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Verde Valley Skilled Trades Center

Explore hands-on career training at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Skilled Trades Center in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and horticulture.

Exterior of Yavapai College's Verde Valley Skilled Trades Center
Hands-On Career Training

Verde Valley
Skilled Trades Center

Build skills. Build confidence. Build your future.

Train for essential careers in construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, horticulture, and other high-demand fields.

10,000 sq. ft. training facility
Opened fall 2021
Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale
Career & Technical Education

Real tools. Real projects. Real-world preparation.

Welcome to the 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility that opened in the fall of 2021 on the Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale.

The Center focuses on training students in career and technical education trade programs, preparing them for essential jobs in the Verde Valley and throughout Yavapai County.

Choose Your Path

Explore Skilled Trades programs

Build practical experience through flexible classes and hands-on lab training. Select a program to review its pathway, course requirements, and next steps.

Student practicing carpentry skills in the Skilled Trades Center
Certificate

Basic Carpentry Certificate

The Basic Carpentry Certificate is a hands-on program designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to enter the construction industry or confidently complete home improvement projects. With no prerequisites, flexible 8-week classes, and extensive lab-based learning, students can take a single course or complete the full certificate pathway.

Course Credit Hours: 16

Required Courses
  • CBT 101 – Plan Reading, Drawings, and Codes
  • CBT 102 – Framing I
  • CBT 103 – Masonry & Concrete
  • CBT 104 – Framing II
  • CBT 105 – Interior Finishes
  • CBT 106 – Remodeling
  • CBT 107 – Exterior Finishes
  • CBT 108 – Trim Work
View Course Requirements (opens in a new tab)

Student completing electrical training in the Skilled Trades Center
Certificate

Electrician Technician

The Electrician Technician Certificate Program provides students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to enter the electrical industry in entry-level positions. Students gain practical experience in residential wiring, commercial drawings, and the installation of electrical systems in both residential and commercial settings. With no prerequisites, flexible 8-week classes, and extensive hands-on lab training, students can build real-world skills that prepare them for careers in the electrical trades.

Learn More About the Electrician Program
Program support Arizona Public Service sponsor logo

Student working in the Skilled Trades Center HVAC lab
Certificate Pathways

HVAC Certificate Programs

Start your career in one of today’s most in-demand skilled trades with HVAC training at Yavapai College’s Skilled Trades Center on the Verde Valley Campus.

Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced technician looking to advance your skills, our hands-on HVAC programs prepare students to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair residential and commercial heating and cooling systems while working toward industry-recognized certifications like EPA Section 608.

From foundational training to advanced service technician skills, Yavapai College offers multiple pathways designed to help you build real-world experience and prepare for high-demand HVAC careers focused on comfort, energy efficiency, and system reliability.

Explore your HVAC pathway by learning more about the HVAC Installation & Maintenance Certificate or advancing your skills through the HVAC Service Technician Certificate at Yavapai College.

Students practicing plumbing skills in the Skilled Trades Center
Certificate

Plumbing Technician Certificate

Whether you are looking to enter the plumbing profession or build confidence in your homeowner repair and improvement skills, the Plumbing Technician Certificate Program at Yavapai College provides practical, real-world training designed to get you working with your hands from day one. Students gain experience in residential plumbing installation and repair, blueprint reading, plumbing system design, safety, testing, codes, and industry-standard tools and materials.

Through heavy hands-on learning labs, students work on projects related to new construction, renovations, wells, and septic systems in a real-world learning environment. With flexible 8-week classes, students can complete the certificate in as little as 4 months and begin building valuable lifelong skills for work or home.

Credit Hours Required: 16

Required Courses
  • CBT 101 – Plan Reading, Drawings, and Codes
  • CBT 102 – Framing I
  • CBT 103 – Masonry & Concrete
  • CBT 104 – Framing II
  • CBT 112 – Plumbing Codes & Standards, Blueprint, and Design
  • CBT 120 – Basic Residential Plumbing
  • CBT 212 – Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems
View Course Requirements (opens in a new tab)

Certificate

Basic Residential Trades Certificate

The Basic Residential Trades Certificate prepares students to apply basic skills and knowledge in the core trades of residential carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Includes NCCER curriculum and instruction in safety, employment, tool usage, measurement, plan reading, codes, supplies, equipment, fixtures, installations, and finishes in these core trades. With no prerequisites, flexible 8-week classes, and extensive hands-on lab training, students can build real-world skills that prepare them for careers in the trades.

Credit Hours Required: 24

Required Courses
  • CBT 101 – Plan Reading, Drawings, and Codes
  • CBT 102 – Framing I
  • CBT 103 – Masonry & Concrete
  • CBT 104 – Framing II
  • CBT 105 – Interior Finishes
  • CBT 106 – Remodeling
  • CBT 107 – Exterior Finishes
  • CBT 108 – Trim Work
  • CBT 115 – Residential Wiring Techniques
  • CBT 120 – Basic Residential Plumbing
View Course Requirements (opens in a new tab)

Save the date for the second annual Horticulture Symposium on October 7, 2026
Greenhouse used for horticulture training at Yavapai College
Certificate

Production Horticulture Certificate

The Production Horticulture Certificate program is designed to prepare students for potential careers in the horticulture and greenhouse industry including grower, nursery technician, integrated pest management, greenhouse management and entrepreneur.

Locations: Verde Valley*, Chino Valley

Please note, not all courses required to obtain the Horticulture Production Certificate are available on the Verde Valley campus. Those offered at the Verde Valley campus are indicated with an asterisk. Students should inquire further with their advisor for class location availability.

Credit Hours Required: 32

Required Courses
  • AGS 103* – Plant Biology
  • AGS 105* – Soils
  • AGS 107 – Entomology
  • AGS 156 – Organic Home Gardening
  • AGS 157 – Community Supported Agriculture
  • AGS 202 – Summer Horticulture
  • AGS 215 – Agricultural Mechanics
  • AGS 250* – Horticulture Fall Production
  • AGS 252* – Horticulture Spring Production
  • AGS 255 – Micro Propagation of Plant Tissue
  • AGS 274* – Water Management
View Course Requirements (opens in a new tab)
Stay Involved

Connect with the Skilled Trades Center

Follow upcoming training opportunities or help inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

News & Opportunities

Skilled Trades Center updates

Be the first to hear about upcoming trainings, certification workshops, and industry events shaping the trades in our region. You’ll find opportunities to grow your hands-on skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and welding.

Sign Up for Updates (opens in a new tab)
Trade Experience for Impact

Share your skills

Got hands-on experience in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Carpentry? Put your expertise to work inspiring students at Yavapai College’s Skilled Trades Center.

Volunteer a few hours, mentor future tradespeople, and help keep our local workforce strong. Your skills can change lives — and our community.

Inquire About Volunteering (opens in a new tab)
Professional Development

Industry Training

Build professional knowledge and prepare for industry examinations through specialized training hosted at the Verde Valley Campus.

Location: Yavapai College – Verde Valley Campus
601 Black Hills Dr., Clarkdale, AZ 86324

ADEQ Exam Preparation

Wastewater Treatment — Grades 1 & 2

All sessions held at the Verde Valley Campus.

ADEQ Exam Preparation

Water Distribution & Treatment — Grades 1 & 2

All sessions held at the Verde Valley Campus.

Early Career Exploration

K–12 Partnership Programs

Give students an engaging introduction to career and technology pathways through hands-on learning.

Grades 7 & 8

Mini Classes

Yavapai College’s Mini Class Program on the Verde Valley Campus offers hands-on classes in exciting Career & Technology fields! Perfect for your 7th & 8th grade students who want to explore career pathways and get a taste of their future in a fun, fast-paced environment.

School Interest Form (opens in a new tab)
Take the Next Step

Ready to build your future?

Learn more about Skilled Trades Center classes, connect with Yavapai College, and start planning your path.