Skilled Trades and Industrial

If you're looking for hands-on work, you can train for in-demand skilled trades jobs right from home with one of Penn Foster's online skilled trades training programs. These affordable programs are all offered online with flexible payment options and self-paced scheduling that allows you to work at your own speed. Demand for skilled tradespeople is rising and these programs can help you prepare for a lucrative career.

AVG SALARY**

$55,680

NUMBER OF JOBS**

663,500 openings per year for next 10 year

Popular Skilled Trades and Industrial Programs

Construction Trades

Career Diploma

Learn to become a carpenter, construction carpenter, or wood floor installer through our online Construction Trades Career Diploma.

3 months As low as $59/mo

In Demand

HVACR Technician

Career Diploma

Prepare to become an HVAC technician, HVAC installer, or refrigeration mechanic with our self-paced, online training program.

5 months As low as $59/mo

In Demand

electrician on ladder installing lights in home.

Residential Electrician

Career Diploma

Prepare for an in-demand career as an electrician with our affordable online Residential Electrician Career Diploma.

7 months As low as $59/mo

All Skilled Trades and Industrial Programs

18 Programs

Appliance Repair

Career Diploma 2 months As low as $59/mo

construction manager shaking hands at job site.

Construction Technology

Associate Degree 6 months per semester As low as $65/mo

engineer professional working on laptop.

Engineering Technology

Associate Degree 4 months per semester As low as $65/mo

New

man in white hardhat operating CNC machine.

CNC Operator

Professional Training As low as $59/mo

Construction Trades

Career Diploma 3 months As low as $59/mo

Drafting with AutoCAD^®

Career Diploma 7 months As low as $59/mo

New

Maintenance worker fixing ceiling light in office.

Facilities Maintenance

Professional Training As low as $59/mo

Gunsmith

Career Diploma 3 months As low as $59/mo

Home Remodeling and Repair

Career Diploma 8 months As low as $59/mo

In Demand

HVACR Technician

Career Diploma 5 months As low as $59/mo

industrial electrician troubleshooting electrical .

Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology

Associate Degree 4 months per semester As low as $65/mo

supervisor talking to employee in an industrial workspace.

Supervisory Skills for the Industrial Workplace

Certificate 4 months As low as $50/mo

Jewelry Design and Repair

Career Diploma 10 months As low as $59/mo

Landscaping Technology

Career Diploma 6 months As low as $59/mo

Locksmith & Home Security Technician

Career Diploma 2 months As low as $59/mo

electrician on ladder working on electrical wiring.

National Electrical Code

Certificate 3 months Total cost $399

Plumber

Career Diploma 6 months As low as $59/mo

In Demand

Residential Electrician

Career Diploma 7 months As low as $59/mo

Our Proven Skilled Trades Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Self-paced
Online
Start anytime

Interactive

Digital study guides
Dynamic online practice
Video and audio content

Supportive

Career Services
Live support
Academic Guidance

Connected

Credentialed Instructor Assistance
Student services
Learning Resource Center

Your Goals, Your Timeline

Find study tips, career advice, and motivation - on your time, at your pace.

See Our Learner Resources

Which is right for you?

Need help deciding which level of program to pursue?

Career Certificate

Typically takes less than 6 months to complete
Focus on job-specific skills needed for success in certain occupations
For people looking to update their skills or pursue an interest in a field

Career Diploma

Time to complete can vary depending on the program
Provides the skills to prepare an individual to move to a new career path
Help you prepare for industry recognized certifications

Associate Degree

Multi-semester, long form college program
Includes general education courses plus occupation specific curriculum
Helps prepare people for occupations that require a degree

Interested in Individual Courses?

Jump-start your college education, earn credits toward a degree, or learn new skill.

Learn More

Penn Foster College Student Viewing Online Course on Laptop.

Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Student Success Stories

Penn Foster’s skilled trades training programs help students prepare for the next step in their career path. These programs have helped recent graduates learn at their own pace, find new jobs, and qualify for promotions. Learn more about their experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Valencia W.

Residential Electrician Career Diploma Graduate, 2023

“Since I started my electrical course, I felt way more comfortable working with electricity because I was able to use the right tools and equipment. Learning to use the NEC was like an awakening for me because things started to make sense in the field.”

Related News

In-Demand Skilled Trades Jobs for 2022

How to Prepare for a Residential Electrician Job

industrial air conditioning and ventilation.

How to Study for a Hands-On Job as an HVACR Technician

Disclaimer:

*Start for $20 offer applies to select programs.

Sources:

¹Based on data from a 2024 Penn Foster Group End of Program survey of all programs.

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Construction and Extraction Occupations." Accessed December 2, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.