Trade School
Not Sure About Your Career Path? Build a Career with Your Hands
Train for a high-demand trade, skip the debt, and start learning real skills that lead to real jobs.
If you’re considering your educational future and weighing your options, ABC SoCal’s Trade School could be the perfect choice for you. Here’s a quick comparison between traditional colleges and our trade school to help you make an informed decision.
COLLEGE
TRADE SCHOOL
COST TO STUDENT
- Public - in state: $11,610 per year on average
- Public - out of state: $30,780 per year on average
YEARS TO COMPLETE
4
learning styles
- One - two times a week per class, day or night
- Online or on campus
benefits
- Earn a degree
- Eligible to continue on to higher education once you have earned your degree
- Additional benefits depend on selected college
quality of education
- Quality depends on selected college
getting started
- SAT testing required for some schools
- Apply to colleges and wait for acceptance - no guarantee that you will be accepted
- College entrance exams
COST TO STUDENT
- First year: $2,000 plus books per year
- Second - fourth year: $4,000 plus books per year
YEARS TO COMPLETE
learning styles
- Choose from electrical, plumbing, low voltage, or sheet metal/HVAC
- In-person instructor led, one night a week
- In-person labs, some Saturdays
- Three facility options - Anaheim, Riverside, or San Fernando (preferred facility not guaranteed)
benefits
- Choose who you want to work for
- Connect with contractors
- Fulfill educational hours requirement to qualify for state certification exam (required for some trades)
quality of education
- Over 50 years of training industry professionals
- Certified instructors
- State-approved programs
- Quality curriculum
- State of the art training facilities
getting started
- No entrance requirements
- Click here to fill out interest form
- Start your ABC journey today!
COLLEGE
COST TO STUDENT
- Public - in state: $11,610 per year on average
- Public - out of state: $30,780 per year on average
YEARS TO COMPLETE
4
learning styles
- One - two times a week per class, day or night
- Online or on campus
benefits
- Earn a degree
- Eligible to continue on to higher education once you have earned your degree
- Additional benefits depend on selected college
quality of education
- Quality depends on selected college
getting started
- SAT testing required for some schools
- Apply to colleges and wait for acceptance - no guarantee that you will be accepted
- College entrance exams
TRADE SCHOOL
COST TO STUDENT
- First year: $2,000 plus books per year
- Second - fourth year: $4,000 plus books per year
YEARS TO COMPLETE
learning styles
- Choose from electrical, plumbing, low voltage, or sheet metal/HVAC
- In-person instructor led, one night a week
- In-person labs, some Saturdays
- Three facility options - Anaheim, Riverside, or San Fernando (preferred facility not guaranteed)
benefits
- Choose who you want to work for
- Connect with contractors
- Fulfill educational hours requirement to qualify for state certification exam (required for some trades)
quality of education
- Over 50 years of training industry professionals
- Certified instructors
- State-approved programs
- Quality curriculum
- State of the art training facilities
getting started
- No entrance requirements
- Click here to fill out interest form
- Start your ABC journey today!
Trade School Inquiry Form
Select Your Trade
ELECTRICAL
Start Your Electrical Career
PLUMBING
Start Your Plumbing Career
LOW VOLTAGE
Start Your Low-Voltage Career
SHEET METAL/HVAC
Start Your Sheet Metal/HVAC Career
Electrical
Why Choose a Career in Electrical?
Electricians are essential to nearly every industry—from residential homes to commercial buildings and beyond. With technology constantly advancing, skilled electricians are in high demand.
Benefits:
- High earning potential and room for advancement
- Opportunities to specialize (solar, automation, industrial systems)
- Work indoors and outdoors on a variety of job sites
- Job security with growing demand for renewable energy installations
- Path to becoming a licensed contractor or owning your own business
Plumbing
Why Plumbing is a Smart Career Move
Plumbing is one of the most essential trades in construction and maintenance. It combines problem-solving, hands-on work, and technical know-how.
Benefits:
- Steady demand—every building needs plumbing
- High starting pay with low upfront training costs
- Opportunity to specialize in service, construction, or green technologies
- Work that’s independent and respected
- Flexible career path with options to start your own company
Low Voltage
Step into the Future with Low Voltage
Low voltage technicians work behind the scenes to keep buildings connected—handling everything from security systems to smart home wiring and data networks.
Benefits:
- In-demand field with rapid tech growth (smart homes, networking)
- Less physically demanding than other trades
- Work in clean, indoor environments
- Strong career path in IT, AV, and automation systems
- Opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors
Sheet Metal/HVAC
Shape Your Future with HVAC and Sheet Metal
HVAC technicians and sheet metal workers keep environments comfortable and systems running efficiently. This trade blends mechanical skill with technical expertise.
Benefits:
- High demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors
- Year-round work with strong pay and benefits
- Opportunities to specialize in green/energy-efficient systems
- Work with your hands and see immediate results
- Strong career path with potential for self-employment
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