Updated August 13, 2025
If you live in Birmingham and want to start a career in the skilled trades, there's good news. This city has several respected trade schools offering hands-on training, industry certifications, and job placement support. These schools can prepare you to work in fields like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work.
The key is finding a program that matches your career goal, fits your schedule, and provides the certification you need to get licensed in Alabama.
When you compare schools, focus on the details that matter for your trade:
Here are some of the most recognized and reliable trade schools in the Birmingham area:
Location: Birmingham, AL
Lawson State offers a wide range of career and technical programs. Their facilities are modern, and many instructors are licensed tradespeople with industry experience.
Popular programs:
They offer both certificate and associate degree options, which can help you advance in your career later.
Learn more: Lawson State Community College
Location: Multiple campuses, including Birmingham
Jefferson State has strong partnerships with local industry. Their programs focus on building skills that meet the needs of Alabama employers.
Popular programs:
They also offer workforce training for quick entry into the job market.
Learn more: Jefferson State Community College
Location: Birmingham, AL
If you want to become a licensed electrician, the JATC provides a respected apprenticeship program combining classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training.
In Alabama, most electrical work requires either a journeyman or master electrician license, which comes after documented training and passing an exam.
Program benefits:
Learn more: Birmingham Electrical JATC
While Strayer is best known for academic degrees, they also provide focused career certificate routes that blend technical training with business skills.
Programs relevant to trades include:
Their structure suits those who want both hands-on technical work and supervisory opportunities.
Learn more: Strayer University Birmingham
Location: Several campuses north and west of Birmingham
Bevill has strong technical and industrial training programs, with some accessible from Birmingham.
Key trades programs:
They also offer short-term certificates for quick skills upgrades.
Learn more: Bevill State Community College
Below is a quick comparison of typical program lengths for common trades:
| Trade | Certificate Program | Associate Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Welding | 6-12 months | 2 years |
| HVAC/R | 9-12 months | 2 years |
| Electrical Technology | 1-2 years | 2 years |
| Plumbing/Pipefitting | 1-2 years | Not common |
| Industrial Maintenance | 12-18 months | 2 years |
Times are approximate and vary by school.
Different trades have different licensing requirements in Alabama.
For example, HVAC contractors in Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors after passing a trade exam and showing proof of experience.
Common requirements across many skilled trades in Alabama include:
Check your trade's specific requirements with the state licensing board before enrolling in a program.
If you're ready to move forward, here's a clear path:
If you want a career in the skilled trades in Birmingham, you have strong school and training options. Community colleges, trade-specific apprenticeship programs, and technical schools all provide the skills and certifications you need.
Your next step is to decide on your trade, contact at least two schools from this list, and start the enrollment process. The sooner you start, the sooner you can be working in your field.
Sources:
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