What Is It Known For?
Trades Education Center was built to answer a local workforce gap in Northeast Georgia. The idea took shape in 2021 after Chris, a plumbing business owner, struggled to hire and train reliable help. Conversations with Tim, a plumbing supply partner and Keith, a former public school teacher, helped shape the training model. Together, the three founders turned discussion into action.
The first cohort launched in fall 2023 with eight plumbing apprentices (Project 8), serving as a testing ground before expanding paid training in 2024. Each session now keeps enrollment between five and eight learners to allow steady guidance.
Degrees & Certifications
The Introduction to Plumbing program at Trades Education Center runs for 11 weeks, combining classroom instruction (37 Lecture Hours) with hands-on lab time (59.5 Lab Hours). Early sessions cover safety, tools, trade math, and plumbing history, creating a base that supports later work.
From there, lessons move into pipes, valves, fittings and fixtures used in kitchens, baths, and laundry areas. Systems like water distribution and drain, waste, and vent layouts are introduced next, followed by blueprint reading and drafting basics.
Students finish the program with a certificate of completion along with OSHA 10, First Aid, CPR, and Stop the Bleed certifications.
Class Schedules
To help participants balance work or family responsibilities, classes at Trades Education Center are held in the evenings.
Classes meet from Tuesday to Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with OSHA 10 sessions being held on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CPR/First Aid/Stop the Bleed training takes place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Cutaway models and training mockups help connect theory to hands-on tasks. There are no online options or externships listed.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Trades Education Center operates under an exemption from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission in accordance with Georgia Code § 20-3-250.3.2. This status allows the school to deliver focused workforce training while meeting state guidelines.
Acceptance Rate
The center has not published acceptance rates. Contact the school for admission information.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The total cost for the Introduction to Plumbing program is $5,250. Monthly in-house payment plans are available. A net price calculator is not currently offered.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Plumbing
Campus Locations
Athens 8144 Jefferson Road Unit 300 Athens, GA 30607
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Trades Education Center is regarded as a high-quality entry point for individuals looking to start a career in the skilled trades.
Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Plumbing Industry Entry: The center is specifically noted by students as a “great way to get into the plumbing industry.”
Specialized Training: The curriculum appears focused on providing actionable pathways into professional trade work.
Momentum
The momentum for the Trades Education Center is positive but limited due to the small volume of public feedback. While the existing rating is perfect, more reviews would be needed to establish a long-term trend. However, the most recent feedback from less than a year ago confirms its ongoing relevance as a vocational starting point.