This page compiles information about the best trade schools in Colorado.
The information gathered here is meant to help those who want to learn a new trade decide what school is best for them.
The compilation provides general information (tuition costs, enrollment requirements, contact details, etc.) about some of the top schools in Colorado.
The institutions presented in this list offer high-quality training that prepares students for various in-demand industries, such as:
We hope the information included on the page will help you decide what trade school is best for you.
1Bartending School of Denver
The Bartending School of Denver offers a state of the art facility and an up to date curriculum that will prepare students to step into a career as a bartender.
The training course can be completed in 1 week, 2 weeks or 2 weekends.
Students have the option to take the class remotely or in person.
The school offers classes from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-6 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Weekend classes run from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Students also have the option to learn in the comfort of their home and then come to the Lab ready to implement the skills needed to be a professional bartender.
Enrollment. In order to attend the bartending class, you have to be over 18 years of age. Applicants can enroll online.
Fees. The training fees vary between $50 and $199, depending on the type of class chosen.
A supplies package can also be purchased for $80.
Courses offered:
- Bartending 101 “In Person”
- Off Site Bartending Class
- Bartending 101 Online Only
Contact information:
- The bartending school is located at 2836 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
- Phone: 303-500-8672
- Email: info@bartendingschoolofdenver.com
- Website: https://bartendingschoolofdenver.com
2Colorado School of Trades
Colorado School of Trades is committed to educating quality, entry-level individuals in the field of gunsmithing.
As the nation’s largest gunsmithing school, the school offers a training program that teaches the skills necessary for students to become entry-level Gunsmiths with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Gunsmithing.
The school has developed a system based on hands-on, project-oriented, customer provided training.
Enrollment. Applicants must be 18 years or older, be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED and pass a background check.
Prospective students must also write an essay on “Why I Chose to Become a Gunsmith”.
Applicants must also be physically and mentally capable of performing projects and classwork required for graduation.
Fees. Tuition is $25,500.
The Colorado School of Trades participates in the PELL Grant and Direct Lending Programs. The Colorado school is also approved for Veterans’ Assistance Programs.
Courses offered:
- Basic Course G101
- Machine Shop
- Stockmaking
- Design+Function I
- Design + Function II
Contact information:
- The school is located at 1575 Hoyt St., Lakewood, CO 80215
- Phone: (303) 233-4697 ext. 11
- Website: https://schooloftrades.edu
3IntelliTec College
The IntelliTec College Grand Junction campus gives students the skills needed to succeed in some of the most in-demand industries.
The College was established in 1985.
The hands-on programs are designed to teach students the most practical skills to get them ready for a career in as short a time as possible.
Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Every student must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Depending on the program, some students may be asked to provide documentation of vaccinations.
IntelliTec College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Fees. Total tuition fees are between $995 and 33,330, depending on the program and the campus chosen.
Various scholarships and government funding, such as grants, loans and work-study programs are available to students.
Courses offered:
- Automotive Technician
- Computer Systems Technician
- Cosmetologist
- Dental Assistant
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Refrigeration and HVAC Technician
Contact information:
- Albuquerque Campus: 5001 Montgomery Blvd, NE, Suite A24, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
- Phone: (505) 508-5225
- Grand Junction Campus: 772 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506
- Phone: (970) 245-8101
- Colorado Springs Campus: 2315 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
- Phone: (719) 632-7626
- Pueblo Campus: 3673 Parker Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81008
- Phone: (719) 542-3181
- Website: https://intellitec.edu
4Independent Electrical Contractors
The Independent Electrical Contractors offers a four-year Apprenticeship Training Program that will equip the prospective student with the skills and knowledge necessary to have a successful career in the electrical construction trade.
The program is approved by the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau ofApprenticeship and Training.
Students can attend school one night per week.
During their apprenticeship, students receive hands-on training meant to prepare them for the Journeyman’s License Exam.
Students attend class one night a week for 4 hours. Each semester has 18 weeks and each academic year has two semesters.
Graduates of the IEC apprentice program receive 42 hours of college credit through the Emily Griffith Opportunity School. These credits are transferable to most colleges or universities in Colorado.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The apprentice must be physically capable of performing the various tasks that are required of a journeyman electrician.
Fees. Tuition is $610 per semester for IEC members and $1025 per semester for non-members. The costs for curriculum and kit are $475 for IEC members and $550 for non-members.
Military veterans may use their VA benefits whileenrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Contact information:
- IEC Southern Colorado Chapter, 2345 North Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
- Phone: (719)596-3688
- Website: http://www.iecscc.org
5Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College has nearly 100 years of training students how to weld, fix cars and repair heating and cooling systems on a city block in downtown Denver.
In 2015 the College opened a new facility in Denver to teach programs in the College of Trades, Industry and Professional Studies.
Each career training program meets industry education standards set forth by various professional organizations.
The Emily Griffith Foundation is establishing a dedicated scholarship for eligible community residents who want to pursue a career training certificate at Emily Griffith Technical College.
Enrollment. Applicants need a state ID or Driver’s License.
Applicants who are under 23 and have been not married for a year or more are required to provide their parents’ or legal guardians’ information.
Fees. Estimated tuition fees are between $4,763 and $15,119. Additional material and book fees may apply.
Financial Aid programs are also available to qualifying students.
Courses offered:
- Accounting
- Automotive Collision Repair
- Automotive Service
- CAD- Building Information Modeling
- Computer Networking
- Geographic Information Systems
- Commercial/Residential HVAC and Refrigeration Technician
- Water Quality Management
- Welding
Contact information:
- The College of Trades & Industry is located at 1205 Osage Street, Denver, CO 80204
- Website: https://www.emilygriffith.edu
6Healing Arts Institute Fort Collins School of Massage
Healing Arts Institute has been training massage therapists from all using the Body Insight Method™ since 1991.
The Fort Collins School teaches students the art of massage combined with good people and business skills.
The Healing Arts Institute is accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools).
The Institute is approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools.
The instructors at Healing Arts Institute are all practicing massage or bodywork therapists who teach part-time.
Most are graduates of the Healing Arts Institute.
Enrollment. Applicants can register for classes at the Healing Arts Institute business office.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED.
Prospective students must demonstrate emotional stability and be physically able to perform massage manipulations taught in the program.
Fees. Tuition fees are between $1,500 and $9,975, depending on the program.
Elective classes cost around $140-$160 each.
Financial aid options are available to eligible students.
Courses offered:
- Massage Therapy
- Reflexology
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
- Additional Elective Classes: Thai Massage, Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, Aromatherapy Lymphatic Massage, Aromatherapy Blending, Seaweed Masque and Salt Glo Treatment and Hot Stone Massage
Contact information:
- The Institute is located at 4007 Automation Way, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- Phone: (970) 223-9741
- Website: https://hai-colo.com
7Recording Connection Audio Institute
Recording Connection in Denver offers programs for those who want to start producing musical tracks, learn how to record a band, start their career as an audio engineer or learn how to be a Live DJ.
From day one, students work as an extern in a real-world studio, getting mentored by an industry professional.
In this way, students learn one-on-one from someone who has been there and done it all before.
Tutoring is available to students for the entire time they are enrolled in the program.
Personal, hands-on lab time is built into the program.
Students will have plenty of access to the latest and best equipment available.
Enrollment. Prospective students can apply online.
Fees. Total tuition costs are between $12,860 and $16,220, depending on the program.
Financing solutions are also available to qualifying students.
Courses offered:
- Audio Engineering & Music Production
- Advance Audio Program
- Hip Hop/Beat Making
- Live Sound/Live Music
- Electronic Music- Logic Pro
- Electronic Music- Ableton
- Music Producing
- Live DJ
- Music Business
Contact information:
- Denver Recording Connection Audio Institute is located at 3156 West 38th Avenue
Denver, CO 80211 - Phone: 800-755-7597
- Website: https://www.recordingconnection.com/school-locations/denver
8Barnett Bicycle Institute
Barnett Bicycle Institute (BBI) aims to provide a professional-grade technical education into bicycle mechanics.
At BBI students receive professional-grade technical education that teaches them methodology and measurable, repeatable processes.
Barnett Bicycle Institute is approved and Regulated By The Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools.
Enrollment at BBI requires NBDA membership. If you are not already a member, individual memberships are available directly through BBI for $50.
Fees. Tuition fees vary depending on the program. Prices start from $129 to $1,494.35, depending on the program and the time of the year (summer or off-season).
Level 1 Certification Exam total tuition & fees are $200.
Level 2 Certification Exam total tuition & fees are $250.
Courses offered:
- Bicycle Assembly & Maintenance
- Spoked Wheel Lacing
- Bicycle Repair & Overhaul
- Managing the Service Department
- Effective Sales of Service
- Suspension Service & Tuning
- Advanced Topics Series
- e-Bike Fundamentals
- BSE Level 1 Certification
- BSE Level 2 Certification
Contact Information:
- Barnett Bicycle Institute is located at 2725 Ore Mill Rd #23, Colorado Springs CO 80904
- Phone: (719) 632-5173
- Email: max@bbinstitute.com
- Website: https://www.bbinstitute.com
9Colorado Springs School of Massage
Colorado Springs School of Massage is a massage school approved and Regulated by the Colorado Department of Private Occupational Schools.
The school is offering massage education since 1982.
The school fosters an atmosphere of holistic healing for the students, the instructors, the staff, and student massage clients.
The 600-hour Massage Therapy Certification program helps students gain the knowledge and skills required to get licensed with the state of Colorado as Massage Therapists.
In order to get licensed, students must pass the course of study, pass the MBLEX National Exam, Pass a Colorado Background Investigation, and be approved by the Colorado State Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Enrollment. Prospective students can apply for admission online.
Fees. The application fee is $50. Tuition fee is $7,500. The tuition cost includes 6 months curriculum, all textbooks, manuals and worksheets, professional liability insurance while you are our student, enrollment in the ABMP Exam Coach and the initial issue of classroom supplies.
The school is offering 3 different payment plans.
MyCAA is also available for military dependents.
Courses offered:
- Massage Therapy Certification Program
Contact information:
- The Colorado Springs School of Massage is located at 5729 Constitution Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915
- Phone: (719) 310-9297
- Email: info@csschoolofmassage.com
- Website: https://www.csschoolofmassage.com
10Lincoln College of Technology
The Lincoln Tech Denver is training students from around the country for careers in the auto, diesel, collision repair, welding, and HVAC fields.
The Denver campus has trained workers for more than 55 years.
Lincoln Tech has partnerships with leading manufacturers in the automotive industry to help students expand their career possibilities.
The Lincoln Tech Denver is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Enrollment. Applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance.
Prospective students must be high school graduates or possess a state-approved high school equivalency assessment or possess an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Applicants must also achieve a passing score on the entrance assessment examination.
Fees. Tuition fees are between $18,200 and $39,341, depending on the program.
Financial aid is also available to those who qualify.
Courses offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
- Diesel and Truck Technology
- Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology
- Automotive Service Management
- Diesel and Truck Service Management
- Automotive Technology with AUDI Education Partnership
- Diesel and Truck with Alternative Fuel Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing Service Management
Contact information:
- The Denver college is located at 11194 E 45th Ave, Denver, CO 80239.
- Phone: 844-768-1270
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
Learning a new trade may be the step you need to take in order to get your dream job.
Colorado trade schools offer high-quality training that prepares students for some of the most in-demand industries.
Whether you want to become an automotive technician, a bartender or a massage therapist, there are many schools ready to help you build a successful career.
Look for relevant information (completion rate, employment opportunities, accreditation, admission requirements, etc.) when deciding what school is best for you.
FAQs
What is the argument for trade schools? ›
While trade school costs less in general, and while trades typically require less than four years of higher education, jobs in various trades also pay more, too. Yes, you read that right. Sending your kid to trade school can result in benefits like lower student debt or no student debt plus higher earnings later on.
What are two pros and two cons of going to trade school? ›Trade school can offer students a fast, affordable path to well-paying careers. Cons of trade school can include limited career growth, financial aid, and flexibility.
Does Colorado have trade schools? ›Vocational and trade schools in Colorado provide career-focused training in areas like allied health, technology, the skilled trades, and legal services. Trade school graduates can pursue careers as occupational therapy assistants, mechanics, respiratory therapists, electricians, and paralegals.
What is one advantage of a trade school education? ›Trade schools provide students with an alternative to four-year college programs. Lower tuition costs and shorter degree pathways are benefits of trade schools. Career-focused, practical training can help trade school students pursue in-demand jobs.
Why are trade schools looked down upon? ›Historically, trade school has been looked down upon as the inferior postsecondary choice for students who couldn't get into a “real” college. Depending on your talents, interests, and career goals, there could be many reasons to choose vocational school over a traditional four-year college though.
What are four arguments against trade? ›- Reduced choice. Protectionism reduces both the quantity and variety of goods/services available to customers.
- Increased prices. ...
- Increased costs. ...
- Retaliation. ...
- Reduction in export competitiveness. ...
- Resource misallocation. ...
- Domestic inefficiency increases.
What is the highest-paying trade job? According to the above data, the highest-paying trade job is an elevator mechanic (median salary $97,860 per year), followed by a power plant operator (median salary $94,790 per year).
What are some good questions to ask before deciding on a trade school? ›- What Vocational Field Are You Interested In?
- Where Do You Want to Work?
- What Are My Financial Goals?
- How Much Will Trade School Cost?
- How Can I Pay for Trade School?
- How Soon Can I Start Working?
- Can I Attend Trade School Online?
- What Will My Class Schedule Be Like?
The 2023 average tuition & fees of trade schools in Colorado is $14,309. The amount is the average over all vocational programs and it may vary by area of study and program length. Total 6,943 students have enrolled in trade schools in Colorado.
Who does Colorado trade with? ›The state's largest market was Canada. Colorado exported $1.4 billion in goods to Canada in 2018, representing 17 percent of the state's total goods exports. Canada was followed by Mexico ($1.3 billion), China ($577 million), Korea ($494 million), and Japan ($456 million).
Is trade school free in the US? ›
While trade school can cost just a few thousand dollars, pricier trade schools can cost up to $17,000 per year. Public trade schools are usually cheaper than private trade schools, so be sure to compare tuition and additional fees between schools to avoid paying more than you need to.
Why learning a trade is better than college? ›Trade school programs benefit students in several ways. First, these condensed programs allow students to enter the job market sooner, which means they start earning money and building experience faster as well. Shorter programs also mean less time commitment, which makes enrolling to pursue an education less daunting.
Why should you go into a trade? ›Skilled tradespeople often make equivalent to or more than their academic counterparts. Most trade jobs not only offer high take home pay but great benefit and retirement packages. These benefits are not always found in other careers.
What are the pros of trade? ›Trade allows U.S. consumers to buy a wider variety of goods at lower prices, raising real wages and helping families purchase more with their current incomes. This is especially important for middle-class consumers who spend a larger share of their disposable income on heavily- traded food and clothing items.
What is the stigma around trades? ›Overwhelmingly people see trade careers as “dirty jobs” that are low paying and unprofessional. There is even a pervasive myth that these careers don't require any higher-level education. That they are alternatives only for students who can't make it in college.
Why does a trade fail? ›A failed / unsettled trade is a trade that fails to settle on the previously agreed settlement date. Failure to settle principally arises if one counterparty is unable to deliver all or part of the security, or if the other counterparty fails to provide sufficient funds to meet the settlement consideration.
Why do they call it a trade job? ›Generally speaking, a trade job is a job that is a specialized craft that requires advanced training and education, but not from a 4-year college or university. Trade workers receive their education and training through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, specialized education programs, and/or vocational schools.
What are the 3 most common barrier to trade? ›The major obstacles to international trade are natural barriers, tariff barriers, and nontariff barriers.
What are 4 principles of trade? ›Successful traders utilize a wide variety of approaches to attack the markets. Irrespective of the approach, virtually every top trader abides by four key principles: trade with the trend, cut losses short, let profits run, and manage risk.
Is free trade good or bad? ›2. Myth: Free trade means jobs go overseas. Reality: Free trade does not create more jobs, but neither does protectionism. Free trade may reduce jobs in inefficient industries, but it frees up resources to create jobs in efficient industries, boosting overall wages and improving living standards.
What is the hardest trade to learn? ›
When asked what type of work was most difficult to master (out of 32 different trades), the two groups of respondents (the average age of which was 43 years old) were in agreement again — electrical work was the hardest to master, followed by carpentry, HVAC, and cabinets/countertops.
What is the easiest trade to get into? ›Welding is one of the occupations that are easy to learn in the skilled trades. You can learn how to weld within less than six months of practical exposure. Suppose you enjoy something that pays strong and has proper hours. Welding is a job you can drop your teeth into while also getting prospects for advancement.
What is the fastest trade to learn? ›Quick trade jobs to learn include truck drivers, medical coders, and personal trainers. Trade school enrollment has surged as college enrollment dropped in recent years. Demand for trade jobs such as trucking has caused governments to relax licensure requirements.
What is one negative of trade? ›One of the major disadvantages of international trade is that, many times, cultural differences are never documented. There are unwritten rules of commerce in the country that are hard to uncover and can be even more difficult to solve.
What are the three main types of trade? ›- Export Trade. Export trade is when goods manufactured in a specific country are purchased by the residents of another country. ...
- Import Trade. ...
- Entrepot Trade.
Trade deficits occur when a country lacks efficient capacity to produce its own products – whether due to lack of skill and resources to create that capacity or due to preference to acquire from another country (such as to specialize in its own goods, for lower cost or to acquire luxuries).
How do you decide what trade is best for you? ›- Consider your interests. One benefit of a trade job is that you can earn a salary by pursuing your interests. ...
- Determine your talents. ...
- Talk to a career counselor. ...
- Search for pre-apprenticeship programs. ...
- Take a career quiz. ...
- Interview tradespeople. ...
- Research job growth. ...
- Explore work environments.
To learn the carpenter's trade, the average trade school tuition and fees are about $4,400. The average cost of an electrician trade school is around $13,000 and takes about 12 months to complete.
What is a trade secret in Colorado? ›
Trade secret means the whole or any portion or phase of any. scientific or technical information, design, process, procedure, formula, improvement, confidential business or financial. information, listing of names, addresses, or telephone numbers, or other information relating to any business or profession.
What is Colorado's trade balance? ›About. Overview In February 2023 Colorado exported $807M and imported $1.32B, resulting in a negative trade balance of $512M. Between February 2022 and February 2023 the exports of Colorado have decreased by $-23.7M (-2.85%) from $830M to $807M, while imports decreased by $-86.9M (-6.18%) from $1.41B to $1.32B.
How does Colorado make most of its money? ›Farming and ranching takes 32 million acres of Colorado land. Colorado's agriculture consumes 88% of the state's water or 4.7 million acre feet. The northeast of the state has the most agricultural business.
Is learning a trade worth it? ›Trade schools are beneficial for those who know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. They become master's in their field, experts in their trade, through their training program. Trade schools take a practical, hands-on approach to education, which is extremely advantageous for manual and technical jobs.
How long is trade school in the US? ›Trade school degrees are typically 2-year programs with most schools offering flexible schedules (i.e., night classes), so many students can work full or part-time the entire time they are in school.
Is MIT a trade school? ›MIT, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is not a trade school. MIT is a highly prestigious and renowned research university, and is considered one of the best universities in the world. MIT is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was founded in 1861.
Do trades make more money than college? ›On average, a trade school graduate will make about $42,000 per year. Over the course of thirty years, the difference between that graduate and the four-year college graduate is only $90,000.
Why is learning to trade so hard? ›So why is trading so hard? Trading is so hard because there are so many aspects to trading that you need to know. Some of those are the quantity of misleading information out there, your own biases, and the necessity of striking a balance between risk and return.
Why is trade better than aid? ›Aid is often FOCUSSED on target groups and problems – often the poorest people in society and improving their lives. On the other hand, trade is less efficient as it is profit driven and the benefit of trade is mostly confined within elite group of people of the country.
What are some of the cons to attending trade school? ›Cons of trade school can include limited career growth, financial aid, and flexibility. Prospective students should weigh the pros and cons of trade school.
What are 3 benefits of trade? ›
Trade is critical to America's prosperity - fueling economic growth, supporting good jobs at home, raising living standards and helping Americans provide for their families with affordable goods and services.
What are 4 reasons for trade? ›differences in technology, presence of economies of scale, differences in demand, differences in endowments.
What are five reasons why trade is important? ›- Reason for Trade #1: Differences in Technology. ...
- Reason for Trade #2: Differences in Resource Endowments. ...
- Reason for Trade #3: Differences in Demand. ...
- Reason for Trade #4: Existence of Economies of Scale in Production. ...
- Reason for Trade #5: Existence of Government Policies. ...
- Summary.
Arguments for Free Trade
It allows goods and services to be produced more efficiently. That's because it encourages goods or services to be produced where natural resources, infrastructure, or skills and expertise are best suited to them. It increases productivity, which can lead to higher wages in the long term.
- Career-Oriented Training: ...
- Faster Education: ...
- Affordable Tuition: ...
- Reliable Job Prospects: ...
- Limited Program Options: ...
- Rigorous Class Schedules: ...
- Limited Financial Aid: ...
- Less Advancement Opportunities:
Essentially, free trade enables lower prices for consumers, increased exports, benefits from economies of scale and a greater choice of goods. This explains that by specialising in goods where countries have a lower opportunity cost, there can be an increase in economic welfare for all countries.
What are the pros and cons of trade agreements? ›Key Takeaways
It increases global competitive advantage and gives access to a diversified range of goods and services. Various issues are associated with following the agreements, such as misuse of intellectual property rights, depletion of natural resources, and unhealthy working conditions for workers.
- Increased Economic Growth. Free trade agreements create larger markets for companies to sell their goods to. ...
- Job outsourcing leads to unemployment. ...
- Foreign direct investment creates new jobs. ...
- Sub-standard working conditions and low wages. ...
- Lower prices for consumers. ...
- Free trade is bad for the environment.
Free trade agreements don't just reduce and eliminate tariffs, they also help address behind-the-border barriers that would otherwise impede the flow of goods and services; encourage investment; and improve the rules affecting such issues as intellectual property, e-commerce and government procurement.
What is the strongest argument against free trade? ›Answer and Explanation: Arguments against free trade are: Threat to domestic industries: because of free trade imported goods becomes cheaper in the home country. This creates a tough competition for domestic firms to increase their market share.
Why is free trade good and bad? ›
2. Myth: Free trade means jobs go overseas. Reality: Free trade does not create more jobs, but neither does protectionism. Free trade may reduce jobs in inefficient industries, but it frees up resources to create jobs in efficient industries, boosting overall wages and improving living standards.
What are the cons of trades? ›- Easy losses. A lot of people think that trading is the simplest method of making money in the stock market, but it is also the easiest way of losing money. ...
- High tax liability. A tax liability is the sum of taxation that industry or an individual acquires based on current tax rules. ...
- Circuits.
Consumers benefit from lower prices.
Free trade reduces the price of imported goods. This enables consumers to enjoy increased living standards. After the purchase of imports, they have more left over income to spend on other goods. Free trade can also lead to increased competition.
The United States has comprehensive free trade agreements in force with 20 countries. These are: Australia. Bahrain.