Tennessee Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Tennessee Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Tennessee

Average Cost of Trade School in Tennessee

Trade school expenses in Tennessee can vary based on employer involvement and regional access. Programs tied to manufacturing or utilities may offer cost-sharing options, while others require more personal investment. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $13,914 higher than in-state on average.

Tennessee Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) $4,883
Tennessee Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) $18,797

About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.

What this includes: Tuition baseline for public 2-year institutions. What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.

Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Tennessee

Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.

Paying for Trade School in Tennessee

While paid apprenticeships help, many people still face costs tied to classroom instruction, tools, or certification. Scholarships and workforce grants are common ways to reduce those expenses. Employer tuition programs can also play a role. Tennessee scholarships

If borrowing becomes necessary, shopping loan terms ahead of time can help manage long-term costs: Compare private student loan rates

Tennessee Timeline, Pay & Licensing

  • Tennessee trade training often takes 6–18 months for entry-level programs, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years as you complete required on-the-job hours and instruction.
  • Licensing and permitting vary by trade and location. Some regulated trades and contractor roles may require licensing and exams; local permits/inspections are common—confirm the rules for your scope of work.
  • Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
  • Requirements vary by trade and locality, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.

Want to see what trades pay in Tennessee?

View the Tennessee skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.

View Tennessee Salaries & Job Outlook

Verified Tennessee Programs & Apprenticeships

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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Tennessee.

We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.

Top Apprenticeship Programs in Tennessee

Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Tennessee.

Redeemers Group, Inc.

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Apprenticeship Construction

Jake Marshall LLC is seeking a motivated and dependable Sheet Metal Apprentice to join its growing team in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Apprenticeship Sheet Metal

The Handyman Apprentice / Field Support Technician role at Local Handyman of the Mid-South is a registered occupation designed to introduce individuals to hands-on trade and repair work in a residential service environment.

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Apprenticeship Construction

The North American Lineman Training Center (NALTC) is a highly respected, industry-focused lineman training school designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the electrical power industry.

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Apprenticeship Lineman

North Knoxville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram offers a registered Automotive Technician Apprenticeship designed to train individuals through a structured, dealership-based learning model.

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Apprenticeship Automotive

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores offers a registered Diesel Technician Apprenticeship designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in diesel maintenance and truck service operations.

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Apprenticeship Diesel Mechanic

The Construction Sheet Metal Apprentice position at Lee Company offers an excellent opportunity to begin a long-term career in the commercial HVAC and construction industry.

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Apprenticeship Sheet Metal

The Plumbing Apprentice position at Mr.

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Apprenticeship Plumbing

The Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 572 Apprenticeship Program provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC piping.

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Apprenticeship Plumbing

Leading Automotive Programs in Tennessee

Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Tennessee.

Motlow State Community College serves students across southern Middle Tennessee and is widely known for its strong technical and workforce-focused programs.

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Automotive HVAC Welding

Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college serving Knoxville and the surrounding East Tennessee region.

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Automotive HVAC Welding

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public community college serving Memphis and the greater Shelby County region.

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Automotive HVAC Welding

Chattanooga State Community College is a well-known public institution in Southeast Tennessee that offers career-focused technical training alongside traditional academic programs.

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Automotive HVAC Welding

Nashville State Community College is a public community college serving Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region.

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Automotive HVAC Welding

Leading Construction Programs in Tennessee

Discover top-rated Construction training options available in Tennessee.

Sinclair Community College is one of Ohio’s largest and most respected community colleges, widely recognized for its strong focus on workforce development and technical education.

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Construction Electrician

Roane State Community College is a public community college located in Harriman, Tennessee, serving students throughout East Tennessee.

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Construction Electrician

Jackson State Community College is a public community college located in Jackson, Tennessee, serving students across West Tennessee.

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Construction Electrician

Columbia State Community College is a public community college located in Columbia, Tennessee, serving students throughout southern Middle Tennessee.

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Construction Electrician

Volunteer State Community College is a public community college located in Gallatin, serving students throughout Middle Tennessee.

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Construction Electrician

Best Diesel Mechanic Programs in Tennessee

Browse accredited and verified Diesel Mechanic programs across Tennessee.

Southern Adventist University offers a Diesel Mechanics program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the heavy-duty transportation and equipment maintenance industries.

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Diesel Mechanic

Lincoln Tech’s Nashville campus offers a nationally recognized Diesel and Truck Technology program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the heavy-duty diesel industry.

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Diesel Mechanic