Best Trade Schools in West Virginia for 2025

Trade schools in West Virginia, sometimes called technical or vocational institutions, provide specialized training in specific skill sets.

The list below features the best trade schools in West Virginia.

It describes credible institutions helping individuals advance their careers in skilled trades and popular professions.

Featured Trade Schools in West Virginia

Keep reading to discover details regarding the best trade schools in West Virginia for students to consider.

1. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is a public institution in Martinsburg established in 1974.

It delivers essential workforce training through quality academics developed by subject matter experts.

They provide opportunities to earn more than 60 associate degrees and professional certifications.

Its areas of study include:

• Culinary arts
• Real estate
• Bookkeeping
• Machining
• Occupational safety
• Event planning
• Basic housekeeping

Online learning is available for many of its programs, offering students flexibility in enhancing their education.

2. James Rumsey Technical Institute

The James Rumsey Technical Institute is a public, non-profit school in Martinsburg founded in 1969.

It helps individuals acquire vital career and technical skills in various areas, keeping within their high standards of academic excellence.

Their programs of study include the following:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician
• Electrical technician
• Commercial driving
• Automotive technician
• Practical nursing
• Surgical technology
• Phlebotomy technician

Students can engage in online education to complete some courses.

3. Laurel College of Technology

The Laurel College of Technology has a few locations, including a campus in Morgantown. It is a private for-profit technical school established in 1985.

They develop students' skills and talents by providing a solid career-focused educational foundation for successful jobs across multiple fields.

Programs are available in areas of study, such as:

• Computer network security technician
• Medical office administration
• Phlebotomy technician
• Culinary arts
• Cosmetology
• Esthetics
• Nursing

Associate degrees and certifications are accessible through their online learning platform.

4. New River Community and Technical College

The New River Community and Technical College is one of the newest trade schools in West Virginia, founded in 2003.

It is an excellent choice for students seeking hands-on learning and training to earn associate degrees and certifications in specialized areas.

Their programs of study include subjects such as:

• Welding technology
• Cosmetology
• Massage therapy
• Diesel service technology
• Nail care technician
• Automotive service technology
• Industrial technology

This public community college has many distance education opportunities available.

5. West Virginia Northern Community College

West Virginia Northern Community College is a public institution in Wheeling.

Its programs include areas of study such as:

• Welding
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Culinary arts
• Hospitality
• Education

Students can choose from several academic opportunities to earn Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Applied Science two-year degrees.

It also offers the chance to obtain a Certificate in Applied Science, which is a one-year training certification in specific skill sets.

6. Valley College

Valley College is a private for-profit institution with campuses in West Virginia and Ohio.

It delivers career-focused academics and training in business, healthcare, and information technology (IT).

Students gain skills to pursue jobs in:

• Medical assisting
• Truck driving
• Veterinary assisting
• Practical nursing
• Medical billing and coding
• Cybersecurity training
• IT and security administration

Their programs are ideal for helping students successfully start, change, or advance their skills and careers. Distance education options are available.

7. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is a two-year public institution in Logan established in 1971.

Their programs are ideal for students seeking to obtain a professional certificate or associate degree or learn a new skill set in a variety of areas.

Training is available in many subjects, such as:

• Information technology
• Welding technology
• Bookkeeping
• Nursing
• Cosmetology
• Healthcare
• Medical coding

Online learning is an option for many of its academic offerings.

8. Huntington Junior College

Huntington Junior College, established in 1936 in Huntington, is a two-year private institution.

Its career-focused curriculum offers students the chance to acquire new skill sets and earn Associate of Applied Science degrees to advance their job prospects in various fields.

Individuals select from areas of study such as:

• Administrative technology
• Dental assisting
• Medical coding
• Substance abuse counseling assistant
• Event management
• Business
• Hospitality

Programs are accessed through on-campus instruction and online learning coursework.

9. Cabell County Career Technology Center

Cabell County Career Technology Center is a small public institution in Huntington with courses geared toward high school students and adult learners.

Its many educational programs offer technical expertise and hands-on training to help individuals acquire new skills for various job fields.

Areas of study that are available include:

• Automotive technology
• Administrative support
• Practical nursing
• Graphic design
• Carpentry
• HVAC
• Welding

It is one of the trade schools in West Virginia offering specialized training preparing for fulfilling careers.

10. Bridge Valley Community and Technical College

Bridge Valley Community and Technical College is a public institution in South Charleston.

Students can choose from several certifications and degrees in fields like business, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

Its programs of study include:

• Veterinary technology
• Advanced manufacturing technology
• Commercial HVAC
• Diesel technology
• Medical coding
• Welding
• Nursing

It offers options to earn Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts degrees, and also Certificates of Applied Science.

Common Trade Jobs in West Virginia

There is a continued demand for common trade jobs in West Virginia, ranging from opportunities in culinary arts to healthcare to the automotive industry.

Examples of skilled trade jobs in West Virginia include:

• HVAC technician
• Welder
• Electrician
• Carpenter
• Registered nurse
• Veterinary assistant
• Automotive Engine Repair Technician

Enrolling in trade schools in West Virginia is worthwhile in pursuing various skilled professions, helping individuals embark on rewarding career paths across different job fields.

How Much Does Trade School Cost in West Virginia?

The cost for trade schools in West Virginia can vary according to factors like the location of the institution, program type, and whether it is private or public.

In West Virginia, attending a public trade school can cost between $5,000 and $12,000 annually on average, while attending a private trade school could cost between $15,000 and $25,000 a year.

Additional fees are applicable; students should research their chosen school for specifics.

Are There Online Trade Schools in West Virginia?

Yes, there are online trade schools in West Virginia.

These deliver flexible ways for individuals to work around their schedules to gain specific skills to advance their careers.

However, most trade programs are accessible through hybrid learning, with many requiring in-person classroom instruction to gain the appropriate skills and knowledge to graduate.

Examples of trade schools in West Virginia with distance education options include the James Rumsey Technical Institute, New River Community and Technical College, and Valley College.

Explore Trade Schools Today

Individuals seeking options for trade schools in West Virginia can explore multiple ways to engage in career-focused programs with hands-on training sessions that advance their skills and knowledge in many job fields.