Trident Technical College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in South Carolina / Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College – Charleston, SC
Program Information
Trident Technical College is one of South Carolina’s largest and most comprehensive technical colleges, serving the Charleston metropolitan area and surrounding Lowcountry communities. With strong ties to regional employers in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and maritime industries, Trident Tech focuses heavily on applied, workforce-driven education. Its technical programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or advancement within skilled trades that are in high demand throughout coastal South Carolina.
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at Trident Technical College provides in-depth training in residential, commercial, and light industrial climate control systems. Students learn system installation, diagnostics, preventative maintenance, and repair, with coursework covering refrigeration cycles, electrical controls, airflow measurement, and energy efficiency. The program emphasizes hands-on lab training using modern HVAC equipment commonly found in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities across the Lowcountry. Graduates are prepared to pursue EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level HVAC technician positions.
Trident Tech’s Welding Technology program is well known in the region for preparing students for careers in fabrication, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and construction. Training includes MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-cored welding processes, along with instruction in blueprint reading, welding symbols, metallurgy, and shop safety. Students gain extensive hands-on experience in welding labs, building the skills needed for structural welding, pipe welding, and industrial fabrication roles common in Charleston-area ports, plants, and construction projects.
The Automotive Technology program focuses on diagnosing, servicing, and repairing modern vehicles using industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment. Students receive training in engine performance, braking systems, steering and suspension, electrical systems, and computerized diagnostics. Trident Tech’s Diesel Mechanics program extends these skills to heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, and commercial diesel engines, preparing students for careers in transportation, logistics, and heavy equipment maintenance—industries that are critical to the Charleston region’s economy.
Hands-On Training & Industry Connections
A key strength of Trident Technical College is its emphasis on real-world training and employer partnerships. Students benefit from modern labs, experienced instructors with industry backgrounds, and curriculum shaped by local workforce needs. Trident Tech maintains strong relationships with regional employers, offering students access to internships, cooperative education opportunities, and direct job placement pipelines upon graduation.
Program Length
Program length varies by credential. Certificate programs can often be completed in 1 year or less, while associate degree programs typically require approximately 2 years of full-time study.
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completion of the Trident Technical College application process
- Interest in hands-on, technical work
- Physical ability to work in lab and jobsite-style environments
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Trident Technical College (Charleston, SC) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Certificate or Associate Programs
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Trident Technical College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.