OH School Directory
Browse 13 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs in Ohio
13
Schools
11
Cities
15
Trade Programs
Ohio's trade education system is built around the Ohio Technical Centers (62 adult career centers across the state) plus a strong community college network including Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), Columbus State, Sinclair Community College (Dayton), and Cincinnati State. Specialty schools like Ohio Technical College (Cleveland) and Stark State College add depth in automotive, diesel, and HVAC training.
Ohio's manufacturing renaissance — anchored by Intel's $20B Licking County semiconductor fab, Honda's EV Hub in Marysville, and the Ford EV manufacturing investment — has created multi-year demand for electricians, welders, pipefitters, and industrial maintenance technicians. Healthcare hiring around the Cleveland Clinic and OhioHealth keeps medical assistant and pharmacy tech programs full. CDL demand is strong across the I-70/I-71/I-75 corridors.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in OH.
Intel fab construction, Honda EV Hub, and Ford EV manufacturing buildout
Ohio remains one of the top manufacturing states with deep industrial demand
Cold winters and humid summers keep year-round residential and commercial demand
Strong freight corridors with I-70, I-71, and I-75 plus Norfolk Southern and CSX rail
Honda, Ford, and Stellantis OEM presence plus a deep aftermarket base
Typical range
$4,000–$18,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$9,563
Across 13 schools
Schools listed
13
In 11 cities
See our full trade school cost guide for state-by-state breakdowns and a deeper look at how to fund your training.
Trade licensing in OH varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | OH Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Ohio Construction Industry Examining Board state license for contractors; municipal journeyman exams in major cities |
| Plumber | Ohio Construction Industry Examining Board state plumbing contractor license; municipal journeyman licensing in major cities |
| HVAC Technician | Ohio HVAC Contractor license; EPA 608 required for refrigerant work |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by Ohio BMV; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours + Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board exam |
Public community college tuition in Ohio runs $130-$170 per credit hour, putting most diploma programs in the $4,000-$10,000 range. Ohio Technical Centers often run shorter, cheaper programs starting around $4,000-$7,000. Private trade schools run $13,000-$18,000. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant offers need-based aid.
Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs) are 62 adult career and technical education campuses operated by local school districts and joint vocational schools. They focus on short-term, low-cost workforce training in trades like HVAC, welding, electrical, CDL, healthcare, and cosmetology. Most accept federal financial aid.
Yes — Ohio has one of the strongest manufacturing welding markets in the U.S. with median welder pay around $48,000-$55,000 and experienced fabricators earning $65,000-$80,000. Demand has accelerated with the Intel fab construction and EV plant buildouts.
Most accredited Ohio Technical Centers, community colleges, and private trade schools accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services maintains the list of state-approved programs.
2450 Prospect Avenue East, 2nd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44115
$19,000
800 students
700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
$3,249
17,407 students
1374 E 51st St, Cleveland, OH 44103
$26,640
331 students
With 13 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in OH: