Phillip EdwinLos Angeles offers a robust and diverse landscape for vocational education, driven by a renewed interest in skilled trades and a growing demand for hands-on career training. The region’s vocational schools provide affordable pathways to certifications and degrees in high-demand fields such as automotive technology, healthcare, construction, and culinary arts, with public community colleges often costing as little as $46 per unit.
Whether you are seeking immediate workforce entry or a stepping stone to further education, LA’s vocational schools offer practical, industry-aligned programs designed to prepare students for well-paying jobs .
Top 30 Vocational Schools In Los Angeles
1. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College – Automotive Technology
LATTC offers the largest community college auto repair program in the region, with more than 1,000 students enrolled. The program has grown 34% within 2 years, offering certificates and associate of science degrees in automotive and collision repair . Students gain hands-on experience 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. LATTC – Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology
This specialized certificate program at LATTC reflects the industry’s shift toward electrification, offering training on a collection of hybrid and EV vehicles. The program has adapted to the evolution of automotive technology, including the rise of electric vehicles and complex electronic systems . Graduates gain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing field.
3. LATTC – Collision Repair
LATTC offers an associate of science degree in collision repair as part of its Advanced Transportation and Manufacturing pathway. Students learn hands-on skills in restoring damaged vehicles, preparing for careers in auto body shops and dealership service centers. Tuition is $46 per unit, with the full associate degree costing approximately $2,000 to $3,500.
4. LATTC – Culinary Arts
LATTC’s culinary program has grown 13% in a recent year and is up nearly 30% since 2019, despite a challenging restaurant industry. The program operates from a modern $50-million Culinary Arts Building, featuring 12 mini-kitchens and high-end equipment. Students can earn certificates in culinary arts, baking, and plant-based cuisine, which the school began offering recently . Tuition ranges from $3,500 to $5,000.
5. LATTC – Plant-Based Cuisine
LATTC began awarding a certificate in plant-based cuisine in a recent year, reflecting the growing demand for plant-forward culinary skills. The program builds on the school’s culinary arts curriculum, preparing students for careers in the expanding plant-based food sector. It offers an affordable pathway with tuition around $3,500 to $5,000 for the full program.
6. LATTC – 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.
7. East Los Angeles Occupational Center
ELAOC has been providing high-quality, low-cost technical education since 1969 as part of the LAUSD’s Division of Adult and Career Education. Students can earn a high school diploma or HiSET while receiving career training in several industry sectors, including healthcare and construction. The center also offers classes to upgrade skills for existing jobs or prepare for new careers.
8. East Los Angeles Skills Center
This campus of ELAOC provides career training in various technical fields at 3921 Selig Place. Students can upgrade skills for existing jobs or prepare for new careers through practical, hands-on instruction . The center is part of the LAUSD’s Division of Adult and Career Education network, offering accessible training to the East LA community.
9. LAUSD Career Technical Education
LAUSD offers a range of career technical education programs across 23 high schools and 6 middle schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Programs include firefighting, robotics, photojournalism, and aerospace engineering, providing real-world experience through industry partnerships. About 1,000 students completed internships in a recent year, with CTE programs achieving a 97% graduation rate.
10. Banning High School Fire Academy
This program is part of LAUSD’s career technical education offerings, training students in firefighting skills. Students learn CPR, fire science, and physical conditioning, preparing for careers in fire services . Senior students are on track to earn a fire science degree at a technical college, combining hands-on training with academic preparation.
11. Fremont High School Robotics Program
Part of LAUSD’s CTE offerings, this program allows students to build robots and compete with other high schools. Students develop technical and team-building skills through designing, building, and programming robots for competitions. The program leads students to career paths in engineering and robotics.
12. La Mirada High School Welding Program
Funded by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, this welding program has become a hot commodity, with a waiting list of 100 students. A recent graduate reported earning $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.
13. Harbor Freight Tools for Schools – Skilled Trades Summers
This program has grown to serve over 800 students across 11 sites, more than double the enrollment in a recent year. Students receive paychecks and intensive hands-on instruction in solar panel installation, welding, automotive, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical trades. The program has served over 2,000 young Angelenos to date.
14. Pasadena City College – Construction Trades
PCC’s building trades and technical education programs have enrolled nearly 2,400 students over the past three years, including building construction, rough carpentry, welding, electrical and electronics technology, design technology, and machine shop. A new Construction Trades Lab will modernize training environments and allow the college to serve even more students preparing for skilled trades careers.
15. Pasadena City College – Construction Readiness
PCC has partnered with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools to offer a Construction Readiness pathway, expanding to serve 110 students. Students build the skills and experience needed to help rebuild their community after destructive fires. The program provides hands-on instruction in construction trades with career readiness support.
16. American Career College – Los Angeles
ACC is a private for-profit institution offering healthcare vocational programs including Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training, Medical Assistant, and Surgical Technology. With 2,168 students, the college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 29:1. The most popular program, Medical Assistant, has 359 graduates in a recent year, and tuition is approximately $42,900 per year.
17. American Career College – Medical Assistant
ACC’s Medical Assistant program is the most popular concentration at the institution, graduating 359 students in a recent year . The program takes approximately 9 months to complete, with tuition of $20,290. Students are trained in both clinical and administrative skills for entry-level positions in healthcare settings.
18. American Career College – Vocational Nursing
ACC’s Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training program is the second most popular, with 270 graduates in a recent year. The program takes approximately 14 months to complete, with tuition of $42,900. Students learn to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of registered nurses, physicians, or dentists.
19. American Career College – Surgical Technology
ACC offers a Surgical Technology program that takes approximately 20 months to complete, with tuition of $41,250. Graduates are prepared for careers as surgical technologists, assisting in operating rooms and ensuring sterile environments. The program includes hands-on training and clinical experience.
20. American Career College – Pharmacy Technician
ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program takes approximately 9 months to complete, with tuition of $20,190. Students learn to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. The program prepares graduates for certification and entry-level positions in pharmacies.
21. Santa Monica College – Automotive Technology
SMC offers an automotive technology program as part of the local community college network. The program provides students with practical skills for careers in the automotive service industry. SMC is one of the identified community colleges offering auto technician training in the region.
22. El Camino College – Automotive Technology
El Camino College offers automotive technology training as part of its technical education programs. The college provides hands-on training opportunities for students seeking careers in the automotive service industry. El Camino serves the South Bay area with accessible community college technical education.
23. Cerritos College – Industrial and Technical Engineering
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 large public two-year college, Cerritos provides accessible technical education in Norwalk.
24. Mt San Antonio College – Industrial and Technical Engineering
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.
25. Pasadena City College – Industrial and Technical Engineering
Pasadena City College offers 4 Industrial and Technical Engineering degree programs, with 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.
26. Citrus College – Welding
Citrus College was one of the options considered by former LATTC student Christopher Hernandez before he settled on Trade-Tech. The college offers welding and other trade programs for students in the San Gabriel Valley. It provides accessible vocational training through the public community college system.
27. DeVry University – California – Electrical Engineering Technology
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.
28. BRIDGE Housing – Year-Round Trades Program
BRIDGE Housing expanded to a year-round program to serve 120 teen residents from the Jordan Downs and Evermont low-income housing communities. The program offers hands-on trades training with a focus on construction and related skills. It provides paid, practical experience for young Angelenos.
29. Otis College of Art and Design – Creative Economy Partnership
A new partnership between Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and Otis College allows students to learn how skilled trades connect to today’s creative economy. The program serves 24 students, combining artistic skills with trade expertise. This innovative approach broadens the scope of traditional trade education.
30. LAUSD Regional Occupational Center Program
The Regional Occupational Center Program offers vocational training through LAUSD. The program is located at 333 South Beaudry Ave and serves students across the district. It provides career technical education for high school students seeking workforce entry.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Programs Offered | Approx. Tuition | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LATTC – Automotive Technology | Automotive, Collision Repair | $46/unit | Largest auto program in LA, 1,000+ students |
| 2 | LATTC – Hybrid/EV Technology | Hybrid/EV Certificate | $46/unit | Electric vehicle technology focus |
| 3 | LATTC – Collision Repair | Associate of Science | $46/unit | Hands-on collision repair training |
| 4 | LATTC – Culinary Arts | Culinary, Baking, Plant-Based | $3,500–5,000 | Modern $50M facility, 13% growth |
| 5 | LATTC – Plant-Based Cuisine | Plant-Based Certificate | $3,500–5,000 | New certificate program |
| 6 | LATTC – Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Technology | $46/unit | Practical engineering education |
| 7 | East Los Angeles Occupational Center | Healthcare, Construction, Trades | Low-cost | Since 1969, LAUSD adult education |
| 8 | East Los Angeles Skills Center | Career Training | Low-cost | ELAOC campus, LAUSD adult education |
| 9 | LAUSD Career Technical Education | Firefighting, Robotics, Photojournalism | Free (HS) | 23 high schools, 97% graduation rate |
| 10 | Banning High School Fire Academy | Fire Science, CPR | Free (HS) | Firefighter training, college credit |
| 11 | Fremont High School Robotics | Robotics, Engineering | Free (HS) | Competitive robotics, team-building |
| 12 | La Mirada High School Welding | Welding | Free (HS) | Paid training, $150k graduate income |
| 13 | Harbor Freight Tools for Schools | Multiple Trades | Paid Program | 800+ students, earn-and-learn |
| 14 | Pasadena City College – Construction | Construction Trades | Public 2-year | New $2.8M trades lab, 2,400 students |
| 15 | PCC – Construction Readiness | Construction Readiness | Public 2-year | Rebuilding community after fires |
| 16 | American Career College | Medical, Nursing, Surgical | $42,900/year | 2,168 students, 74.9% graduation rate |
| 17 | ACC – Medical Assistant | Medical Assistant | $20,290/9mo | 359 graduates, most popular program |
| 18 | ACC – Vocational Nursing | Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse | $42,900/14mo | 270 graduates, healthcare focus |
| 19 | ACC – Surgical Technology | Surgical Technology | $41,250/20mo | Operating room preparation |
| 20 | ACC – Pharmacy Technician | Pharmacy Technician | $20,190/9mo | Pharmacy certification preparation |
| 21 | Santa Monica College | Automotive Technology | Public 2-year | Westside location |
| 22 | El Camino College | Automotive Technology | Public 2-year | South Bay location |
| 23 | Cerritos College | Industrial and Technical Engineering | Public 2-year | 7 programs, certificates & degrees |
| 24 | Mt San Antonio College | Industrial, Engineering Technology | Public 2-year | 94 graduates, Walnut location |
| 25 | Pasadena City College | Industrial and Technical Engineering | Public 2-year | 333 graduates, 320 Associate’s degrees |
| 26 | Citrus College | Welding | Public 2-year | San Gabriel Valley location |
| 27 | DeVry University – California | Electrical Engineering Technology | Private for-profit | Ontario campus, 3 programs |
| 28 | BRIDGE Housing | Construction, Trades | Paid Program | Year-round, housing community |
| 29 | Otis College of Art and Design | Creative Economy Trades | Varies | Art and trades partnership |
| 30 | LAUSD ROCP | Vocational Training | Free (HS) | LAUSD career technical 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 . For healthcare careers, American Career College provides comprehensive programs with strong graduation rates.
Consider the cost differences between public and private institutions; public community colleges like LATTC offer tuition at $46 per unit, while private institutions like American Career College may have higher costs but offer specialized healthcare training.
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 trade schools often have strong industry partnerships.
For high school students, explore LAUSD’s CTE programs or Harbor Freight Tools for Schools earn-and-learn opportunities .
Closing
Los Angeles offers a rich and expanding selection of vocational schools, from the comprehensive programs at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to career-focused private institutions like American Career College and high school earn-and-learn programs like Harbor Freight Tools for Schools . The renewed interest in skilled trades has led to significant program growth, with LATTC’s automotive program expanding 34% and its culinary program growing 13% in recent years . Whether you aspire to become an automotive technician, a chef, a welder, or a healthcare professional, 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 vocational 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.