Apex Trade Academy

Career training for real-world trades

Programs & Training Pathways

Apex programs focus on hands-on labs, real tools, and job-ready habits. You’ll practice inspection routines, service procedures, measurement, safety standards, and professional workflow—so you can walk into a shop and actually contribute.

Program Overview

Program Prerequisites Estimated Time Typical Training / Skills Salary Range (KY) Common Certifications / Outcomes
Automotive Technician (Gasoline) HS/GED; basic math/reading; reliable transportation; safety mindset 9–12 months Shop safety, tools, inspections, brakes, steering/suspension basics, electrical basics, intro diagnostics $27k–$62k (median ~$36k) ASE prep (G1/Brakes/Steering-Suspension basics), entry-level lube/tech roles
Diesel Technician HS/GED; valid driver’s license; ability to lift/stand; willingness for hands-on work 12–18 months PM services, filters/fluids, diesel fundamentals, basic electrical testing, troubleshooting workflow $35k–$64k (median ~$47k) ASE Medium/Heavy Truck prep (intro), fleet maintenance entry roles
Heavy Equipment Operator HS/GED; valid driver’s license; safety-first attitude; jobsite awareness 6–12 months Safety, spotting, inspection routines, controls familiarization, stability/load concepts, basic jobsite procedures $42k–$81k (median ~$57k) NCCER-style fundamentals (conceptual), entry operator support / yard roles
Equipment Technician HS/GED; basic mechanical interest; ability to work in a shop setting 12–18 months Hydraulics basics, PM checklists, parts ID, torque/procedures, electrical basics, clean workflow & documentation $38k–$74k (median ~$61k) Entry equipment service tech roles, apprentice readiness
Welding Technology HS/GED; safety mindset; ability to follow procedures; good hand-eye coordination 9–12 months PPE & safety, fit-up, measuring, bead control fundamentals, defect awareness, basic print/weld symbol overview $37k–$65k (median ~$49k) AWS fundamentals prep, fabrication helper / shop roles
CDL Commercial Driver 18+; valid driver’s license; DOT physical; drug screen; clean driving record helps 4–8 weeks Pre-trip inspection routines, backing concepts, coupling basics, safety habits, rules & procedures $38k–$93k (median ~$56k) CDL permit/skills prep (foundation), entry-level driver pathways

Salary ranges shown use Kentucky wage data (2024) from CareerOneStop / BLS datasets and are meant as realistic local estimates for the Corbin, KY area.

Heavy equipment training

Heavy Equipment

Built for students who want to work around excavators, dozers, skid steers, and jobsite equipment. You’ll learn safe jobsite habits, inspection routines, and foundational operation concepts.

  • Jobsite safety, spotting, PPE, hazard awareness
  • Daily inspections: fluids, leaks, tracks/tires, wear points
  • Basic operating concepts: controls overview, stability, load awareness
  • Preventive maintenance routines and documentation
  • Intro systems overview: cooling, fuel, electrical basics

Best for: entry-level operator support, yard tech, equipment service assistant roles.

Equipment technician training

Equipment Technician

This track leans into service and troubleshooting. You’ll build mechanical confidence and learn how to approach problems logically using clean shop workflows.

  • PM services: filters, fluids, grease points, inspection checklists
  • Hydraulics basics: hoses/fittings, cylinders, contamination control
  • Troubleshooting: symptoms, causes, tests, verification
  • Basic electrical: multimeter use, continuity, voltage basics
  • Work orders, parts identification, professional shop habits

Best for: fleet maintenance entry roles, shop apprentice tracks, equipment service tech helper.

Welding training

Welding

Welding is repetition + control + quality. You’ll start with safety and fundamentals, then build consistency through guided practice, measurement, and clean technique.

  • Safety: PPE, ventilation, fire prevention, grinder safety
  • Fit-up: measuring, squaring, clamping, tack strategy
  • Foundation technique: bead control, travel speed, angles
  • Quality habits: prep/cleanup, defect awareness, consistency
  • Basic blueprint reading concepts and weld symbol overview

Best for: fabrication helper roles, welding prep, apprenticeship readiness.

CDL and commercial training

CDL & Commercial

Designed for students aiming for commercial driving or fleet roles. You’ll learn the safety mindset, inspection routines, and professional habits that employers want.

  • Commercial safety: space management, defensive mindset
  • Pre-trip inspection routines and documentation
  • Systems overview: brakes, air systems basics, tires, lights
  • Backing concepts, coupling basics, yard awareness
  • Entry-level CDL preparation concepts (rules, procedures, habits)

Best for: CDL prep foundation, entry fleet roles, driver assistant pathways.

How training works

  • Hands-on labs: guided practice using real tools and common shop procedures
  • Skill checkoffs: demonstrate tasks (inspection, measurement, safe work habits)
  • Professional workflow: work orders, documentation, cleanup, teamwork
  • Career focus: built around entry roles and industry expectations