A plumber kneels under a sink, inspecting the pipe with tools and an open toolbox nearby—a practical example of skills learned in trade school programs. Another person stands in the background.

The Skills You Need for the Future You Want

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Vocational school programs that open the door to high-paying trade jobs

Discover how our career training programs put you on the fast track to a brighter future

When it comes to getting started in the skilled trades, you have options. You can get on-the-job-training, spend about two years at a community college, or get focused training at a trade school.

We’ve spent decades in the plumbing industry, and we know each of these options well. We also know that you want the fastest, most effective way to start your career. So, we designed high-quality courses that empower you to get a good job in months, not years, and to keep advancing in a growing field. 

A young man in a blue shirt reclines on a workbench next to plumbing tools and supplies, smiling at the camera—showcasing skills gained through trade school programs.

HVAC and Plumbing: skilled trades that are in demand

There’s a plumber and HVAC tech shortage. And that’s good news for anyone considering attending trade school. With the right training, you could start your next job earning $22 an hour or more.

You can feel secure knowing that there will be more than 43,000 job openings for plumbers and 40,000 for HVAC techs in the U.S. There are nearly 1,800 openings in North Carolina alone for plumbers and 1,500 for HVAC techs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

But to take advantage of everything that a career in HVAC or plumbing offers, you need the right start. That’s what we offer.

Sources:
CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration and North Carolina Employment Trends; O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development; [Accessed 10 February 2025]

Here’s how our programs stack up against some of your other options

Career training programs vs. on-the-job training

You may have seen them: job postings for entry-level apprenticeships in HVAC and plumbing. On the plus side, you can earn some money right away. But starting your career in one of these jobs can actually hold you back, while School of Skilled Trades programs can put you ahead of the pack.

Entry-level Apprenticeships (On-the-job training)

  • You’ll only work on the projects your supervisor assigns, meaning you might not build a range of high-value skills.
  • You’ll need to get the work right the first time, no matter what.
  • Your supervisor might be an excellent plumber but not a great teacher.
  • You’ll start out making entry-level wages, typically around $15 an hour. Many will not hire you without some training or experience.
  • It may take years to learn the skills you need to get promoted and make the money you’d like to support yourself. 
VS

School of Skilled Trades (Career Training Programs)

  • You can make mistakes and practice in a supportive environment.
  • You’ll learn how to do a wide range of projects, making you more appealing to employers.
  • You’ll learn from plumbers and HVAC techs with decades of experience who are also state-approved instructors.
  • You can start out making $22 an hour or more. That’s $14,000 more in your first year alone.
  • You’ll graduate with the key skills employers reward with raises and promotions.

With our short-term training programs, you can skip past entry-level trade jobs and accelerate your career from the start. Learn more about our certificate programs:

Career training programs vs. community college programs

You could also get training for the trades, including plumbing, at a local community college. These programs are low-cost but take years to complete—meaning you have to wait that much longer to start earning and building your future.

Community College 
Programs

  • You’ll spend about two years in school, possibly longer if the program has a waiting list.
  • You’ll need to take classes that fulfill academic requirements, even if they’re not relevant to your career.
  • You’ll need to cover two years’ worth of living expenses, either through loans or a job. 
  • You’ll likely learn only the basics because most schools offer just a few plumbing or HVAC classes. 
  • You won’t start earning professional-level wages for at least two years.
VS

School of Skilled Trades Programs

  • You’ll spend just six months training, and you won’t have to worry about program waiting lists.
  • Every class focuses entirely on the skills you need to get a good job and advance in your career. 
  • You can graduate in six months, helping minimize expenses and the total cost of training.
  • You’ll take a deep dive into the program with 500 clock hours of instruction—80% of it in a hands-on lab environment.
  • You could start earning $22 an hour or more in as few as six months.

Skill-based training offers you a head start on your career that community college degree programs can’t.

Room to grow after you graduate

When you train as a plumber, a good job is just the first step. After you graduate, you can keep growing in your career by becoming a licensed plumber in North Carolina. You have multiple licensing options, and each one gives you the chance to earn more. Some license types also give you the option to start your own business.

No matter which HVAC or plumbing license you want to earn, the time you spend at the School of Skilled Trades helps you earn it more quickly. You’ll learn the key topics each licensing exam covers, and you’ll earn 500 of the hours you’re required to put in before taking any of the exams. For more information on licensing exams and their requirements, please visit the State Board of Examiners website.

Two men in work uniforms measure and mark a white plastic pipe in a workshop setting.
pipes

Advance further with our continuing education and career development programs

We also offer courses for experienced plumbers who want to add to their skills and property managers who want to save money and improve efficiency.

Request Info

Build a brighter future faster than you thought possible. Fill out the form, and we’ll schedule a quick call to help you get started in the skilled trades.

The School of Skilled Trades is a non-profit school, meaning we invest in helping you learn, not in making a profit. We’re licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, so you learn valuable skills from qualified instructors with years of field experience.