West Virginia’s trade schools offer a clear path to in-demand careers, providing practical, hands-on training for individuals ready to enter the workforce quickly. Whether you’re looking to launch a career in healthcare, master a skilled trade, or dive into technology, WV’s vocational institutions offer diverse programs, flexible learning, and strong career support.
Table of Contents
- Best Schools by Specialty in West Virginia
- Understanding Costs and Programs
- List of Best Trade Schools in West Virginia
- Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
- The State of Trade Education in West Virginia
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Best Schools by Specialty in West Virginia
West Virginia’s trade schools are known for their focused training across several key sectors:
Healthcare
In healthcare, All-State Career School in Kearneysville and Wheeling is well-regarded for its medical assistant, medical billing & coding, pharmacy technician, and lpn programs.
American National University in Princeton and Parkersburg offers comprehensive programs in nursing, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, health services management, pharmacy technician, and phlebotomy.
Ross Medical Education Center in Morgantown and Charleston specializes exclusively in allied healthcare, offering over 40 certificate and diploma programs including medical assistant, dental assistant, pharmacy technician, occupational therapy assistant, nursing, and practical nursing.
Ben Franklin Career Center in Dunbar and Putnam Career & Technical Center in Eleanor are strong for practical nursing and medical assisting.
Carver Career Center in Charleston stands out for respiratory therapy and surgical technology.
Skilled Trades
For skilled trades, All-State Career School offers solid programs in hvac, welding, and commercial driving (cdl).
The following schools all provide training in automotive technology, carpentry, electrical technician, hvac technician, and welding:
- Ben Franklin Career Center
- Carver Career Center
- Fayette Institute of Technology (Oak Hill)
- James Rumsey Technical Institute (Martinsburg)
- Putnam Career & Technical Center
Putnam Career & Technical Center also features a heavy equipment operator program. James Rumsey Technical Institute includes masonry and firefighting.
Business
In business, American National University is historically known for its strong programs in accounting, business administration, and specialized business fields.
Laurel Technical Institute offers programs in accounting and business administration.
Carver Career Center and Putnam Career & Technical Center provide training in restaurant management/prostart restaurant management.
Technology
For technology, James Rumsey Technical Institute offers advanced programs like advanced it (informatics), coding, app & game design, cybersecurity, and multimedia publishing.
Ben Franklin Career Center features coding app & game design and computer systems repair technology.
Laurel Technical Institute has programs in cloud computing and computer networking.
Fayette Institute of Technology offers computer aided drafting and computer technology.
Understanding Costs and Programs
The average annual cost for the largest programs across these schools ranges from approximately $6,088 (Carver Career Center) to $15,131 (All-State Career School).
Many schools, like Fayette Institute of Technology ($2,610/year) and Putnam Career & Technical Center (with many programs free), offer more affordable options.
- Putnam Career & Technical Center has several programs that are free of charge, with others like medical assisting costing around $2,025 in tuition.
- Fayette Institute of Technology also offers very affordable tuition.
Most certificate and diploma programs can be completed in under two years, with many taking as little as 11 to 18 months.
Popular programs based on widespread offerings include medical assistant, practical nursing (lpn), hvac technician, welding, automotive technology, and commercial driving (cdl).
List of Best Trade Schools in West Virginia
All-State Career School
All-State Career School is a private, for-profit educational institution that offers career-focused training programs in various fields. The school primarily focuses on providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in industries such as healthcare, automotive technology, and commercial driving. All-State Career School offers various diploma and degree programs to help students develop skills for the workforce. The goal of the staff and faculty is to support economic growth and social change in their community. The school accepts all traditional and non-traditional adults looking to either advance or begin professional careers.- Campus 179 E Burr Blvd. Suite K Kearneysville, WV 25430
- Campus 3 Elm Grove Crossing Suite 3C Wheeling, WV 26003
- Healthcare and Nursing, HVAC and Building Services, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, Trucking and Transportation
American National University
American National University offers Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in fields ranging from health to business. American National University offers credited programs to help attendees find jobs. There are courses in medical billing, pharmacy tech, accounting, network administration, and more. Students develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in their careers. Distance learning and online classes are an option.- 110 Park Center Dr. Parkersburg, WV 26101
- 421 Hilltop Dr. Princeton, WV 24739
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Computer and Information Technology, Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy Technician
Ben Franklin Career Center
Ben Franklin Career Center is a technical education institution offering hands-on training for high school students and adults since 1971. Programs include certifications in welding, commercial driving, HVAC, and practical nursing, as well as high school courses in automotive and medical assisting. Flexible daytime and evening schedules, combined with practical in-person instruction and externships, prepare students for real-world careers. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, the center is recognized for its commitment to high-quality, industry-relevant education. Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with financial tools like the Net Price Calculator available to assist students.- 500 28th Street, Dunbar, WV 25064
- Criminal Justice and Law, Education, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
Carver Career Center
Carver Career and Technical Education Center (CCTEC) in Charleston, West Virginia, has been a leading provider of hands-on vocational training since 1970. Offering programs in fields like cosmetology, culinary arts, and automotive technology, the center serves both high school students and adults with flexible schedules and real-world experiences. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and other industry boards, Carver ensures quality education tailored to workforce demands.- 4799 Midland Dr, Charleston, WV 25306
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Professional Services
Fayette Institute of Technology
Fayette Institute of Technology (FIT) in Oak Hill, West Virginia, provides hands-on vocational training in fields like healthcare, construction, and mechanics. With small class sizes, flexible schedules for both high school and adult learners, and accreditation by the Council on Occupational Education, FIT prepares students for in-demand careers with affordable tuition and real-world experience opportunities.- 300 West Oyler Avenue Oak Hill , WV 25901
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology
James Rumsey Technical Institute
Established in 1969, James Rumsey Technical Institute (JRTI) is a reputable technical education institution that serves high school students and adults in Martinsburg, West Virginia. JRTI offers diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees across fields such as Automotive Technology, Welding, HVAC, and Health Occupations, aligning its programs closely with local workforce needs. With flexible daytime and select evening schedules, students can access hands-on learning and gain experience through externships or clinical placements. The institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, ensuring high educational standards. Tuition averages around $10,000 per year, and financial aid is available for those who qualify.- 3274 Hedgesville Rd Martinsburg, WV 25403
- Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology
Laurel Technical Institute
Laurel Technical Institute, founded in 1985, provides hands-on training in various fields with flexible scheduling options, including part-time, evening, weekend, and online classes. The institute offers certificates, diplomas, and specialized associate degrees, promoting a personal learning environment with strong career support.- 200 Wedgewood Drive Morgantown, WV 26505
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades
Putnam Career & Technical Center
Putnam Career & Technical Center (PCTC) has been a hub for career-focused education since its founding in 1968. Offering 23 programs, including welding, medical assisting, and HVAC, the center serves over 400 students annually. Flexible schedules, a Simulated Workplace model, and externships provide hands-on training for both high school and adult learners. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and affiliated with NCCER, PCTC delivers industry-recognized certifications. Tuition varies by program, with options like Practical Nursing at $4,050 and many other programs offered free of charge.- 300 Roosevelt Blvd. Eleanor, , WV 25070
- Business, Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Professional Services
Ross Medical Education Center
The Ross Medical Education Center offers training in a variety of disciplines, including Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Dental Assisting. In addition to the 40 campuses across the U.S., online associate’s degrees are available. Scheduling is flexible so that enrollees can balance personal responsibilities.- 5707 Maccorkle Ave. SE, Ste 20 Charleston, WV 25304
- 1064 Suncrest Town Centre Dr. Morgantown, WV 26505
- Healthcare and Nursing, Veterinary Services
Strayer University
Strayer University is a private college that offers online and in-person programs from associate's to master's levels. The school has locations in over 15 different states. Degree options include business and criminal justice. SU has a mission to teach students the skills they need to grow and thrive.
- 135 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 531 Scott Depot, WV 25560
- Criminal Justice and Law, Architecture, Computer and Information Technology, Trucking and Transportation
United Technical Center
United Technical Center, located in Clarksburg, West Virginia, offers career-focused programs in fields like automotive technology, welding, cosmetology, and practical nursing. With flexible schedules, hands-on training, and accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, the center prepares high school and adult learners for the workforce. Tuition varies by program, with financial aid options available.- 251 Marietta Street Clarksburg, WV 26301
- 101 Dee Drive Suite 100 Charleston, WV 25311
- Criminal Justice and Law, Healthcare and Nursing, Skilled Trades, Technology, Professional Services
West Virginia Junior College
West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) has been a leader in career-focused education since its founding in 1892, offering programs in healthcare, business, and technology. With campuses in Bridgeport, Charleston, and Morgantown, WVJC provides flexible schedules, hybrid learning options, and practical externship opportunities. Programs include Nursing, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Business Administration, with tuition starting at approximately $14,798 per year. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, WVJC ensures quality education that meets industry standards. Its nursing program, approved by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, further exemplifies its commitment to workforce readiness.- 5514 Big Tyler Road, Suite 200 Cross Lanes, , WV 25313
- 176 Thompson Dr. Bridgeport, , WV 26330
- 148 Willey St. Morgantown, , WV 26505
- Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Technology
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Recognizing the needs of adult learners and those balancing work or other commitments, several schools in West Virginia provide flexible educational pathways.
American National University offers extensive flexible learning through its Global Meet, Global Teach, and Global Learn programs, providing synchronous and asynchronous online courses, remote student services, and online libraries available 24/7.
Laurel Technical Institute also offers part-time options, evening and weekend sessions, and online/hybrid classes.
Carver Career Center provides some programs in a hybrid format.
Programs at Ben Franklin Career Center and Fayette Institute of Technology offer evening sessions, while James Rumsey Technical Institute has select evening options.
Many programs across schools like Carver Career Center and Putnam Career & Technical Center integrate “Simulated Workplace” models or clinical externships, providing practical, real-world experience that fits into varied schedules.
The State of Trade Education in West Virginia
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Public-Private Partnerships Drive Innovation
West Virginia is pioneering innovative approaches to trade education through strategic public-private partnerships that are reshaping career pathways for students.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting reports that a groundbreaking collaboration between the West Virginia Department of Education’s Classroom2Careers initiative and Marshall University’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is creating pre-apprenticeship vocational training for high school students:
About 2,000 students across West Virginia will be eligible to earn pre-apprenticeship credits through 77 eligible training programs including welding, robotics, and aviation maintenance.
MAMC Director Derek Scarboro explains the program’s impact: “When these high school students finish these pre-apprenticeship programs, they’re going to be able to become very, very attractive employees to these companies that are doing registered apprenticeships, and they’re going to be able to enter those at a jump started level.”
Addressing Critical Workforce Needs
The Mountain State is strategically positioning itself to meet growing national demand for skilled workers while retaining homegrown talent. Diana Barnette, who operates Logan County’s Mining Repair Specialists, emphasizes the program’s importance for workforce retention:
“I think we lost a generation of tradesmen, and we lost a generation of well, machinists, welders, mechanics… Now it’s all computers and technology. We have to change with it, and I think this is one of the first steps to get everybody where we need to be.”
Marshall University President Brad Smith highlights the broader opportunity, noting that “there are almost 500,000 jobs in the nation right now that need manufacturing. Some estimate that could be as high as 2 million in the next five years.”
The state’s healthcare sector is also benefiting from early career preparation, with programs like Mingo Central High School’s Health Science Education Program contributing to West Virginia’s healthcare workforce of more than 50,000 medical workers.
Economic Impact and Growth Opportunities
West Virginia’s building and construction trades are demonstrating substantial economic impact and rapid growth across the state. According to The Herald-Dispatch, the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades generated an estimated $8.1 billion economic impact between 2022 and 2023, with members working an average of 17.4 million hours annually and contributing $2 billion in total labor income.
The sector represents about 24,000 construction workers across 15 different craft areas and helps sustain more than 36,800 jobs directly and indirectly.
Apprenticeship programs are experiencing remarkable growth – the IBEW Local 466 program has doubled in size over the last three years, growing from 42 apprentices to 83.
Dustin Vaughan, apprenticeship director for IBEW Local 466, notes that “in the last three years, West Virginia has grown immensely as far as construction goes,” with apprentices starting at over $20 per hour plus benefits and receiving 5% raises every six months through comprehensive four-year programs combining 720 classroom hours with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.