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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  annually, while plumbers make about 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.

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

Fees and Contact Information

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

Fees and Contact Information

3. ×ö°®ÊÓƵ Institute of Technology, Rhode Island

Just, you’ll find the ×ö°®ÊÓƵ 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

Fees and Contact Information

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

Fees and Contact Information

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

Fees and Contact Information

You can also pursue a trade education at the following community colleges and technical schools:

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.

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.

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.

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.  of graduates in 2021 secured a placement in post-secondary employment or education.

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.

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:

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 provide regional accreditation to Massachusetts schools. Trade and technical schools can also apply for national accreditation from the.

Online programs will likely possess the 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. 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, but the predicts that the employment of wind turbine technicians will grow by an impressive  over the next ten years.

The organization also predicts that solar photovoltaic installers will experience an employment growth of  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:

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 ×ö°®ÊÓƵ 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.

FAQs

How many trades schools are in Massachusetts?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are.

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.