by 
The first step in choosing the trade school for yourself is determining which trade you want to study.
Once you know what you want to be, you should do some research and find the right trade school in your area, that would be accredited, affordable and which will offer high-quality education.
We selected ten vocational schools that are considered the best in Washington.
Seattle Vocational Institute
Enrollment: If you are a high school graduate or aged 18 or older, you can easily become a Seattle Central student.
The admission process starts with filling out the online application form.
It is fast and free, and once your application is received, you will receive an official Student Identification Number (SID).
It is very important that new students demonstrate their English and/or math proficiency level which can be done by taking the placement test for English and Math.
The other option is to use qualifying ACT or SAT scores, while Seattle Public Schools Students can use high school transcript for placement.
The last step is the completion of the New Student START orientation either in person or online.
Without your Personal Identification Number (PIN)activated, you will not be able to register for classes.
Courses Offered:
If you decide that Seattle Vocational Institute is your future educational institution, you can choose from many of the programs available and some of them are:
- Business Technology Management
- Creative Arts & Design
- Culinary
- Education & Human Services
- Healthcare
- IT, Web or Programming
- Maritime
- Wood Technology
Contact Information:
- Seattle Vocational Institute
- Address: 2120 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144
- Phone: +1 206-934-4950
- Web: https://seattlecentral.edu
Renton Technical College
Renton Technical College (RTC) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities which is an accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Enrollment: The application process starts with connecting with an Entry Advisor.
His/her job is to get the student familiar with career pathways, college services, and entry requirements.
Then, you are required to apply for Admission and Financial Aid if necessary, which can be done in person or online.
Last, but not least, you can prepare for the ACCUPLACER test by visiting the Learning Resource & Career Center (C-102), then complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) and ACCUPLACER test in Testing Services (J-218) if necessary.
Some programs require students to be 18 years of age or older, while others require that students are 16.
The applicant must possess the vocational interest and goals related to their chosen program of study.
If you prefer to send your application via mail, you can mail it to:
Registration
Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth Street
Renton, WA 98056.
Fees: There is a non-refundable admissions application fee.
Courses Offered:
Renton Technical College has so many programs to offer and the following courses are just a few options available:
- Accounting Clerk
- Accounting Paraprofessional
- Accounting Specialist
- Aerospace & Industrial Production Technologies
- Anesthesia Technologist
- Application Development – Bachelor of Applied Science
- Autobody Repair & Refinishing
- Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Band Instrument Repair Technology
- Basic Machining
- Central Service Technician
- Commercial Building Engineering
- Commercial Refrigeration Technology
- Computer Network Architecture – Bachelor of Applied Science
- Computer Network Technology
- Computer Science (Year Two of Computer Science program)
- Construction Management
- Contemporary Business Administration
Contact Information:
- Renton Technical College
- Address: 3000 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98056
- Phone: +1 425-235-2352
- Web: https://www.rtc.edu
Perry Technical Institute
Enrollment: People interested in enrolling at Perry should begin the enrollment process by contacting Admissions at Perry Technical Institute so as to schedule a tour of the campus.
The next step is to apply, and you are encouraged to contact Enrollment Services for help completing the enrollment requirements.
Enrollment Services will review your application.
Then, you need to pass the entrance exam for the selected program and provide proof of satisfactory completion of high school equivalent education and an approved form of photo identification.
All new students are required to attend a mandatory orientation and sign an enrollment agreement.
The Automotive program applicants must provide a three year driving abstract and have a valid driver’s license.
Agricultural Equipment Technician and HVAC/R applicants must have a valid driver’s license as well, while Medical Assistant Program applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Fees: You are supposed to pay a nonrefundable $25 exam fee and a nonrefundable $100 registration fee.
Courses Offered:
- Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Automotive Technology
- Business Technology & Accounting
- Construction
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology
- Information Technology & Communication Systems
- Instrumentation & Industrial Automation Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Administration & Coding
- Plumbing Technician
- Precision Machining & Manufacturing
- Welding Technology
Contact Information:
- Perry Technical Institute
- Address: 2011 W Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903
- Phone: +1 509-453-0374
- Web: https://www.perrytech.edu
Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) which is accepted by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Enrollment: Being that you are reading this, you might be interested in applying, so all applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
In case you have difficulties with the application process, you can contact the Admissions & Student Services Manager whose job is to help you by answering all your questions.
Important eligibility requirements are that the applicant must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency prior to the first day of school, as well as the physical and health capacity to undertake the day-to-day classwork and activities.
The understanding of the written and oral instruction given in English is obligatory.
The Enrollment Process consists of complete an online application and email, mail, or upload to your online student portal a copy of your high school diploma/transcript, GED certificate, or college transcript.
The application will be reviewed by the Admission Committee.
Fees: You are supposed to pay a $100 registration fee (non-refundable) and $200 tuition deposit which is refundable.
The estimated total cost of attendance for 12-Month AOS Degree Boatbuilding Program is $40,576, while the 6-Month Diploma Marine Systems Program costs are $21,538.
Courses Offered:
Contact Information:
- Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
- Address: 42 N Water St, Port Hadlock, WA 98339
- Phone: +1 360-385-4948
- Web: https://www.nwswb.edu
Cascadia Technical Academy
Cascadia Tech is one of the very attractive schools which many prospective students are interested in.
There are 15 in-demand programs on offer which are designed to prepare students to enter the world of work right after high school and gain quality knowledge so as to be fantastic professionals in their careers.
Enrollment: All prospective students should start their enrollment process with their school counselor.
They can always call Cascadia Tech’s office to learn more about their programs and admission requirements, as well as to sign up for a tour.
It is very important to know who is eligible for enrollment at Cascadia Tech, as not everybody can enroll in.
Cascadia Tech is owned and operated by nine local school districts and Educational Service District 112.
This means that only sophomores and juniors enrolled in member high schools are eligible to apply for admittance into a Cascadia Tech program.
And that is done through their high school counselor for their junior and/or senior year.
Member Districts are the following:
- Battle Ground
- Camas
- Educational Service District #112
- Evergreen
- Hockinson
- La Center
- Ridgefield
- Vancouver
- Washougal
- Woodland
Courses Offered:
- ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE PROFESSIONAL
- APPLIED MEDICAL SCIENCES
- AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
- AVIATION
- CONSTRUCTION
- COSMETOLOGY
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE
- CULINARY
- DENTAL
- DIESEL
- FASHION DESIGN
- FIRE SCIENCE
- HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS, SERVICE AND SUPPORT
- PRE-ENGINEERING DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Contact Information:
- Cascadia Technical Academy
- Address: 12200 NE 28th St, Vancouver, WA 98682
- Phone: +1 360-604-1050
- Web: http://cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
Northwest HVAC/R Association Training Center
The NW HVAC/R Training Center is a fully accredited private vocational college offering programs approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency.
Enrollment: Applications are available as long as classes are filled.
The steps you should take during the application process are the following:
You get the ability to use financial aid, by completing FAFSA.
Also, you will have to pass the interview with the Training Coordinator and receive a copy of the current catalog.
Once you determine which program is the right one for you, you should take a tour of the facility, complete an Application for Admission and pass a Drug Testing.
Applicants must provide a High School Diploma or GED, a valid Driver’s License and pass a Criminal Background Check.
If you are accepted, you will receive notification of acceptance to the program.
The enrollee must be 18 years of age or older by the first
day of the school year.
Fees: The required payment is the $25 application fee, while the Total Cost of Training paid by the student is $10,130.
Courses Offered:
Some of the courses offered are:
- Intro to HVAC/R
- HVAC/R Math
- Electrical Series
- Gas Service
- Gas Codes & Installation
- Boilers Residential
- Oil Service
- Refrigeration Series
- EPA Certification
- Cooling& H/P Series
- System Design
- HVAC/R Accessories
Contact Information:
- Northwest HVAC/R Association Training Center
- Address: 204 E Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99207
- Phone: +1 509-747-8810
- Web: https://www.inwhvac.org
Divers Institute of Technology
Enrollment: The Divers Institute of Technology has certain eligibility requirements set and only those applicants who meet the following qualifications will be considered as possible future students.
They need to be 18 years of age or older upon graduation of the program and possess a High school diploma, transcript or GED.
The proficiency in English speaking, reading and writing is obligatory as well as ADCI dive physical.
The applicant must have the ability to swim 400 meters unassisted and to obtain a TWIC card
Applicants must be experienced swimmers and be comfortable in the water.
The way of applying is by completing the online application which is available on the official website.
The admission representative will be in contact with you.
You will need to submit the following:
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Personal Statement in which you will be speaking about why you want to be a Commercial Diver
- A copy of your High School Diploma or GED.
Fees: You are supposed to pay your $100 application fee.
The core program is 7 months long and the tuition is $25,900, while gear and physical exam are approximately $3800.
Courses Offered:
Contact Information:
- Divers Institute of Technology
- Address: 1341 N Northlake Way Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98103
- Phone: +1 206-783-5542
- Web: https://www.diversinstitute.edu
Lake Washington Technical College: Continuing Education
Since its foundation in 1949, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) offers not only higher education, but also very affordable and professional technical training to its students.
It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Enrollment: At Lake Washington Institute of Technology you will get all the help you need to get started with a chosen program.
By connecting with the admission representative either via e-mail, calling or coming to the facility, you will be guided through every application step.
Your Personal Admissions Coach will determine your payment plan based on your needs, and help you get registered for classes.
Courses Offered:
These are just a few courses mentioned among so many available at Lake Washington Technical College.
- Accounting
- Adult Basic Education
- Architectural Technology
- Auto Body Technician
- Auto Repair Technician
- Baking Arts
- Behavioral and Social Services
- Biology DTA/MRP
- Business DTA/MRP
- Business Technology
- Civil Design
- Computer Science DTA/MRP
- Computer Security & Network Technology
- Computing and Software Development
- Construction Management DTA/MRP
- Corporate Continuing Education
- Culinary Art
Contact Information:
- Lake Washington Technical College: Continuing Education
- Address:
- Phone: +1 425-739-8112
- Web: https://www.lwtech.edu
Everett Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology
Everett Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Enrollment: The College accepts applications through regular admission and registration process, but the enrollment is available only to students who are high school graduates, have earned a GED, or are at least 18 years of age.
A new student must apply online to obtain the Student Identification Number.
Students are required to complete the Placement Form to assess their prior college coursework for placement purposes or complete the Transfer Credit Evaluation form.
They also need to request official transcripts from all previous colleges to be sent to EvCC Enrollment Services.
Once you received your student ID number, you will need to complete your Mandatory Online Orientation.
The required course placement by taking the Accuplacer placement test is obligatory for new students.
Fees: The tuition costs for an in-state resident are $19,371 while out-of-state resident would need to pay $27,000.
Courses Offered:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace
- Arts
- Business
- Healthcare
- Humanities
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Social Science, Education, and Public Safety
- Transitional Studies
Contact Information:
- Everett Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Address:
- Phone: +1 425-388-9533
- Web: http://www.everettcc.edu
J Kinlow School of Barbering & Cosmetology
Enrollment: People interested in enrolling in J Kinlow School of Barbering & Cosmetology should know that getting started there is easy and simple, as the only thing you need to do is to fill out the online application and submit it, or if you prefer paper forms, you can download and print the application and return to the address:
Kinlow School of Barbering & Cosmetology
2525 Tacoma Ave.S.
Tacoma,WA98402.
Once your application is received, the admissions representative will contact you.
During the application process, you will be required to provide two references, as well as write an essay in which you will share what interests you in the Beauty & Barber Industry and how this program will help you meet your career goals.
The additional required documentation is a copy of Driver’s License or Birth Certificate and a Copy of High School Diploma or GED.
Official High School Transcripts will be accepted.
The completed application can also be sent via email to admin@jkinlowhairschools.com.
Courses Offered:
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Instructor Trainee
Contact Information:
- J Kinlow School of Barbering & Cosmetology
- Address: 2525 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Phone: +1 253-212-2517
- Web: https://www.jkinlowhairschools.com
Trade Schools in Washington by City
Final Thoughts
The main aim of trade schools is to prepare students for the tests and state exams required to become licensed in their field and if you have chosen which career path you want to take, with all the information provided, making a decision will be quite easy.
Thank you for putting this together. The list was very helpful and it was nice to have the information in one place. It saved me time scrolling through the internet.