programs that are hiring and growing and expected to continue to grow. The list of industry sectors is below with direct links to those pages on the resource. You can compare different programs in the same sector, see expected salary information and find the links to apply to the community college of your choice. It also has a great tool to find community college programs.
Local Community College Specialty Trade Programs
Southwest Regional Apprenticeship Program SWRAP
This program is located in San Diego and is a partnership between the US Navy and Southwestern College to provide skilled tradespeople to perform maintenance and repair work on naval vessels and other equipment. Apprentices attend college and trade classes at the apprentice school at NAS North Island and on the job learning at one of 3 sites: NAS North Island, Naval Base San Diego or Naval Base Point Loma. Apprentices also become federal employees with federal employee benefits of annual and sick leave, health insurance, accrual of retirement benefits and group life insurance. This is a 4-year program.
Click here to learn more about pay and find out how to apply for this unique program
- Machinist
- Welder
- Marine Machinery Mechanic
- Rigger
- Pipefitter & Temp Service Pipefitter
- Electrician & Temp Service Electrician
- Electronics Mechanic
Miracosta College Technology Career Institute Certificate Programs
MiraCosta College video tour
- Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Certificate
- Biomedical Equipment Technician
- Brew Tech Certificate
- CNC Operator Certificate
- CNC Programming Certificate
- Electronics Certificate
- Engineering Technician Program
- Fabrication Certificate
- Machinist Technology Program
- Unmanned Systems (ROV/Drone) Operator Technician Certificate
- Welding I Certificate
Engineering & Machinist program video
Palomar College Apprenticeship Programs
Palomar College partners with local unions to train new apprentices to earn certificates while earning college credits at the same time
https://www.palomar.edu/wcce/apprenticeship/
Carpentry (AP C)
Drywall/Lather (AP DL)
Inside Wireman (AP IW)
Plasterer (AP PL)
Sheet Metal (AP SM)
Sound Technician (AP SC)
Miramar College School of Business, Technical Careers, & Workforce Initiatives
Click here Programs Offered
- Miramar's Automotive program is one of the best in the United States and has unique training opportunities for specific makes of vehicles
- Automotive Technology program information and program video
- Toyota T-TEN program information and Toyota/Lexus T-TEN program video
- Honda PACT program information and Honda PACT program video
- MOPAR CAP program information MOPAR CAP program video
- Aviation Operations
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Computer & Information Sciences
- Computer Business Technology
- Diesel Technology - includes Hawthorne Cat equipment
Southwestern College
click here Career Education Programs
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Advanced Transportation & Logistics
- Agriculture, Water & Environmental Technologies
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism
- Energy, Construction & Utilities
- Health Care
- Information Communication Technologies & Digital Media (includes sound recording technology)
- Life Sciences & Biotechnology
- Public Safety & Services (Police, Fire, EMT, Paramedic)
Palomar College Trade & Industry Drafting, Machining & Fabrication
Click here Programs
Machinists and Technicians make and design parts and equipment for a variety of applications
- Drafting and Design CAD/CAM Technology
- Electrical Engineering Drafting & Design Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Drafting & Design Technology
Trade & Industry Department
Click here https://www2.palomar.edu/pages/ti/
Palomar program video
San Diego Mesa College
Grossmont Community College
San Diego City College
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public, accredited community college. It has one of the top-ranked plumbing programs in the country. LATTC Orientation video
LATTC Pathways video tour
Santiago Canyon Community College Trade Apprenticeships
Click here
Santiago Canyon is located in Orange, CA (Orange County)
You earn while you learn and are paid a wage from the first day you're hired. You're making money at no cost to you for the training. In addition to the on-the-job training, you will attend related and supplemental instruction in the classroom.The Apprenticeship Program at Santiago Canyon College, in conjunction with various employers and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, offers training in the following programs:
- Carpentry-Acoustical Tile, Drywall/Lather, Drywall Finisher, Plastering
- Carpentry-Concrete, Finish Carpentry, Framing, Tilt-up
- Carpentry-Millwright
- Carpentry-Pile Driver
- Cosmetology
- Electrician-Inside Wireman, Sound Installer
- Maintenance Mechanic and Electrician
- Operating Engineers-Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Duty Repair, Inspection, Rock Products Industry
- Power Lineman
- Surveying-Survey Chainman, Chief of Party
Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College is one of the highest ranked community colleges in California and is located in the south Orange County city of Costa Mesa. Campus Tour video
One of the few community colleges that has on campus student housing available!
Orange Coast Career Advantage offers programs within 13 career clusters. Career Clusters are groups of jobs and career paths that are included within the same broad field of work or industry sector.
OCC A-Z Career training list with links to programs
Explore Programs in:
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Aviation Science
- Professional Mariner program and waterfront campus video
- Architectural Technology
- Construction Technology
- HVACR Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Neurodiagnostic Technology
- Polysomnography Technology
- Radiologic Technology
and many more...
Skilled Trades Training Scholarships
Mike Rowe Works Work Ethic Scholarship
The Work Ethic Scholarship Program is about recognizing people who understand the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude. These are hardworking men and women who will keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing. These are people who show up early, stay late, and bust their tails day in and out. These are the people we want to reward.
TechForce Foundation Scholarships
This organization is funded by companies and organizations related to the transportation industry to help develop trained technicians and move them to the industry.
Porch Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships
Growing demand and lack of qualified workers in skilled trades and technology means it’s a great time to go to school and enter these lucrative and fast-growing industries. To help keep up with demand and assist the next generation of professionals, Porch will award a $2,000 scholarship four times a year to eligible students.
American Welding Society
https://www.aws.org/foundation/page/welder-training-scholarship
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Click here
The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to those who identify as a female/woman and are studying community college, baccalaureate, or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Scholarships
https://www.ashrae.org/communities/student-zone/scholarships-and-grants/ashrae-scholarship-program
CNC Machines Scholarship
There are not enough skilled technicians for the demand in CNC machining. The CNCMachines.com scholarship is a yearly scholarship awarded to exceptional students working towards a degree or certification in manufacturing, engineering, or related fields. Applicable degrees include certifications, certificates, associates, bachelors or masters. The total award of this scholarship is $2,500. This Scholarship renews and accepts new applications every September and funds are awarded to the ideal student May of the next year.
American Society of Plumbing Engineers
Want some help getting your degree in engineering? Apply for the ASPE Alfred Steele Scholarship. Up to $3,000 in scholarship monies may be awarded each year to qualified applicants. The deadline is January 31!
This scholarship is named in honor of Alfred Steele, PE, a long-time member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers and a visionary and pioneer in advocating education and professional development for plumbing engineers and designers.
The Alfred Steele Scholarship is limited to ASPE members and their immediate families who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher who are in or plan to attend a college, university, or technical school on a full-time basis (minimum 12 credit hours), enrolled in an engineering program.
https://www.aspe.org/membership-global-community/membership/alfred-steele-scholarship/
Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation Scholarship
The Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation provides scholarships to women who intend to enter or advance within the automotive industry. Applicants must also be women who are North American citizens. Applications from members and non-members are welcome. Candidates must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited college program and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are awarded quarterly.
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Application Deadline: Applications are accepted any time
Horatio Alger Association Career & Technical Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States. See the link for eligibility criteria
Travers Tool for Schools Metalworking Scholarships
Awarded to one underclass (freshmen through junior class) high school student, one high school senior class student, and one college student, these tool scholarships are designed to lessen the financial burden students face and allow them join the ranks of the skilled machinists, CNC operators, welders and exacting craftsmen that make up the fabric of the manufacturing industry. See the link for eligibility and other information.
Women in Aviation Scholarships
Applicants for the WAI scholarships must be an active member of Women in Aviation International by October 1 and may apply for up to three scholarships. Online scholarship applications available July 1.
Associated General Contractors of California Scholarships
AGC offers scholarship opportunities to current professionals, and students pursuing an education and career in construction. Students must be enrolled in either a certified training, pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program, as well as those attending a two- or four-year degree program at a college or university.
Deadline for applications is August 15
https://www.agc-ca.org/resources/workforce-development/scholarships-giving/
Home Depot Foundation Path to Pro Scholarships
The Home Depot Foundation has pledged to invest $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople and bridging the opportunity gap through its Path to Pro program.
Home Depot wants to help create the next generation of skilled trade leaders by providing scholarships to further your education.
Pep Boys Find Your Drive Scholarship
Pep Boys is helping support automotive technicians of tomorrow through its annual Find Your Drive Scholarship Program. The program will award two $10,000 and six $5,000 scholarships to assist with educational expenses for the following school year. Applications are being accepted each year with a deadline in late May.
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Scholarships
OBAP is dedicated to supporting minority interests and placement in aerospace careers. To date, OBAP has awarded $5.8 million in scholarships to more than 470 diverse recipients nationwide. The scholarships, made available through strengthened partnerships with key carriers and aviation-related businesses, allow award recipients to advance or pursue diverse aviation-related careers.
Latino Pilots Association Scholarships
Whirly Girls International Helicopter Pilots Scholarships
Organization of Black Maritime Graduates Scholarships
OBMG’s scholarships help to support minority representation and placement in maritime careers.
These scholarships, made possible by our members and donors, provide assistance and encouragement to Black and other minority undergraduates who are full-time students and pursuing a career in the maritime and engineering professions. Each year the scholarships are named in honor of individuals who have fostered minority involvement in the maritime profession or have made sacrifices and meritorious contributions and therefore epitomize the organization’s founding mission “to assist and encourage”.
Women's International Shipping & Trading Association Scholarships
NMRA Marine Trades Scholarship
Since 2008, NMRA has actively contributed to the future of the marine industry by offering scholarships to students pursuing education in the marine trades.
The NMRA scholarship is awarded annually. Funds for the scholarships are raised by NMRA members, Affiliate Members and non-members. The scholarship program begins accepting applications in the spring annually and recipients are selected during the summer.
APPA & DEED Scholarships
From The American Public Power Association, for students accepted or enrolled in a full-time technical/trade school, accredited college, or university. Scholarships for $2,000, $4,000, and $5,000 are available.
Student Guide to DEED Scholarships
American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarships
The American Association of Blacks in Energy is a professional organization of African Americans in the energy industry. Through its Scholarship Program, AABE seeks to help increase the number of African Americans, Latino, Latinx and Native Americans (underrepresented minorities) in energy-related fields. By doing so, we help our nation address a critical need and a challenge to our future economic vitality in the world market.
Click here for eligibility criteria, more information and the application link.
IEEE Power and Energy Society Scholarship Plus
IEEE Power and Energy Society Scholarship Plus Initiative - Power and energy engineers work with some of today’s most exciting technologies, developing solutions to problems that affect our lives and lifestyles. First-year students are encouraged to apply for the PES Scholarship.
Sample Trade School Programs
Northwest Lineman College - California Campus
Northwest Lineman College is a for-profit private vocational technical school.
LEARN HOW TO SAFELY CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE THE NATION'S POWER GRID.
Northwest Lineman College YouTube channel
Northwest Lineman College - Texas Campus
LEARN THE TOOLS AND METHODS OF NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION, INCLUDING GAS PLUMBING, METERING, AND TESTING.
Northwest Lineman College - Idaho Campus
LEARN HOW TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE THE NATION'S 5G, DATA, WIFI, RADIO, CABLE, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS.
Universal Technical Institute
UTI is a for-profit trade school and has several programs for technician training and locations across the United States. FAFSA free federal aid, scholarships and grants can be used to attend UTI.
UTI offers technician training in the following areas:
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Spartan is a for-profit private trade-technical school that has been in operation since 1928
Locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and Tulsa OK
https://www.spartan.edu/. Spartan YouTube channel
Skywest Airlines Pilot Career Pathway - Skywest Airlines will assist cadets with education and training costs
Women in Aviation scholarships
FAFSA free federal aid, scholarships and grants can be used to attend Spartan.
Explore programs in the following areas:
- Flight
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology/Airframe and powerplant
- Aviation Electronics (avionics)
- Nondestructive testing technology/quality control management
- Bachelor's degree in Technology Management
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Click here
PIA is a non-profit private trade school with 501(c)3 status
Locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and South Carolina PIA YouTube channel
Women in Aviation scholarships
FAFSA free federal aid, scholarships and grants can be used to attend PIA.
PIA’s specialized Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Aviation Electronics Technology (AET) programs provide hands on skill-sets based on aviation industry practices, but transferable into a diverse set of related occupations. Our aviation maintenance program will prepare you for an exciting career as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified aircraft mechanic, and our aviation electronics (or avionics) program leads to opportunities as a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed avionics technician.
Mt. Carmel Counseling & Career Technical Education Department
MCHS CTE Counselor Kim Dinh Tran
https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/MCHS/COUNSELING/Counseling-Home
Follow us in Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cte_sundevils/
Email: ktran@powayusd.com
Website: https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/MCHS/COUNSELING/Counseling-Home
Location: 9550 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: 858-484-1180 3122