Columbus's Own Trade School
Train for a high-demand career in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, appliance repair, or building maintenance — 100% online, built right here in Central Ohio for people who want to work with their hands and earn what they're worth.
Built in Columbus. Built for You.
NTS isn't a distant corporate school with a Columbus landing page. We're headquartered here. Our leadership lives here. We built every program around the specific trades, codes, climate, and employers that define this market.
- 100% online — study from anywhere in Columbus, no commute
- VR training modules that simulate real equipment and scenarios
- Approved by the industry-recognized certification bodies
- Career placement assistance with local FW employers
- $3,995 Per Program — Flexible Payment Plans Available
- 5 programs covering the trades in highest demand locally
Why Columbus Is the Best City in Ohio to Start a Trade Career
Columbus had its strongest year in economic development in more than a decade in 2025. The construction pipeline is massive — and every project needs skilled trades workers that the city simply doesn't have enough of.
The AllianceOhio development alone represents $18.3 billion in total investment, with four speculative industrial projects adding 3.2 million square feet of new space. Taylor Sheridan's studio complexes have created a film production corridor. The eight-story Van Zandt project at West 7th is transforming Columbus's urban core. And healthcare campuses like JPS and Cook Children's continue expanding. All of this means one thing: there are more trades jobs than people to fill them.
Trade Programs Built for the Columbus Market
Five programs covering the trades in highest demand across Franklin County. Our curriculum is built around the equipment, codes, and climate conditions specific to this market.
HVAC Technician
Columbus summers routinely exceed 100°F, making HVAC the single most in-demand trade in Franklin County. The combination of seasonal extremes, expanding commercial space at AllianceOhio, and aging residential systems creates year-round demand.
Electrical Technician
Columbus's industrial boom — data centers, film studios, 3.2 million SF of new industrial space — requires qualified electricians at every phase. From rough-in wiring to panel installation, opportunity is everywhere.
Plumbing Technician
The $1.7B Westside Village alone will require years of plumbing work across residential, commercial, and hospitality phases. Plumbers in Columbus average $60K–$80K with experienced masters earning significantly more.
Appliance Repair
Columbus's established neighborhoods — Ridglea, Dublin Heights, Southside — have homes with major appliances needing regular service. The growing rental market adds steady revenue for appliance repair technicians.
Building & Facilities Maintenance
Cardinal Health, Cook Children's, Columbus ISD, and major mixed-use developments all need facilities maintenance professionals. One of the most stable career paths available — buildings always need maintenance.
Columbus's Trade School — Right Here in Central Ohio
You don't need to leave Columbus to get a world-class trades education. NTS was built here, for you.
Apply Now — Free to Start →Hands-On Learning, Without the Commute
Our VR training platform lets you practice on virtual equipment that behaves exactly like the real thing. Diagnose a failing compressor. Wire a subpanel. Troubleshoot a clogged drain — all from your home in Columbus.
Columbus is a big city. Driving from Walsh Ranch to a campus on the south side can eat two hours of your day. Our 100% online format gives you that time back while still preparing you for day-one readiness on a real job site.
See How It Works →
Columbus Skilled Trades Salary Guide
Columbus trades salaries reflect the strong demand created by the city's construction boom. Here's what skilled trades workers earn in the Columbus metro:
| Trade | Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-Career (3–5 yrs) | Experienced (5+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC Technician | $40,000 – $48,000 | $52,000 – $66,000 | $70,000 – $88,000+ |
| Electrician | $38,000 – $47,000 | $53,000 – $66,000 | $72,000 – $92,000+ |
| Plumber | $39,000 – $49,000 | $54,000 – $68,000 | $72,000 – $95,000+ |
| Appliance Repair | $34,000 – $42,000 | $44,000 – $55,000 | $58,000 – $72,000+ |
| Facilities Maintenance | $36,000 – $44,000 | $46,000 – $58,000 | $60,000 – $76,000+ |
Based on BLS data for the Central Ohio MSA. Self-employed contractors often earn 30–50% more. Union wages in Franklin County run $5–$12/hr above non-union positions.
Columbus Employers Hiring Trades Workers
From healthcare campuses to industrial corridors, Columbus has a deep bench of employers actively recruiting skilled trades workers:
Air Force Plant 4 — Columbus's largest private employer. Industrial electricians and facility techs.
Helicopter manufacturer HQ'd in Columbus with extensive manufacturing and R&D facilities.
Multibillion-dollar campus expansion across Columbus. Full trades support at every phase.
Expanding pediatric network. New facilities need ongoing trades support across all disciplines.
$18.3B total investment. Continuous construction and maintenance demand for years to come.
140+ campuses needing full-time maintenance, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing support.
Serving Every Columbus Neighborhood
As a Columbus-based school, we serve students from every corner of the city and surrounding Franklin County communities:
West Columbus & Ridglea
Established homes with aging systems. Westside Village development adds enormous demand along University Drive.
Near Southside & Magnolia
Adaptive reuse projects and new mixed-use construction. Demand for electricians and plumbers on historic and modern buildings.
North Columbus & Alliance
Epicenter of the industrial boom. AllianceOhio and surrounding developments create steady commercial demand.
East Columbus & Handley
Growing residential area with new construction. Close proximity to Dublin creates a two-city service market.
Walsh Ranch & Harvest
Columbus's fastest-growing residential frontier. Thousands of new homes, each needing complete MEP installation.
Stockyards & Downtown
Historic district revitalization combined with modern mixed-use. Unique opportunities in both restoration and new construction.
Frequently Asked Questions — Trade School in Columbus
Columbus Built This School.
Let This School Build Your Career.
Talk to an enrollment advisor today about which program fits your goals, schedule, and budget. There's no cost to apply and no obligation.
- Free to apply — no enrollment fee
- $3,995 Per Program — Flexible Payment Plans Available
- 100% online — start from anywhere in Columbus
- Advisor responds within 1 business day
- Career placement assistance included
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☎ 614-555-0173
Start Your Trade Career
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