15 Best Trade Schools in Utah | Costs, Requirements, and How to Apply

Trade schools in Utah also known as vocational schools, career centers, or vocational colleges, offer training programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in the labor market. 

High school graduates make up the bulk of trade school enrollees. Increasingly, however, professionals seeking a mid-career change enroll in vocational and tech schools. The affordability, brevity, and quality of trade schools in Utah can draw students from diverse backgrounds.

Trade schools in Utah take less time to complete than a bachelor’s degree. Many vocational programs take 12-18 months to complete, and graduates quickly enter the workforce. Additionally, by pursuing career-focused programs, 74% of trade school graduates end up working in jobs that directly relate to their field of study. By contrast, only 53% of graduates with bachelor’s degrees gain employment in a profession related to their college major.

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Delaware | Costs, Requirements, How to Apply

Are there Trade Schools in Utah?

Utah has many excellent trade schools that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields like allied health, technology, the beauty industry, and skilled trades. Some of these are:

  1. Ogden-Weber Technical College
  2. Dixie Tech
  3. Avalon School of Cosmetology
  4. Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design
  5. RTDS Trucking School
  6. The ccCNA Certified Nursing Assistant Classes
  7. Healing Mountain Massage School
  8. Renaissance Academie Cosmetology and Esthetics
  9. V School Country
  10. Utah Real Estate School
  11. Fortis College
  12. Bridgerland Technical College
  13. Granite Technical Institute (GTI)
  14. Violin Making School of America LLC
  15. Avalon School of Cosmetology: Layton

How much does Trade Schools Cost in Utah?

In 2019, a total of 163,690 students enrolled in various career and technical programs at trade schools in Utah. Some 95% of students completed the trade school programs in which they enrolled, higher than the 87% completion rate for students enrolled in four-year institutions. The scholarships in the list below comprise a small segment of available financial assistance programs for trade school students in Utah.

The average cost of trade schools in Utah ranges from $2,050-$24,200. This is the net price, or the price students pay after receiving grants, scholarships, or other financial aid. In comparison, NCES reports that in-state students attending Utah’s public colleges paid an average of $6,700 in annual tuition and fees in 2019-2020. This figure rose to $21,273 for out-of-state students.

What are the Requirements for Trade Schools in Utah?

Applicants need a copy of their high school diploma or equivalent, a copy of the diver’s license/birth certificate or passport, and a Social Security Card.

What are the best Trade Schools in Utah?

This guide provides information about the 15 best vocational trade schools in Utah. Continue reading to learn more about relevant factors such as accreditation, career and salary for graduates, and financial aid in selecting which school is right for you.

1. Ogden-Weber Technical College

The Ogden-Weber Technical College offers training in high-demand fields. 

In addition to flexible schedules and competency-based learning, the school provides internships and on-the-job training with nearly 200 employers. 

Most Ogden-Weber Technical College programs can be completed in 12 months or less. 

Students receive a certificate upon completion, which will assist them in finding work in their chosen field. 

The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education has accredited Ogden-Weber Technical College.

Courses offered:

The College offers training in a variety of fields, including:

  • Information Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Web and Graphic Design
  • Construction
  • HVAC
  • Dental Assisting
  • Practical Nursing
  • Plumbing
  • Industrial Automation
  • Metal Fabrication
  • Welder Production
  • Barbering
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts

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2. Dixie Tech

Dixie Technical College is one of the Utah System of Technical Colleges’ eight fully accredited technical colleges. 

College professors are experts in their fields. 

The Tech Ridge campus has cutting-edge classrooms and labs. 

The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education has accredited Dixie Technical College. 

The time required to complete training varies depending on the program. 

Full-time students typically graduate in one year. 

Students who complete an accredited program at Dixie Tech are awarded a Capstone Certificate.

Courses offered:

  • Digital Media Design
  • Drafting and Design
  • Information Technology
  • Electrical Apprenticeship
  • HVACR Technician
  • Plumbing Apprenticeship
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • Medication Aide
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Practical Nursing
  • Culinary Arts
  • Automotive Technician
  • Commercial Driver’s License
  • Collision Repair
  • Diesel Technician
  • Industrial Automation Technician
  • CNC Machining
  • Operations Management
  • Welding

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3. Avalon School of Cosmetology

Avalon School of Cosmetology, one of the best trade schools in Utah, provides education for aspiring cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and makeup artists. 

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Students are taught by licensed industry professionals with years of experience. 

The school provides flexible programs as well as day and night classes. 

Avalon graduates pass the licensure exams in 95% of cases. 

Salon Owner/Manager, Hairstylist, Fashion Show Stylist, Beauty Blogger, and Special Effects Artist are some of the possible careers for graduates. 

The National National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences has accredited Avalon School of Cosmetology.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology/Barbering
  • Master Esthetics
  • Student Instructor
  • Makeup Artistry
  • Advanced Hair Extensions

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Kansas City | Costs, Requirements, How to Apply

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4. Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design

Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design is another excellent school in Utah for aspiring beauty professionals. 

The Academy has three Utah locations: Orem, West Jordan, and St. George. 

Experienced instructors teach students the skills to become proficient cosmetologists or barbers. 

The length of training varies depending on the program: the Cosmetology program can be completed in 50 weeks while Barbering students typically graduate after 31 weeks. 

Students can attend classes during the day or at night. 

NACCAS has accredited Taylor Andrews Academy.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Makeup Artistry
  • Barber
  • Nail Technology
  • Microblading
  • Lash Extensions
  • Hair Design
  • Basic Esthetics
  • Master Esthetics

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5. RTDS Trucking School

RTDS provides a variety of truck driving training programs designed to provide students with comprehensive CDL A test preparation. 

The school offers instruction in the classroom, on the range, and on the road. 

Students learn in the classroom by watching videos, doing homework, watching demonstrations, and listening to lectures. 

Before beginning field training, students will be tested on all subjects. 

The instructor provides students with clear training at the RTDS training yard during range training. 

The CDL A training concludes with road training. 

Students will practice right and left turns in stop-and-go traffic, visual search skills, shifting skills on light highways, interstates, and rural routes, and, most importantly, safe driving.

Courses offered:

  • Extended CDL – 320 hours
  • Full CDL Class – 160 hours
  • 3-Week CDL – 120 hours
  • 2-Week CDL – 80 hours
  • 1-Week CDL  – 40 hours
  • Express CDL – 3 Days Behind the Wheel
  • Driving Test- 1 hour

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6. The ccCNA Certified Nursing Assistant Classes

Students in the ccCNA Certified Nursing Assistant Classes learn the knowledge and skills needed to work as a CNA in Utah. 

The 100-hour program can be finished in about two weeks. 

The program consists of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of hands-on training. 

The school enters your name and address into a state computer system after you pass the ccCNA final exam, indicating that you are ready to take the State Exam. 

UNAR will send you an email right away with instructions on how to pay and schedule your certification exam. 

The CNA state exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a skills portion, and it costs $75. 

The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry approves and monitors the ccCNA nurse aide program.

Courses offered:

  • CNA Certification
  • Phlebotomy Class
  • IV Therapy Class

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7. Healing Mountain Massage School

Massage therapy training, spa therapy training, and a holistic health practitioner diploma program are all available at the Healing Mountain Massage School. This is considered one of the best trade schools in Utah.

The school offers classes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. 

Students can attend morning or evening classes. 

At the school’s holistic massage education centers, classes are held in live-day spas. 

The Holistic Health program consists of 900 hours of Massage Therapy training and 300 hours of additional Holistic Health training. 

If you graduate on time, the school will pay for your MBLEX exam, Utah State License fee, and one year of professional liability insurance. 

At its Salt Lake City and Southern Utah campuses, the school has 100% and 90% exam pass rates, respectively. 

The Accrediting Bureau of Massage Therapy has institutionally accredited the Healing Mountain Massage School. 

Courses offered:

  • Massage Training Program
  • Holistic Health
  • Continuing Education

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8. Renaissance Academie Cosmetology and Esthetics

Students learn the art of color, precision haircutting, chemical texture, skincare, nail care, makeup, extensions, and much more at the Renaissance Academie Cosmetology and Esthetics. 

The Academy provides students with flexible schedules, a low student-to-teacher ratio, and a cutting-edge training facility. 

Students can complete the Cosmetology program in as little as 11 months. 

Full-time students can complete the 1600-hour Cosmetology/Barber program in 48 weeks, while part-time students can complete it in 80 weeks. 

Also, full-time students can complete the 1200-hour Master Esthetics program in 36 weeks, while part-time students can complete it in 60 weeks. 

They can also complete the 600-hour Basic Esthetics program in 18 weeks, while part-time students can complete it in 30 weeks. 

The 300-hour Nail Technology program is completed in 9 weeks.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology/Barber
  • Master Esthetics
  • Basic Esthetics
  • Nail Technology

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9. V School Country

V School Country offers courses in computer programming and design. 

Their industry friends and hiring partners create the curriculum for the school (Amazon, Google, Domo, Vivint, etc.) 

The Full-Stack JavaScript course is intended to teach aspiring developers the most important computer engineering skills required for a high-paying career. 

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Students in the Experience Design program gain complete command of user experience design. 

The Experience Design program has a student-to-instructor ratio of 5:1 and the Full Stack class has a ratio of 7:1. 

A 6-hour Free React course is also available at the school. 

There are local housing options available.

Courses offered:

  • Experience Design
  • Full Stack JavaScript

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Brooklyn | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

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10. Utah Real Estate School

Utah Real Estate School provides real estate education to aspiring agents and brokers. 

The school has certified instructors available every day of the week and offers free live test preparation classes on the first Saturday of each month. 

Most graduates pass their licensing exam on their first attempt; those who do not may retake any of the classes as many times as they need for a full year after their initial enrollment.

Courses offered:

Some of the courses offered by Utah Real Estate School are:

  • 120-hour Agent Online Pre-Licensing Course
  • Agent Live Class Course
  • Broker Course Online
  • Broker Live Class Course
  • Utah Law Waiver Packages
  • 18-hour License Renewal CE Package
  • 12-hour New Agent Course Online
  • 42-hour CE Package for Late License Renewal
  • 12-hour Core CE Utah Law Package Online
  • 6-hour Core CE Package Online

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11. Fortis College

Accreditation is very important when it comes to education institution attractiveness and prominence.

Each future student should look for an educational institution that is accredited by nationally recognized agencies.

This is what Fortis Institute does not lack.

This college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), the Accrediting Commission of the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

This means that it will definitely provide quality education to you if it is your future choice.

Enrollment: Just as with any other college, prospective students who want to enter Fortis Institute have to meet some eligibility requirements.

They must be high school graduates and will be asked to make a personal interview with the admissions staff.

The interview is designed so that the prospective student and the college staff can discuss career goals and tour the facility.

Courses Offered:

  • Nursing Programs
  • Healthcare / Medical Programs
  • Medical Technologists Programs
  • Dental Programs
  • Pharmacy Technician, Sterile Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology
  • Beauty & Wellness Programs – Cosmetology and Massage Therapy

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12. Bridgerland Technical College

Bridgerland Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). This is considered one of the best trade schools in Utah.

Enrollment: To be enrolled in the Bridgerland Technical College program, a student must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, complete an Admissions Form, either online or in-person, and complete additional requirements of the chosen program.

Academic assessments can be avoided if a student has an ACT with a minimum score of 17 or SAT with a minimum score of 930 within four years of the date of enrollment.

Part of the application process is the meeting with a Student Services representative.

The last step is registration for courses either online or in-person as directed by the program faculty.

Courses Offered:

  • Business Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Cybersecurity
  • Drafting
  • Information Technology
  • Media Design
  • Web & Mobile Development
  • Apprentice Electrician
  • Apprentice Plumber
  • Auto Collision
  • Automotive Service
  • Building Technology
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Diesel
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Cosmetology/Barbering
  • Fashion Merchandising and Development
  • Interior Design
  • Master Esthetics
  • Culinary Arts
  • Meat Services
  • Animal Sciences
  • Dental Assisting
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Practical Nursing
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy
  • Automated Manufacturing
  • Controls Engineering Technology
  • Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Machining Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Fire and Rescue Services
  • Paramedic
  • Police Academy

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13. Granite Technical Institute (GTI)

Enrollment: So as to register for the Granite Technical Institute programs, you need to talk to the Career Coordinator at your home school.

It is recommended that you have a 2.5 GPA & 2.5 CPA for student

success in all Granite Technical Institute classes.

Besides the application form that has to be filled out with accurate information related to your personal and educational details, you are supposed to attach a health care plan signed off by the nurse, IEP, or 504 accommodations plus file holder contact information.

The application form can be found online on the Institute’s official website or can be picked up in the Career Center of your high

school.

It is very important that the Granite Technical Institute application is complete and signed by both the student and their guardian and returned to the Career Center for review and approval by

the Career Center Coordinator.

You might be asked to provide additional information if required.

Courses Offered:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Aviation
  • Construction Trades
  • Culinary Arts
  • Health Science
  • Information Technology
  • Technology Department
  • CTSO’s

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14. Violin Making School of America LLC

The Violin Making School of America offers its students a curriculum that is designed to immerse students in the world of the instrument.

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The school program is designed to be completed in 3 years and upon successful completion of the graduation requirements, the student is awarded the Certificate of Luthier.

Enrollment: The application process consists of a few easy steps.

The first thing you need to do is to complete the application form and submit it and the school’s staff will contact you after the application is received.

You are required to write a one or two-page letter of personal intent in which you will state the reasons for your desire to attend the school and your qualifications for attending.

The next requirement is to briefly describe your financial plan for paying tuition and living expenses and all these documents should be mailed to the school.

If the committee determines that you should be accepted, you will then be notified and sent the Enrollment Agreement which you are supposed to sign and return along with a deposit of $1000.

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15. Avalon School of Cosmetology: Layton

Avalon School of Cosmetology is accredited by The National National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

Enrollment: Being that the Avalon School of Cosmetology offers the highest quality beauty education, there are certain enrollment requirements that future students have to meet so as to be accepted.

The school has made the easiest application process with just three simple steps.

The first step is to meet the application requirements which include fluent speaking and writing of the English language and the possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

If you meet the requirements, you will then get a recommendation from an Admissions Representative, schedule an appointment and discuss the coursework.

Then, you are supposed to submit an Application Packet which includes the proof of diploma or equivalent, signed enrollment agreement, and the application fee.

Schedule an appointment with an Admissions Representative by giving a call to the staff.

Courses Offered:

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering
  • Eyelash Extensions
  • Advanced Beauty
  • Makeup Artistry
  • Beauty School Instructor

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How Much Do Traders Make in Utah?

High demand and pay draw students to trade school programs. Some schools work with local businesses to determine workforce needs and teach students the required skills. A few of the highest-employed trade jobs in Utah only require training or a certificate after high school. These jobs include CDL drivers, electricians, and medical assistants.

Traders in Utah make an average pay of $63,000

How do I become a Trader In Utah?

While the requirements for admission to a trade school in Utah are much simpler than those for a college, there are still some to meet. Some of these requirements are dependent on the trade school one wishes to attend. 

To begin, individuals who wish to enroll in a trade school in Utah must meet certain age requirements. And this could be either 17 or 18 years old.

Also, they would be required to have at least a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Some trade schools also consider SAT/ACT results in the process of admission. However, these certificates are not required, but they could be an added advantage for admission.

In all, it is important to research and find out what the trade school you are interested in requires so that you can be prepared ahead.

Best Paying Jobs in Utah with Salary 

  • Financial analyst. average salary: $63,575 per year. …
  • Human resources manager. average salary: $65,142 per year. …
  • Air traffic controller. …$76,342
  • Physician assistant. …$62,567
  • Architectural project manager. …$50,874
  • Sales engineer. …$61,435
  • Economic consultant. …$43,675
  • Database administrator.$56,754

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Utah have good job opportunities?

Despite the collective labor struggle currently at play throughout the nation, according to Wallethub.com, Salt Lake City ranks as one of the best locations in 2022 for jobs and job seekers in the United States.

What jobs are in high demand in Utah?

The highest demand right now is for registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, health technicians, clinical case managers, and medical secretaries. This industry is growing rapidly with no end in sight and it provides good stability and growth opportunities.

What is the minimum wage in Utah?

$7.25 per hour
Utah’s state minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the current Federal Minimum Wage rate.

What is the difference between a technical school and a normal school?

Students usually attend a traditional college to earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Many students earn their bachelor’s degree in four years, devoting the first two years to general education requirements. A technical school teaches students job-ready skills focusing on a specific trade or career.
While program length varies at technical schools, most students can graduate within two years or less. Many technical schools prepare students to sit for exams that lead to certifications in their field. Most technical schools also offer smaller class sizes. Trade school graduates can pursue in-demand careers as dental hygienists, welders, and medical coding specialists.

Conclusion 

In a matter of months, the right vocational training program can help you prepare for your future career. 

There are numerous excellent trade schools in Utah from which to choose. 

You should carefully consider all of your options before deciding where to enroll. 

Consider all relevant factors (costs, schedule, job placement rate, graduation rate, student reviews, etc.) and ensure the school is reliable and accredited by government agencies.

References 

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