Phillip EdwinLos Angeles offers a robust and diverse landscape for technical education, driven by a renewed interest in skilled trades and a growing demand for hands-on career training.
The region’s technical schools provide affordable pathways to certifications and degrees in high-demand fields such as automotive technology, welding, electrical engineering, and healthcare, with public community colleges often costing just $46 per unit. Whether you are seeking immediate workforce entry or a stepping stone to further education, LA’s technical schools offer practical, industry-aligned programs.
Top 15 Technical Schools In Los Angeles
1. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
LATTC is the premier technical college in the region, offering the largest community college automotive repair program in Los Angeles with more than 1,000 students enrolled. The program has grown 34% from 2022 to 2024, offering certificates and associate of science degrees in automotive and collision repair. The college also provides over 12 industrial and technical engineering programs, with 207 graduates earning certificates and degrees in a recent year.
Students gain hands-on experience by working on privately owned vehicles, preparing them for dealerships like BMW, Volkswagen, and Toyota. Tuition is $46 per unit, making an associate degree cost approximately $2,000 to $3,500.
2. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College – Advanced Transportation & Manufacturing Pathway
This specialized pathway at LATTC offers certificates in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, reflecting the industry’s shift toward electrification . The program has evolved with automotive technology changes, including fuel injection, airbags, and the rise of electric vehicles.
Students receive training on a collection of hybrid and EV vehicles, ensuring they are prepared for modern repair challenges. Graduates have gone on to successful careers at dealership service centers and independent shops throughout the region.
3. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College – Mechanical Engineering Technology
LATTC offers a Mechanical Engineering Technology program as part of its comprehensive technical curriculum. This program prepares students for careers in mechanical design, manufacturing, and related technical fields. The program is offered at a public two-year college with affordable tuition, making it accessible to students seeking a practical engineering education.
4. Associated Technical College – Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles County, Associated Technical College is a private institution with 315 students enrolled, offering specialized healthcare technical programs.
In a recent year, the college awarded 156 degrees, with the most popular concentration being Cardiovascular Technologist. The institution has a 55% retention rate, and 85.3% of degrees were awarded to women in a recent year. The average net price after financial aid is $23,629, with 100% of undergraduates receiving financial aid through grants.
5. East Los Angeles Occupational Center
Part of the LAUSD’s Division of Adult and Career Education, ELAOC has been providing high-quality, low-cost technical education since 1969. The center offers career training across several industry sectors, including healthcare, construction, and other skilled trades. Students can also earn a high school diploma or HiSET while receiving technical training, making it a comprehensive option for career preparation.
6. California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona offers multiple engineering technology programs, including Industrial and Technical Engineering with 93 Bachelor’s degrees awarded in a recent year.
The university also offers Mechanical Engineering Technology with 43 Bachelor’s degrees and Electrical and Electronic Communications Engineering Technology. As a large public four-year university, Cal Poly Pomona provides a more advanced technical education pathway for students seeking bachelor’s degrees.
7. California State University – Northridge
CSUN offers 5 Industrial and Technical Engineering degree programs, with 149 students graduating in a recent year. The university awarded 132 Master’s degrees and 17 Bachelor’s degrees, reflecting its strength in graduate-level technical education. As a very large public university, CSUN provides comprehensive engineering technology programs in the San Fernando Valley.
8. El Camino Community College District
El Camino College offers industrial and technical engineering programs as well as automotive technology training. The college is one of the local community colleges identified as offering auto programs in the region, providing students with hands-on training opportunities . It serves a very large student body in the South Bay area.
9. Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College offers an automotive technology program, recognized as one of the local community colleges providing auto technician training. The program provides students with practical skills for careers in the automotive service industry. SMC’s program is part of the broader network of technical education options available to students in the Los Angeles area.
10. Cerritos College
Cerritos College offers 7 Industrial and Technical Engineering degree programs, with 29 students graduating in a recent year. The college awarded 16 Certificates and 13 Associate’s degrees in this field. As a very large public two-year college, Cerritos provides accessible technical education in Norwalk.
11. Mt San Antonio College
Mt. SAC offers 9 Industrial and Technical Engineering degree programs, with 94 students graduating in a recent year. The college awarded 82 Certificates and 12 Associate’s degrees in this field. Mt. SAC also offers Engineering Technology programs with 50 graduates, making it a strong option for technical education in the Walnut area.
12. Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College offers 4 Industrial and Technical Engineering degree programs, with an impressive 333 students graduating in a recent year. The college awarded 320 Associate’s degrees and 13 Certificates, reflecting its strong emphasis on associate-level technical education. PCC is a very large public two-year college serving the Pasadena area.
13. DeVry University – California
DeVry University offers 3 Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology degree programs, with 27 students graduating in a recent year. As a private for-profit institution, DeVry provides specialized technical training including Associate’s degrees, Certificates, and Bachelor’s degrees. The campus is located in Ontario within the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area.
14. La Mirada High School – Welding Program
This high school program, funded by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, has become a hot commodity with all six periods of welding jammed and a waiting list of 100 students.
One recent graduate reported $150,000 in income, while another built a business with $3 million in annual sales. Students are paid for their hands-on training, with some earning $1,700 for summer instruction.
15. East Los Angeles Skills Center
The East Los Angeles Skills Center is a campus of ELAOC that provides career training in various technical fields. Located at 3921 Selig Place in Los Angeles, the center offers programs that upgrade skills for existing jobs and prepare people for new careers. It is part of the LAUSD’s Division of Adult and Career Education network.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Programs Offered | Approx. Tuition | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles Trade-Technical College | Automotive, Engineering Tech, Mechanical | $46/unit | Largest auto program in LA, 1,000+ students |
| 2 | LATTC – Advanced Transportation | Hybrid/EV Certificate | $46/unit | Electric vehicle technology focus |
| 3 | LATTC – Mechanical Engineering Technology | Mechanical Engineering Tech | $46/unit | Practical engineering education |
| 4 | Associated Technical College | Cardiovascular Technologist | $23,629 net | Private, healthcare-focused |
| 5 | East Los Angeles Occupational Center | Healthcare, Construction, Trades | Low-cost | Since 1969, LAUSD adult education |
| 6 | Cal Poly Pomona | Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering Tech | Public 4-year | Bachelor’s degrees in engineering tech |
| 7 | CSU Northridge | Industrial and Technical Engineering | Public 4-year | 149 graduates, Master’s and Bachelor’s |
| 8 | El Camino College | Automotive, Engineering Tech | Public 2-year | South Bay location |
| 9 | Santa Monica College | Automotive Technology | Public 2-year | Westside location |
| 10 | Cerritos College | Industrial and Technical Engineering | Public 2-year | 7 programs, certificates & degrees |
| 11 | Mt San Antonio College | Industrial, Engineering Technology | Public 2-year | 94 graduates, Walnut location |
| 12 | Pasadena City College | Industrial and Technical Engineering | Public 2-year | 333 graduates, 320 Associate’s degrees |
| 13 | DeVry University – California | Electrical Engineering Technology | Private for-profit | Ontario campus, 3 programs |
| 14 | La Mirada High School | Welding | Free (HS) | Paid training, $150k graduate salaries |
| 15 | East Los Angeles Skills Center | Career Training | Low-cost | ELAOC campus, LAUSD adult education |
Success Tips for Application
Start by identifying your career goals and choose a program that aligns with your aspirations, whether you are seeking immediate workforce entry or planning to pursue advanced certifications.
For automotive training, LATTC offers the largest program with strong industry connections to BMW, Volkswagen, and Toyota dealerships.
Research each school’s accreditation and program offerings to ensure they meet industry standards. Consider the cost differences between public and private institutions, as public community colleges like LATTC offer tuition at $46 per unit, while private institutions may have higher costs.
Evaluate program length and format, as most community college programs offer flexible scheduling including evening classes.
Visit campuses and tour facilities to get a firsthand look at equipment and training environments. Inquire about certification preparation and job placement rates, as technical schools often have strong industry partnerships.
Closing
Los Angeles offers a rich selection of technical schools, from the comprehensive programs at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to specialized healthcare training at Associated Technical College. The renewed interest in skilled trades has led to significant program growth, with LATTC’s automotive program expanding 34% in recent years . Whether you aspire to become an automotive technician, a cardiovascular technologist, a welder, or an engineering technician, there are exceptional options available in Los Angeles. When choosing a program, prioritize proper accreditation, review program outcomes, and consider the flexibility of class schedules.
By thoroughly researching each option, prospective students can find a technical school in Los Angeles that fits their needs and sets them on a rewarding career path in these essential and growing fields. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.