Trade Schools and Vocational Programs
How to find affordable trade school programs, the best trades for people with records, and how to pay for training with financial aid, grants, and free programs.
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Quick Answer
Trade schools and vocational programs offer hands-on career training in 6-24 months -- much faster than a four-year degree. Most trade schools accept students with criminal records. The best trades for people with records include welding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, diesel mechanics, auto repair, and CDL truck driving. Average trade school costs range from $5,000 to $15,000, but financial aid (including Pell Grants up to $7,395/year) can cover most or all of the cost.
Important: Drug convictions no longer affect your eligibility for federal student aid. The FAFSA no longer even asks about drug convictions as of the 2023-2024 application. If you were told in the past that you could not get financial aid because of a drug conviction, that is no longer true -- apply now.
Free options exist too. YouthBuild offers free vocational training for ages 16-24, and WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants through your local American Job Center can pay for trade school. Before enrolling, check whether your state requires a license for your chosen trade and whether your record could affect licensing -- do a pre-determination request with your state licensing board.
Cost
$5,000 to $15,000 for most certificate programs (6-12 months)
Free options: Job Corps (free, ages 16-24, currently operating under federal funding through 2027), YouthBuild (free, ages 16-24), WIOA grants through American Job Centers, and some community college programs with Pell Grant coverage.
Pell Grants cover up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026, which can fully cover many trade programs. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement. Always fill out the FAFSA before paying out of pocket.
Programs and Options
Welding
Certificate / Diploma
People who like hands-on work and want a portable, in-demand skill
- -High demand in construction, manufacturing, and oil/gas
- -Entry-level pay $35,000-$45,000/year, experienced welders $55,000-$75,000+
- -Portable skill -- work anywhere in the country
- -Most programs accept students with criminal records
- -Specialized welding (underwater, pipeline) pays significantly more
Welding is one of the most felon-friendly trades. Programs are widely available at community colleges and trade schools. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers certifications that increase earning potential. AWS-certified welders earn 20-30% more on average.
HVAC Technician
Certificate / Associate Degree
People who want steady, year-round work with growing demand
- -Median pay about $57,000/year (2024 BLS data)
- -13% job growth projected through 2033 -- much faster than average
- -Year-round demand (heating in winter, AC in summer)
- -EPA 608 certification required (included in most programs)
- -Some states require a license -- check your state's licensing board
HVAC is a fast-growing field with strong earnings. Most trade school programs include the EPA Section 608 certification needed to handle refrigerants. Some states require an HVAC license -- contact your state licensing board before enrolling to check whether your record affects licensing.
Electrical Apprenticeship / Certificate
Apprenticeship / Certificate
People willing to commit to a longer apprenticeship for higher long-term earnings
- -Median pay about $61,000/year for electricians (2024 BLS)
- -Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn -- no tuition
- -Strong union presence with good benefits
- -Licensed electricians are in high demand nationwide
- -A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you
Electrical work offers some of the highest earnings in the trades. A criminal record does not automatically prevent you from becoming an electrician, but some states conduct background checks for licensing. Non-violent offenses are generally not a barrier. Contact your state licensing board for a pre-determination before enrolling.
Plumbing
Apprenticeship / Certificate
People who want a stable career with self-employment potential
- -Median pay about $60,000/year (2024 BLS)
- -Steady demand -- every building needs plumbing
- -Can start your own business once licensed
- -Apprenticeships available through unions and contractors
- -Generally felony-friendly for licensing in most states
Plumbing is a recession-resistant trade with strong earning potential. Licensed plumbers who start their own business can earn well over $100,000/year. Most states require a plumbing license, which involves passing an exam after completing an apprenticeship. Criminal records are evaluated case-by-case in most states.
CDL Truck Driving
Certificate
People who want the fastest path to a good-paying job
- -Median pay about $54,000/year, top earners over $80,000
- -Fastest path from training to employment -- start earning in weeks
- -Company-sponsored training available (free in exchange for work commitment)
- -Strong demand -- trucking industry needs hundreds of thousands of drivers
- -Some felonies may disqualify you -- see our CDL guide for details
CDL training is one of the fastest paths from no job to a $50,000+ salary. Many major trucking companies (Schneider, Werner, CRST, Swift) offer company-sponsored training programs where they pay for your CDL school in exchange for a work commitment. See our detailed CDL training guide for more information, including which felonies may disqualify you.
CNA / Medical Assistant
Certificate
People interested in healthcare who want to start working quickly
- -CNA programs are short and affordable -- one of the fastest certifications
- -Median CNA pay about $38,000/year; Medical Assistants about $42,000
- -Stepping stone to LPN, RN, and other healthcare careers
- -Some state nursing boards do background checks for CNA licensing
- -Non-violent and older offenses are generally not disqualifying
CNA certification is one of the fastest and cheapest certifications available. Many nursing homes and hospitals are desperate for CNAs. However, healthcare licensing boards do conduct background checks. Sexual offenses, abuse, and theft convictions are more likely to be disqualifying. Contact your state's nurse aide registry before enrolling to ask about your specific situation.
How to Find Trade School Programs
Start by visiting your local American Job Center (find yours at careeronestop.org or call 1-877-872-5627). They can help you explore careers, find training programs, and apply for financial assistance. Community colleges offer many of the most affordable trade programs. Check your state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) for programs that qualify for WIOA funding. You can also search for accredited trade schools at trade-schools.net or nces.ed.gov. Make sure any school you consider is accredited -- this is required for federal financial aid eligibility.
Financial Aid for Trade School
Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov. The Pell Grant provides up to $7,395/year for 2025-2026 and does not need to be repaid. Important: Drug convictions no longer affect your federal student aid eligibility -- the FAFSA no longer asks about drug convictions. WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) provides grants through local American Job Centers that can pay for approved training programs. Many states also offer their own grants and scholarships for trade school students. Trade-specific scholarships are available from industry organizations like the PHCC (plumbing), AHRI (HVAC), and AWS (welding). Employer tuition assistance is another option -- employers can provide up to $5,250/year tax-free for education.
Job Corps -- Free Training for Ages 16-24
Job Corps is a federal program that provides free career training, education, housing, meals, and job placement assistance to eligible young adults ages 16-24. Training is offered in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, construction, and other fields. As of early 2026, Job Corps is funded to operate through at least June 2027 after surviving closure threats in 2025. Federal court injunctions and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 protect the program's continued operation. Job Corps does accept some applicants with criminal records, though certain serious convictions may disqualify you. Visit jobcorps.gov or call 1-800-733-5627 to learn more and check eligibility.
YouthBuild -- Free Training with Support Services
YouthBuild is a Department of Labor-funded program that provides free vocational training, GED preparation, leadership development, and support services to low-income young adults ages 16-24. The program specifically serves individuals with criminal records -- it was designed for opportunity youth who face barriers to employment. Programs run 9-24 months and focus on construction and other trades, with participants building affordable housing in their communities while earning credentials. YouthBuild also provides wrap-around services including help with transportation, childcare, and housing. Research shows that 85% of participants who had felony convictions before entering YouthBuild had not reoffended after completing the program. Find programs at youthbuild.org or through your local American Job Center.
Check Licensing Requirements Before Enrolling
Before paying for any trade school program, check whether your chosen career requires a state license and whether your criminal record could affect licensing. Many states allow you to request a pre-determination or criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing board before you enroll. This tells you upfront whether your record would disqualify you from getting licensed. Trades that commonly require state licenses include electrical, plumbing, HVAC (in some states), and cosmetology. Healthcare certifications (CNA, LPN) require background checks. Construction trades like welding and carpentry generally do not require a state license. If your record is a barrier, consider expungement -- see our expungement guide for your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do trade schools accept people with felonies?
- Yes, most trade schools and community colleges accept students with criminal records. There is no federal law prohibiting people with felonies from attending trade school. However, some programs in healthcare or education may conduct background checks. The bigger question is whether you can get licensed in your chosen trade after completing the program -- check with your state licensing board before enrolling.
- Can I get financial aid for trade school with a felony?
- Yes. Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, is available to people with criminal records. Drug convictions no longer affect your eligibility -- the FAFSA no longer even asks about drug convictions. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. You may also qualify for WIOA grants through your local American Job Center.
- What is the best trade to learn with a criminal record?
- The best trades for people with records are those that do not require state licensing or have flexible licensing requirements. Welding, CDL truck driving, diesel mechanics, auto repair, and construction trades (carpentry, concrete, roofing) are generally very accessible. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing are also good options, but check licensing requirements in your state. Healthcare trades (CNA, phlebotomy) require background checks but non-violent, older offenses are often not disqualifying.
- How long does trade school take?
- Most trade school certificate programs take 6-12 months. CDL training can be completed in as little as 4-8 weeks. CNA certification takes 4-12 weeks. Full apprenticeships in electrical and plumbing take 4-5 years but you earn a wage while training. Associate degree programs at community colleges take about 2 years.
- Is trade school worth it?
- Yes, for most people. Trade school graduates earn a median salary of $46,000-$65,000 depending on the trade, with many skilled tradespeople earning well over $75,000 with experience. The training is shorter and cheaper than a four-year degree, and many trades have strong job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average growth for HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and other trades through 2033.
- What is the difference between a trade school and community college?
- Trade schools (also called vocational or technical schools) focus specifically on career training and typically offer certificates or diplomas that take 6-12 months. Community colleges offer both trade certificates and associate degrees (2 years), along with general education courses. Community colleges are often cheaper and more likely to accept federal financial aid. Both are good options -- community colleges offer more flexibility if you might want to transfer to a four-year school later.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- CareerOneStop -- Find Training Programs
Search for WIOA-eligible training programs and American Job Centers in your area
- FAFSA -- Apply for Federal Student Aid
Fill out the FAFSA to apply for Pell Grants and other financial aid for trade school
- Job Corps
Free career training for young adults ages 16-24 -- includes housing, meals, and job placement
- YouthBuild
Free vocational training and education for young adults 16-24, including those with criminal records
- Apprenticeship Job Finder
Search for registered apprenticeship programs -- earn while you learn with no tuition
- Trade Schools Directory
Search for trade schools and vocational programs by career and location