Virginia Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Virginia Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Virginia.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Virginia
Average Cost of Trade School in Virginia
Most trade programs in Virginia are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Virginia, demand often follows major corridors and facility clusters, with steady needs in construction, utilities, and maintenance trades.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $6,556 higher than in-state on average.
| Virginia Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $6,001 |
|---|---|
| Virginia Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $12,557 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Virginia
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
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.
Virginia Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Virginia trade programs commonly take 6–24 months for entry-level credentials, while apprenticeships often run 3–5 years with structured on-the-job hours and related instruction.
- Licensing varies by trade and scope. Contractor-level work and regulated trades may require licensing and exams, with local permits/inspections also common—confirm requirements for your trade and location.
- 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—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Virginia
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Virginia. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $26.53 | $1,061 | $4,599 | $55,206 |
| AV Technician | $33.00 | $1,320 | $5,720 | $68,640 |
| Carpenter | $25.84 | $1,034 | $4,479 | $53,747 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $35.62 | $1,425 | $6,174 | $74,090 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.44 | $978 | $4,236 | $50,835 |
| Construction | $25.94 | $1,038 | $4,496 | $53,955 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.44 | $1,138 | $4,929 | $59,155 |
| Diesel Technician | $29.53 | $1,181 | $5,119 | $61,422 |
| Electrician | $31.26 | $1,250 | $5,418 | $65,021 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.51 | $999 | $4,327 | $51,927 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.77 | $1,153 | $4,996 | $59,946 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.44 | $1,138 | $4,930 | $59,155 |
| Ironworker | $27.09 | $1,083 | $4,694 | $56,323 |
| Lineworker | $42.43 | $1,697 | $7,355 | $88,263 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.40 | $1,176 | $5,095 | $61,105 |
| Mason | $27.63 | $1,105 | $4,789 | $57,470 |
| Plumber | $33.13 | $1,298 | $5,623 | $67,474 |
| Roofer | $24.77 | $991 | $4,295 | $51,542 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $26.22 | $1,020 | $4,418 | $53,018 |
| Welder | $25.07 | $1,001 | $4,339 | $52,062 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Virginia Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Virginia’s trade demand is driven by federal government activity, defense contracting, shipbuilding, utilities, and large-scale commercial development. Military installations, data centers, ports, and transportation infrastructure create sustained need for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and industrial maintenance trades across multiple regions.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Virginia students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Northern Virginia (NoVA): Data centers, federal facilities, and commercial construction drive high demand for electrical, HVAC, and mechanical trades.
- Hampton Roads: Shipyards, naval bases, and port operations support welders, pipefitters, electricians, and industrial maintenance workers.
- Richmond: Utilities, healthcare systems, and infrastructure projects require licensed trades.
- I-95 corridor: Ongoing transportation, logistics, and public works projects create steady work statewide.
Major Employers and Contractors in Virginia
Tradespeople in Virginia frequently work with federal contractors, shipbuilders, and utilities, including:
- Newport News Shipbuilding — Shipyard construction and maintenance requiring welders, pipefitters, and electricians.
- Dominion Energy — Electrical and energy infrastructure supporting utility trades.
- Turner Construction (Virginia operations) — Federal, commercial, and institutional projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Virginia
Virginia is a right-to-work state, but union participation is significant in shipbuilding, utilities, federal projects, and large commercial construction. Non-union pathways remain common in residential construction and service trades, particularly outside major metro areas.
Union Apprenticeships in Virginia
Union apprenticeship programs in Virginia are closely tied to defense, utilities, and public infrastructure:
- IBEW Local 26 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area.
- IBEW Local 666 — Electrical training covering Richmond and central Virginia.
- UA Local 10 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships in Hampton Roads.
- SMART Local 100 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships serving eastern Virginia.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union routes dominate residential construction, HVAC service, and small commercial work. Many Virginia contractors hire directly from technical colleges or train workers on the job. Licensing and security clearances often play a larger role in career advancement than union affiliation.
Virginia’s mix of federal, military, and private-sector work allows tradespeople to move between project types without leaving the state.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeships tied to federal and industrial projects | Employer-led or technical college pathways |
| Pay Progression | Negotiated wage scales | License- and performance-based increases |
| Benefits | Healthcare and retirement plans common | Varies by employer |
| Project Types | Shipyards, utilities, federal facilities | Residential, service, small commercial |
| Best Fit For | Those targeting defense, utility, or infrastructure careers | Those seeking flexibility or residential/service work |