Education: Best Trade School

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER South Coast College was the top trade school in Best of Orange County voting.

1. South Coast College

2011 W. Chapman Avenue, Orange; 714-867-5009; southcoastcollege.edu

South Coast College has been serving Southern California students with career training since 1961. The school offers instruction in a variety of post-secondary education paths that include a Court Reporter Certificate Program, a Paralegal AA Degree Program and a Medical Assistant Certificate Program.

Best known for its 60-year history in training court reporters, the school provides hands-on accredited instruction taught by industry leaders, including many alumni, providing students the skills needed to become a Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR), an industry of projected growth over the next decade.

Christine Mantyla, South Coast College’s community outreach & marketing development coordinator, says that what sets the school apart from its competitors is a strong alumni success record and presence on campus.

“Many of our alumni go on to start their own businesses,” says Mantyla. “And they return to campus to give back as mentors.”

Mantyla referenced a South Coast College alumna who serves as a court reporter on the show “Judy Justice” (IMDb TV), a reality court streaming series that won a 2022 Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding legal/courtroom program.

The student body of 200-400 is comprised mostly of those looking to start a second career, but no matter their background or goals, South Coast College students experience a sense of community and support.

“We have this atmosphere of family,” says Mantyla. “No one is left behind.”

2. UEI College

10870 Katella Ave., Garden Grove; 657-284-1400; uei.edu

UEI College offers a number of accredited vocational programs in health care, business and the trades, including technician training by experts in the fields of automotive, HVAC, electrical and welding.

With campuses across the state, UEI has been in Orange County since 1993 (Anaheim), moving to its current Garden Grove location in 2020 that serves approximately 500 students.

“We’re very student-centric, and we have all of our support services right on campus.” says UEI Director of Communications Joe Cockrell. “We care about the students’ learning experience.”

An alternative to a traditional four-year school, UEI saw an uptick in enrollment after extensive layoffs due to the pandemic, Cockrell says. In response, the campus offers evening classes, as well as a hybrid model that allows for students to complete bookwork at home and attend hands-on lab classes on campus.

Additionally, UEI offers a program that allows students to earn their high school diploma while concurrently completing vocational training.

With three campuses across Southern California, Summit College’s Orange County campus in Santa Ana focuses specifically on providing several paths for adult learners in trade and technical careers.

Accredited training areas include HVAC, welding, electrical and plumbing, all of which provide Summit College students exposure to growth industries that are in high demand for skilled workers.

The learning tracks at Summit College offer options to complete hands-on training in a little as nine months through a variety of day and evening classes. Hybrid instruction delivery is available as well, with lectures online and lab classes in person.

The school employs instructors well versed in their fields of expertise, updated classrooms and equipment, as well as free tutoring and academic support, “to ensure our students meet the needs of their respective job markets.”

Following program completion, Summit College’s Career Services department assists students with résumé building and interview training for successful job placement.

3. Summit College

1639 E. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana; 888-504-2552; summitcollege.edu

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