In short
Memphis residents can train for the trades at Southwest Tennessee Community College, through union apprenticeships for electricians (IBEW Local 474) and plumbers (Local 17), or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. Tennessee offers the Reconnect Grant (covers remaining tuition for adults at community college) and TN Promise (for high school grads). Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.
Jobs hiring in Memphis
Memphis's economy is driven by logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. Here's what the common trades pay in the Memphis area and how long it takes to get in:
| Job | Training time | Typical pay in Memphis | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $48,000–$58,000 | IBEW Local 474 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $44,000–$52,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN, then EPA 608 card |
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $42,000–$50,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN; certifications from the school |
| Plumber | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $48,000–$58,000 | Plumbers Local 17 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $44,000–$52,000 | CDL school; FedEx and other carriers hire constantly from local programs |
| Diesel mechanic | 1–2 years | About $48,000–$58,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN; FedEx and trucking companies hire from programs |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $34,000–$40,000 | Trade school or Southwest TN; major hospital systems hire constantly |
Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the Memphis metro, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Union apprentices start around half of journeyman pay and get raises every six months to a year.
Ready for the list for Memphis?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Southwest is Memphis's public community college, with affordable programs in HVAC, welding, electrical technology, CDL, and nursing. It's the main option for Tennessee Reconnect Grant recipients. Multiple campuses across Memphis. Cheaper than private schools and state aid works here.
Union apprenticeships
IBEW Local 474 covers electricians in Memphis. Plumbers and pipefitters (Local 17) serve the area. You work full time, earn a paycheck, and attend classes — no tuition. Takes 4–5 years to reach full pay with regular raises.
Private trade schools
Faster programs with rolling start dates: CDL in a month, welding or HVAC in under a year, medical assisting in about nine months. Cost more than Southwest TN but often include job placement help. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers before you sign.
What Tennessee will help pay
Tennessee money for training
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant
- For adults who have been out of high school for at least two years (or who have no degree and are 25+). Covers last-dollar tuition and fees at Tennessee community colleges — after other aid, it picks up whatever is left. Can make community college free. Apply through the school's financial aid office.
- Tennessee Promise (TN Promise)
- For recent Tennessee high school graduates. Covers last-dollar tuition and fees at community colleges and technical colleges. Requires mentoring and community service in high school. Ask your high school counselor if you qualified.
- WIOA (Memphis American Job Center)
- Free training through the Memphis American Job Center for adults who meet income or job-loss guidelines. Covers community college or trade school. Ask about it before you enroll anywhere.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.
- GI Bill
- Covers Southwest TN, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans.
Sources: Tennessee Higher Education Commission (Reconnect, TN Promise); Memphis American Job Center; Federal Student Aid. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Put those together and many Memphis adults can attend Southwest Tennessee Community College for free through the Reconnect Grant. Private schools take Pell, GI Bill, and WIOA but not Reconnect or TN Promise.
FedEx and logistics
Questions from Memphis
How does the Tennessee Reconnect Grant work?
It's a last-dollar grant — it covers tuition and fees at Tennessee community colleges after other aid (Pell, scholarships) has been applied. You must have been out of high school for at least two years or be at least 25 with no degree. Apply through Southwest TN's financial aid office. It can make community college completely free.
Can I get CDL training paid for by FedEx?
FedEx and many of its contractors offer paid CDL training if you commit to driving for them. It's worth comparing that with going to a CDL school on your own. Some carriers also pay for your CDL test and endorsement fees if you pass. Ask recruiters about their training programs.
Is Memphis a good place for welding jobs?
Yes — manufacturing, construction, and logistics all need welders in Memphis. The industrial base along the Mississippi River (barge loading, warehouses, manufacturing plants) creates steady demand. Welders with structural certifications tend to do best in this market.
I don't have a high school diploma. Where can I start in Memphis?
Southwest Tennessee Community College offers free GED prep and adult education programs. The Memphis American Job Center also has GED services. Some trade schools let you start training while working toward your GED. Pick "Some high school" on the form and we'll include those options.