Arkansas is home to several excellent trade schools that provide students with the skills they need to build rewarding careers. Unlike traditional four-year colleges, trade schools focus on practical, hands-on training in areas like healthcare, technology, construction, and other skilled trades. This means students can enter the workforce faster and with the exact skills employers are looking for.
In putting together this list of the best trade schools in Arkansas, we considered factors such as program variety, accreditation, affordability, student support services, and graduate outcomes. Our goal is to highlight schools that not only provide quality training but also give students the best chance of securing employment in their chosen field.
To make things even clearer, we’ve also explained below what a trade school is, how it differs from other types of schools, and then provided a list of the 10 best trade schools in Arkansas to help guide your choice.
What is a Trade School?
A trade school, also known as a vocational or technical school, is an educational institution that focuses on teaching specific career skills. Instead of spending years studying general subjects like history or literature, students at trade schools dive straight into learning the practical skills needed for their chosen profession.
For example, if you want to become a welder, a dental assistant, or an electrician, a trade school will provide targeted training that prepares you for the job in a shorter time. Programs usually last from a few months to two years, depending on the field.
The main difference between trade schools and traditional colleges is their approach:-
- Trade schools emphasize hands-on skills and direct job preparation.
- Colleges/universities often require broad coursework and longer study periods before you specialize.
Ready to take the next step? Below, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best trade schools in Arkansas.
Best Trade Schools in Arkansas
1. Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI) – Springdale
Located in Springdale, Arkansas, Northwest Technical Institute is one of the state’s most recognized vocational schools, known for its affordable, hands-on training. NWTI offers certificate and diploma programs in Automotive Service, Welding, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Practical Nursing, and Commercial Truck Driving.
Most programs can be completed in less than two years, with some certificates finished in just months. The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), ensuring quality standards.
2. UA-Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC)
UA-Pulaski Tech is in North Little Rock, Arkansas. It offers many hands-on technical and allied health programs, for example, a Surgical Technology associate degree (about 60 credit hours) which takes two semesters of prerequisites + two more for core tech work.
Their Occupational Therapy Assistant program (in partnership with Baptist Health College Little Rock) is fully accredited by ACOTE and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The school helps students get prepared for licensure or industry exams when needed.
3. Black River Technical College (BRTC)
BRTC is in Pocahontas & Paragould (northeast Arkansas), serving about 2,500 students. They offer a lot of programs like Automotive Service, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Tool Technology, Robotics, Industrial Electricity, and even a Gunsmithing program, one of the very few in the U.S. connected to a law enforcement academy.
Their Practical Nursing (LPN) program has been ranked #1 in Arkansas by PracticalNursing.org. BRTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
4. Arkansas Welding Academy (AWA)
AWA is a private trade school fully focused on welding. It’s the only federally accredited welding trade school in Arkansas. They have a Master Pipe and Structural Welding Program that takes about 7 months to complete.
Students train hands-on in MIG, TIG, Stick welding, plus specialties like pipe welding and structural welding. The school is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
5. South Arkansas College (SouthArk), El Dorado
Located in El Dorado, Arkansas, SouthArk is a go-to for technical training with many short-term and certificate programs you can complete in under a year. They offer Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Heavy/Medium Truck Diesel Service, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical & Instrumentation, plus health-science courses like Surgical Technology (AAS).
The Surgical Tech program is fully accredited by CAAHEP, letting grads sit for national certification exams. SouthArk also runs apprenticeship programs (plumbing, electrical), combining classroom and on-the-job work over four years.
6. National Park College (Hot Springs)
Hot Springs’ National Park College (NPC) offers many trades programs and is expanding even more. You’ll find Automotive Service Technology, Welding Technology, Marine Repair, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, and Trade Technology tracks. They’re building new state-of-the-art welding and metal-working facilities to better match industry standards.
Programs range from certificates (often under a year) to associate degrees. NPC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
7. Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC), Blytheville
ANC is in Blytheville, Arkansas, and offers a variety of technical, vocational, and allied health programs along with certificates. Some programs include Welding, Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Industrial Electronics, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training.
Completion times vary: many certificates take under a year; associate degrees take around two. They’re regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. ANC is good because it provides flexibility, multiple certificate tiers, and strong local relevance.
8. North Arkansas College (Northark) – Harrison
North Arkansas College, based in Harrison, blends affordability with strong trade offerings. Its Technical Center runs programs in welding, automotive service, HVAC, construction technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Many of these programs can be completed in one to two years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or an associate degree. Northark is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and partners closely with local industries, making it easier for students to transition directly into jobs after graduation.
9. Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) – Pine Bluff
Southeast Arkansas College, located in Pine Bluff, focuses heavily on workforce and career training. Popular trade areas include industrial maintenance, HVAC/R, welding, truck driving, and health sciences. Completion times vary from short-term certificates to two-year associate degrees.
SEARK is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and many of its technical programs are also industry certified.
10. Paul Mitchell The School – Little Rock
Paul Mitchell The School in Little Rock is a specialized trade school dedicated to beauty and cosmetology. Students train in hair design, skincare, nail technology, and salon management. Most programs can be completed in less than two years, and the school is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology.
What makes it stand out is its national brand recognition and strong reputation in the beauty industry, which helps graduates find jobs in salons, spas, or even launch their own businesses.
Why Choose a Trade School in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a growing demand for skilled workers in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and cosmetology. Trade schools make an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a career in these fields because they offer practical, career-focused training in less time and at a lower cost than traditional four-year colleges.
One of the biggest advantages is the shorter training period; most programs can be completed in just a few months to two years. Students also benefit from hands-on learning, where the focus is on real-world skills rather than only theory.
Tuition is typically more affordable compared to universities, making it a budget-friendly option. On top of that, there’s a high demand for trade professionals in areas like welding, nursing, HVAC, and automotive repair. With these skills, graduates not only find steady jobs but also enjoy flexibility since their expertise is transferable across industries and locations.
Conclusion
Trade schools in Arkansas offer a clear, affordable, and practical path to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, skilled trades, or cosmetology, the schools on our list provide the training and support you need to succeed. If you choose the right program, you’ll be job-ready in no time, with skills that employers are actively seeking.