Updated August 13, 2025
If you want a career in the skilled trades, Frederick, Maryland is a strong place to start. The county has training programs for HVAC, welding, electrical, plumbing, and more. These schools can prepare you for state licensing and industry certifications.
Here's what you need to know about the best trade schools in Frederick and how to choose the right one for your career path.
Frederick Community College (FCC) offers a wide range of workforce training programs. Many of these lead to industry-recognized certifications.
Popular FCC programs include:
Many programs are short-term. Some can be completed in a few months if you attend full time. FCC also offers evening and weekend classes for working adults.
Why consider FCC:
More on Frederick Community College Programs
CTC programs focus on high school students, but many have pathways into adult apprenticeship or postsecondary training.
Trade-related programs include:
CTC partners with local unions and employers so grads can move directly into apprenticeships.
Note: Some adult education options may be available through evening programs-contact their office for details.
Besides community-based programs, you'll find private trade schools and training centers within commuting distance of Frederick. These schools often offer focused training for a single trade with smaller class sizes.
Here are three strong options within the region:
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) - Cumberland Valley Chapter
Location: Hagerstown, MD (about 30 minutes from Frederick)
Offers registered apprenticeship programs in:
IEC Chesapeake (Independent Electrical Contractors)
Location: Laurel, MD (about 1 hour from Frederick)
Specializes in electrical apprenticeship training.
Prepares students for journeyman electrician licensing in Maryland.
IEC Chesapeake
Mid-Atlantic Welding Academy
Location: Elkton, MD (distance may require relocation or commuting)
Intensive welding programs geared toward AWS certification.
Mid-Atlantic Welding
When choosing a trade program, focus on these points:
Accreditation and Licensing
Make sure the program is recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission or an approved apprenticeship sponsor.
Certification Prep
The best programs prepare you for industry exams such as OSHA safety cards, EPA 608, or state licensing tests.
Hands-on Training
Look for schools with shop labs that simulate real job conditions.
Job Placement Support
Strong trade schools have employer partnerships and offer job search help.
Schedule Flexibility
If you're working, choose evening or weekend programs.
Maryland requires state licensing for some trades. Here are the basics:
| Trade | License Required? | Licensing Body |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Yes | Maryland State Board of Master Electricians |
| Plumber | Yes | Maryland Board of Plumbing |
| HVACR Contractor | Yes | Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors |
| Welder | Not state-licensed, but employers may require AWS certification | AWS (American Welding Society) |
Maryland Licensing Tip: You must document supervised work hours and pass a trade exam for most licensed trades. School training counts toward those hours in some cases.
You can find official licensing details at Maryland DLLR Licensing.
Frederick has solid training options whether you want to be an HVAC technician, welder, electrician, or plumber. Start by contacting Frederick Community College and the Frederick County Career & Technology Center if you want local training. If you need a specialty program, consider nearby schools such as IEC Chesapeake or ABC Cumberland Valley.
Once you've chosen your trade and school, commit to the program fully. Get as much hands-on practice as you can, and take every opportunity to meet potential employers.
Here's what you should do next:
The sooner you begin training, the sooner you can get into the workforce as a skilled professional.
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