Virginia Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Virginia Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Virginia
Average Cost of Trade School in Virginia
Trade school costs in Virginia vary by region and trade. Programs near dense population centers may cost more overall, while rural options often involve longer commutes or fewer scheduling choices. 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 |
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.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Virginia
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 Virginia
Some students use paid work or apprenticeships to cover living expenses while leaning on scholarships for tuition. Others qualify for workforce funding or employer reimbursement. The mix depends on the trade and the employer. Virginia scholarships
For anyone considering a private loan, comparing repayment options before committing is important: Compare private student loan rates
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, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Want to see what trades pay in Virginia?
View the Virginia skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.
View Virginia Salaries & Job OutlookVerified Virginia Programs & 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.
Top Apprenticeship Programs in Virginia
Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Virginia.
Shallow Creek Electrical Services offers an Electrical Apprentice position for individuals seeking hands-on training across a wide range of commercial, industrial, and construction-based electrical projects.
The Plumbing Install Helper position at D & G Plumbing is a full-time, entry-level role designed for individuals beginning a career in residential plumbing installation.
The Plumbing Apprentice position at Davis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is a paid, entry-level apprenticeship designed for individuals starting a new career or transitioning into the skilled trades.
The Marine Apprentice Technician program at Carter Machinery provides a structured, Department of Labor–recognized training pathway for individuals seeking to enter the marine diesel and propulsion systems industry.
Leading Automotive Programs in Virginia
Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Virginia.
Wytheville Community College (WCC) is a public community college in Wytheville, Virginia, serving the New River, Blue Ridge, and Cumberland Plateau regions as part of the Virginia Community College System.
Richmond Technical Center offers comprehensive, hands-on training in HVAC, Automotive Repair, and Welding, designed to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand technical careers.
Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) is a career-focused technical school located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, serving students throughout the Hampton Roads region.
Southern Technical Institute in Fredericksburg, Virginia, provides career-focused training for students preparing to enter high-demand technical trades.
Virginia Western Community College serves the Roanoke Valley and surrounding Blue Ridge region as a primary workforce training hub for Southwest Virginia.
Virginia Technical Institute (VTI) in Richmond provides focused, hands-on training for students pursuing careers in essential skilled trades, including HVAC, Welding, Plumbing, and Automotive Repair.
Leading Construction Programs in Virginia
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Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides career-focused technical training designed to meet the workforce needs of Virginia’s rapidly growing skilled trades sector.
Lord Fairfax Community College offers comprehensive training in a variety of skilled trades, designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Tidewater Community College (TCC) is one of Virginia’s largest providers of workforce and technical education, serving the Hampton Roads region with career-focused training in high-demand skilled trades.
Leading HVAC Programs in Virginia
Discover top-rated HVAC training options available in Virginia.
Bryant & Stratton College’s Virginia Beach campus delivers career-focused technical education designed to prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand skilled trades.
Leading Welding Programs in Virginia
Discover top-rated Welding training options available in Virginia.
Advanced Welding and Fabrication offers specialized training designed for students pursuing careers in the welding and fabrication industries.