Trade schools are a great option for people looking to break into the workforce quickly. These practical training courses take just two years to complete, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen field.
They can also help you secure a generous salary. For instance, electricians in the US earn $56,900 annually, while plumbers make about $56,330 per year on average.
If you’re interested in the skilled trades and are located in the northeast, be sure to keep reading. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best trade schools the Massachusetts area has to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of technical colleges and trade schools in Massachusetts and the surrounding area to help narrow down your search.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Trade Schools Near Massachusetts
Trade Schools for Adults with a High School Diploma
If you have earned your high school diploma or GED, you can apply for vocational training. These courses will prepare you for entry-level jobs and are great for working individuals in search of a new career. Part-time and online options are also available.
Because vocational training can take different forms, the top trade schools near Massachusetts are ranked in no particular order.
1. Southeastern Technical Institute (STI Tech), South Easton
Since opening their doors back in 1968, STI Tech has grown into one of Massachusetts’ most reputable trade schools. The institute offers vocational training programs in the medical field and trade services.
Students can select from full-time, part-time, and evening classes. If you’re a working professional, you can also enroll in continuing education programs at STI.
The six-to-one faculty ratio and low tuition fees help distinguish this institution as one of the best trade schools in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nurse
- Electricity
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Metal Fabrication/Welding
- Precision Machine Engineering
Fees and Contact Information
- Estimated expenses: $11,125
- Website: stitech.edu
- Address: Southeastern Technical Institute, 250 Foundry Street, South Easton, Massachusetts 02375
- Phone: (508) 230-1297
2. Berkshire Community College (BCC), Pittsfield
BCC is one of the most affordable trade schools in MA. It offers 15 certificate programs that can be completed in one year or less and 40 associate degrees in various vocational domains. Students can choose from hybrid, online classes, and in-person classes to obtain their degrees.
University of Massachusetts students who want to take general education and foundation courses for their bachelor’s in nursing can also apply at BCC. Associate degree holders from BCC can continue on with a bachelor’s degree at universities across Massachusetts and beyond.
Programs Offered
- Physical Therapy
- Respiratory Care
- Massage Therapy
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Information Systems
- Criminal Justice
- Applied Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Computer/Electronic Technology
- Health Science
- Hospitality
- Nursing
Fees and Contact Information
- Estimated expenses: $5,492 (in-state)
- Website: berkshirecc.edu
- Address: 1350 West St, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201
- Phone: 413-499-4660
3. New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island
Just a half-hour drive from Seekonk, MA, you’ll find the New England Institute of Technology. There, you’ll find a diverse selection of vocational courses in trade-based careers. We also offer several part-time and online programs for working professionals.
Programs Offered
- Medical Assisting and Administration
- Practical Nurse
- Architectural Building Engineering Technology
- Interior Design
- Automotive Technology
- Marine Technology
- Business Management
- Criminal Justice
- Cyber security
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Electronics, Robotics, and Drones Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Software Engineering and Web Development
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Respiratory Care
- Surgical Technology
- Paramedic Technology
- Health Sciences
- Building Construction
- Electrical Technology
- Facilities Management
- Refrigeration, Air-conditioning, and Heating
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Veterinary Technology
- Video Game Design
Fees and Contact Information
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4. Charles H. McCann Technical School, North Adams
McCann offers nine secondary education programs for high-school students and five postsecondary technical programs for students who have already obtained their high-school diploma. High school programs run for four years, and students can apply for these programs with their regular academic workload.
Postsecondary programs take about a year to complete. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in their chosen area. The institute also contains impressive sports facilities and offers interscholastic athletics.
Courses Offered
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Automotive
- Business Technology
- Carpentry
- Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
- Culinary Arts
- Electricity
- Information Technology
- Metal Fabrication
- Cosmetology
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
Fees and Contact Information
- Estimated expenses: $4,340
- Website: mccanntech.org
- Address: 70 Hodges Cross Road North Adams, Massachusetts 01247
- Phone: (413) 663-5383
5. MotoRing Technical Training Institute (MTTI), Seekonk
MotoRing offers various part-time and full-time programs at its Seekonk campus. The institute features state-of-the-art facilities with fully equipped training labs, equipment, and tools for hands-on training. Most programs take just one year to complete.
Courses Offered
- Automotive Service
- Building and Property Trades
- Computer Service/Network Installation
- HVAC/R
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Office Administration
- Motorcycle/Power Equipment
- Residential and Commercial Electrician
Fees and Contact Information
You can also pursue a trade education at the following community colleges and technical schools:
- Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
- Middlesex County College, Edison, New Jersey
- Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA
- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
- Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
- North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA
- Cape Cod Community College, Barnstable, MA
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
- Quincy College, Quincy, MA
- Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA
Best Vocational Schools in Massachusetts
Vocational schools prepare students for employment in fields that do not require bachelor’s degrees. After obtaining your high-school diploma from a technical school, you can apply for apprenticeships or entry-level job opportunities.
Essex Northshore Agricultural and Technical High School, Danvers
Essex North High School offers multiple preparatory programs to help students get college or job-ready. You can also sign up for their plumbing, electrician, and marine trades technical programs for career training.
- Contact Info: 978-304-4700
- Address: 565 Maple Street Hathorne, Massachusetts 01937
- Website: essexnorthshore.org
Blackstone Valley, Upton
Founded in 1964, Blackstone Valley is one of the leading technical institutions in Massachusetts. The school offers 19 vocational-technical and postsecondary programs in various disciplines like manufacturing, automotive tech, biotech, drafting and designing, electrical, electronics and robotics, HVAC, painting, and plumbing.
- Contact Info: 508-529-7758
- Address: 65 Pleasant Street, Upton, Massachusetts 01568
- Website: valleytech.k12.ma.us
Shawsheen Valley Vocational Technical High School, Billerica
Shawsheen Valley offers comprehensive technical programs to prepare students to enter the workforce as skilled tradespeople. A sprawling campus, robust sports, support infrastructure, and digital learning resources are some of the distinguishing aspects of Shawsheen Valley.
- Contact Info: 978-667-2111
- Address: 100 Cook Street, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
- Website: shawsheentech.org
Minuteman Regional High School, Lexington
Minuteman is one of the largest vocational schools in the state, offering 19 technical education majors.
You can choose from trade courses like electrical, carpentry, and plumbing or pursue engineering and production majors that will prepare you for a degree in your chosen specialization. 98 percent of graduates in 2021 secured a placement in post-secondary employment or education.
- Contact Info: (781) 861-6500
- Address: 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
- Website: minuteman.org
Worcester Technical High School, Worcester
Worcester Tech provides technical training to high schoolers in 22 technical domains ranging from auto tech and welding to HVAC and carpentry. The school also offers an advanced placement program where learners can gain college course credits or job opportunities as soon as they graduate.
- Contact Info: 1-508-799-1940
- Address: 1 Officer Manny Familia Wy, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
- Website: techhigh.us
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
If you’re studying at any of the accredited trade schools in MA, you may be eligible for federal aid, loans, and scholarships that can reduce tuition and education costs. Some private organizations and professional bodies also offer scholarship programs and grants.
While loans accrue interest over time, aid and scholarships do not require prepayment.
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective students should always look into a school’s accreditation. They must also verify whether the school has a state license to operate. Listed below are some reasons why accreditation is necessary:
- Only those who study at accredited trade schools receive federal grants and subsidies.
- Many universities only accept transfer credits from accredited schools.
- Professional certification and licensing requirements for employment may include formal education from an accredited institution.
Accredited trade schools meet stringent faculty qualifications, curriculum, learning outcome, and evaluation standards. A college’s accreditation shows that it has the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes.
The institute must also meet the institutional quality criteria periodically through a peer-reviewed process to maintain its accreditation.
Many professional organizations such as the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) provide regional accreditation to Massachusetts schools. Trade and technical schools can also apply for national accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Online programs will likely possess the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) accreditation.
Salary and Career Outlook for Vocational School Graduates
Technical school graduates can earn impressive salaries. For instance, elevator and escalator installers and repairers in Massachusetts earn mean annual wages of $109,220. Factors that influence salary prospects include education, qualification, experience, job location, and area of expertise.
Some trades may have a lower starting salary but provide high levels of job security. For example, wind turbine technicians earn just $56,230, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment of wind turbine technicians will grow by an impressive 68% over the next ten years.
The organization also predicts that solar photovoltaic installers will experience an employment growth of 52% between 2020 and 2030.
Career Opportunities After Technical Education
Completing an accredited program helps you apply for various high-paying jobs. With enough experience, advanced certification, and higher education, you can advance to supervisory and managerial roles in your field. Jobs you are qualified for after completing your trade school education include:
- Welder
- Automotive Technician
- Robotics Technologist
- Electrician
- HVAC Mechanic
- Plumber
- Marine Technician
- Machinist
- Carpenter
- CAD Designer
Conclusion
Massachusetts offers many trade schools and technical colleges where students can receive comprehensive vocational education. Before selecting a technical school in Massachusetts, you will need to verify whether the school offers courses in your interest area.
Trade schools such as the New England Institute of Technology offer comprehensive associate degrees that can help you secure excellent entry-level positions. Visit our website to search for programs or request enrollment information.
START YOUR PROFESSIONAL BUILDING TRADES CAREER
Earn your degree in Professional Building Trades from NEIT and begin your new career path today!
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE
FAQs
How many trades schools are in Massachusetts?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 72 accredited trade schools in MA.
What is a Chapter 74 program in Massachusetts?
A Chapter 74 program is a vocational-technical education program that meets the ‘Vocational Technical Definition’ specified in Chapter 74 of Massachusetts General Law.
What Kinds of Programs do Trade Schools Offer?
Trade schools offer various training disciplines such as automotive technology, welding, electrical technology, plumbing, marine tech, and advanced manufacturing. Many vocational schools also provide allied health science courses such as nursing, medical assisting, surgical tech, and so on.
Which Trade School Jobs Pay the Most?
Health science programs at trade schools generally offer excellent salaries and wages. Computer technology, software development, and electronics technology are also in high demand.