Best Trade Schools (2025): Programs, Costs & Careers

Tired of hearing that a four year university degree is the only path to a successful career? There’s a faster, more affordable, and incredibly direct route to a stable, high demand job: trade schools. These specialized institutions skip the general education requirements and focus entirely on providing the hands on skills and knowledge you need to excel in a specific skilled trade. They are designed for doers, problem solvers, and anyone ready to start their career now, not in four years. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a military veteran transitioning to civilian life, or a career switcher looking for a more rewarding profession, a trade school education can be your launchpad. Modern online platforms are making this path even more accessible, offering accredited training right from your phone.

What Can You Learn? Popular Careers from Trade Schools

Trade schools open the door to essential, well paying careers that keep our world running. Instead of theory, you get practical skills for real world jobs. The demand for skilled trade professionals is growing rapidly, with a significant shortage of qualified workers in many fields.

Some of the most popular program categories include:

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Learn to install, maintain, and repair climate control systems in residential and commercial buildings. This field requires an EPA 608 certification to handle refrigerants, a credential you can earn through accredited online programs.

• Electrical: Train to become an electrician, working with wiring, circuits, and electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.

• Plumbing: Master the skills to install and repair pipes and fixtures for water, gas, and drainage systems.

• Appliance Repair: Specialize in diagnosing and fixing common household appliances like refrigerators, washers, and ovens.

• Facilities and Building Maintenance: Gain a versatile skill set to manage the upkeep of large properties, including multifamily housing, hotels, and office buildings.

Platforms like SkillCat provide comprehensive courses across all these trades, allowing you to explore different fields under a single, affordable membership.

Modern Learning: Online vs. In Person Trade Schools

The way you attend trade school has evolved. While traditional brick and mortar campuses offer valuable hands on experience with tools and equipment, they often come with rigid schedules and higher costs.

Online trade schools present a flexible and powerful alternative. They allow you to learn at your own pace, from anywhere, which is perfect if you’re currently working or have other commitments. Modern online programs use innovative tools like 3D simulations to teach complex, hands on tasks in a virtual environment. This approach removes barriers like commute times and high tuition, making a skilled trades education more accessible than ever before.

Finding the Right Fit: How to Choose a Trade School

With so many options, picking the right program is crucial. Here’s what to look for when evaluating different trade schools.

• Accreditation and Approvals: This is non negotiable. Ensure the school is accredited by a recognized body, like IACET (International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training). For specific trades like HVAC, verify they are an EPA approved certifying organization for credentials like the Section 608 license.

• Program Content: Does the curriculum cover the exact skills employers are looking for? Look for programs that include both foundational knowledge and practical, job ready training.

• Facilities and Resources: For in person schools, inquire about their workshops, labs, and the quality of their tools and equipment. For online schools, evaluate the quality of their virtual simulations and digital learning resources.

• Admission Requirements: Most trade schools require a high school diploma or GED, making them more accessible than four year universities. Check the specific prerequisites for the program that interests you.

• Instructor Access and Class Size: Smaller class sizes at traditional schools can lead to more personalized instruction. Online platforms offer a different benefit: self paced learning and on demand access to materials and support.

• Location and Accessibility: A physical campus needs to be within a reasonable commuting distance. Online programs remove this barrier completely, offering access to top training regardless of where you live.

• Career Services and Alumni Network: Strong trade schools have robust career services that help with resume building, interview prep, and job placement. An active alumni and industry network can provide valuable connections throughout your career.

Potential Disadvantages of Trade School

While trade schools offer a direct path to a career, it is important to consider the potential downsides. The curriculum is highly specialized, which means there is less emphasis on general education subjects like history or literature. This focused approach is great for job training but may not be ideal if you are undecided on a career or wish to pursue broader academic studies later. Because the training is so specific, changing careers to an unrelated field may require significant retraining. Finally, the quality of trade schools can vary, making it essential to choose an accredited institution with a strong reputation.

The Investment: Understanding Costs and Financial Aid

One of the biggest advantages of trade schools is the return on your investment. Traditional four year degrees can leave graduates with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. In contrast, many trade school programs cost a fraction of that and can be completed in two years or less.

Online trade schools have made the cost even lower. For example, innovative platforms like SkillCat operate on a low cost subscription model, giving you access to hundreds of courses and official certification exams for a small monthly fee. This model drastically reduces the financial barrier to starting a new career.

Many schools also offer financial aid and support. Be sure to ask about scholarships, grants, private loans, and flexible payment plans. For veterans, many programs are approved for GI Bill funding. The ROI is clear: you spend less money, start working sooner, and enter a high demand field with strong earning potential.

Get Job Ready, Faster: Accelerated Trade School Programs

In today’s fast paced world, speed matters. Trade schools are built for acceleration. You can gain the certifications needed for an entry level job in just weeks or months, not years.

Certifications like the EPA 608 for HVAC or OSHA 10 for job site safety are foundational credentials that can get your foot in the door immediately. With on demand online proctoring, you can study for and take your official exam from home as soon as you feel prepared. This speed and efficiency mean you can go from learning to earning in record time. Ready to see how fast you can get certified? Explore the training and on demand exams available with SkillCat.

Your Roadmap: How to Start a Career in the Trades

Ready to make your move? Here is a simple, step by step roadmap to launching your career through a trade school education.

1. Choose Your Trade: Research different fields like HVAC, electrical, or plumbing to see which one aligns with your interests and skills.

2. Find the Right Training: Identify the foundational certifications required for entry level work in that field.

3. Enroll in a Program: Select an accredited trade school or online platform that fits your budget and schedule. A flexible online option can help you get started immediately.

4. Complete Your Training: Dive into the coursework, practice with simulations, and study for your certification exams.

5. Get Certified: Pass your proctored exams to earn the official credentials employers require.

6. Launch Your Career: Update your resume with your new certifications and start applying for jobs. Many online communities and platforms offer career support and networking opportunities.

Top 20 Trade Schools in the United States

To help you find the right fit for your career goals, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top trade schools across the country. This list covers a wide range of industries and skills, from healthcare to welding, ensuring that you can find a program that aligns with your interests and aspirations. Each school has been chosen based on its reputation, program offerings, and commitment to student success.

Multi trade technical training (online/public)

This section focuses on schools that offer a diverse array of technical training programs across multiple trades, providing a comprehensive education for students with varied interests. These institutions are grouped together because they offer the flexibility of online or public learning environments, making them accessible to a broader range of students. Whether you’re looking to gain skills in one specific area or explore multiple career paths, these schools provide a versatile and accommodating educational experience.

1. SkillCat

SkillCat is a flexible, online first pathway to job ready credentials in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and more, connecting over 300,000 learners to real employers. Designed for working adults and career switchers, its hands on simulations, integrated exams, and employer matching help learners move quickly from coursework to paychecks, underscored by a 98% EPA 608 pass rate.

Quick Facts: An online non degree platform in Houston, TX. Delivery is 100% online and self paced. It is IACET accredited and an EPA approved certifying organization.

Training emphasizes immersive, device friendly simulations and modular learning that fits around shift work or family schedules. Expect employer tied curricula, built in certification prep and testing, and a direct line to open roles through SkillCat’s job matching network.

Programs & Career Support: HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Appliance Repair, Solar; job matching and resume support, financial aid resources, and integrated prep and testing for EPA 608, NATE, and OSHA 10.

3. Lincoln Tech

Lincoln Tech is a national leader in hands on trade education, pairing industry equipped labs with strong employer alliances and recognized outcomes. Honored by ACCSC and USA Today, the school focuses on practical, career accelerating training that moves graduates into the workforce on day, evening, or hybrid schedules.

Quick Facts: A private career school network with multiple campuses nationwide. Delivery is on campus or hybrid with day and evening classes. Accreditation includes ACCSC and program alignments with AWS, ASE, and NATE.

Expect intensive shop time, manufacturer aligned curricula, and career services that extend from interview prep to employer introductions. Flexible scheduling and modern labs keep learning relevant, fast, and geared to certification and immediate employment.

Programs & Career Support: Welding, HVAC/R, Electrical, Automotive, CNC; job placement assistance, financial aid advising, and certification prep (AWS, NATE, ASE).

4. Lincoln Trade School

Lincoln Trade School delivers job focused training for transportation and skilled trades, channeling employer partnerships into manufacturer aligned curricula. With flexible day and evening options, students build real world experience in campus labs while career services help convert skills into offers.

Quick Facts: A private career school with multiple locations nationwide. Delivery is on campus and hybrid. Accreditation includes ACCSC, ASE, and AWS.

Hands on shop training and transparent graduate outcomes anchor the learning model, supported by employer relationships that keep programs aligned to hiring needs. Students benefit from dedicated coaching on resumes, interviews, and pathways to certifications.

Programs & Career Support: Automotive, Diesel, HVAC, Welding, Electrical, CNC Machining; career placement assistance, financial aid advising, and ASE/AWS certification prep.

3. Apex Technical School

Apex Technical School specializes in fast, intensive training for the building trades, helping many students graduate job ready in as little as seven months. With an 80% graduation rate and an emphasis on shop time, Apex turns hands on practice into hireable skills.

Quick Facts: A 2 year, private nonprofit school in Long Island City, NY. Delivery is on campus with day and evening options. It is ACCSC accredited and licensed by NYSED BPSS.

More than half of program time happens in labs, complemented by flexible day and evening schedules and strong placement support. Expect a clear line of sight from lab projects to entry level roles in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and related fields.

Programs & Career Support: HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, Construction; job placement assistance, financial aid guidance, and EPA 608 certification prep.

3. New York Automotive & Diesel Institute

NYADI is a focused destination for automotive, diesel, and collision careers, taught by ASE certified instructors in manufacturer aligned programs. With a reported 78% in field employment rate for specific programs, it channels shop bay training into real job outcomes.

Quick Facts: A 2 year private college in Jamaica, NY. Delivery is on campus. Accreditation includes ACCSC, ASE Education Foundation Master, I CAR partner, and VA approval.

Students train on industry level equipment with flexible day and evening schedules, preparing for certifications that matter to employers. Career services and manufacturer partnerships help bridge the gap from the shop floor to full time work.

Programs & Career Support: Automotive and Diesel Technology, Collision Repair, Service Management; job placement assistance, financial aid counseling, and ASE/I CAR certification prep.

1. Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center

This Long Island center readies entry level pros for electrical and HVAC/R roles, reporting a 95% graduation rate rooted in practical, real world training. Students split time between dedicated labs and community job sites to build confidence and employable skills.

Quick Facts: A private trade school in Copiague, NY. Delivery is on campus. It is accredited by ACCET, licensed by NYSED BPSS, and GI Bill® approved.

Expect flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules, plus certification oriented training that aligns with regional employer demand. Hands on labs and work based experiences help graduates step straight into the field.

Programs & Career Support: HVAC/R, Electrical, Low Voltage, Renewable Energy, and Licensing; job placement assistance, financial aid advising, and EPA/OSHA certification prep.

1. Long Island Welding School

Long Island Welding School is a single purpose, hands on training hub designed to help students earn industry recognized AWS credentials. Small group instruction, flexible scheduling, and an on site AWS Accredited Test Facility keep preparation tightly aligned with testing and hiring.

Quick Facts: A private non degree training center in Westbury, NY. Delivery is on campus. Approvals include being an AWS Accredited Test Facility with NYSDOT testing recognition.

The learning experience is fully hands on, with individual booths, direct practice to code, and immediate pathways to certification tests. Evening and Saturday options make it feasible for working learners to upskill without pausing income.

Programs & Career Support: Stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), Structural/Plate, Pipe; on site AWS certification testing and job search guidance.

2. Berk Trade & Business School

Berk delivers intensive, lab forward training for building systems, preparing students for apprenticeship tracks in as little as about 30 weeks. High graduation and placement rates are supported by focused instruction, practical projects, and career coaching.

Quick Facts: A private, for profit school in Long Island City, NY. Delivery is on campus with day, afternoon, and evening options. It is ACCSC accredited and licensed by NYSED BPSS.

Hands on labs mirror real job tasks, while flexible schedules help adult learners balance work and study. Dedicated placement support and employer outreach turn classroom practice into entry level roles.

Programs & Career Support: Electrical Installation, Comprehensive Plumbing; graduate job placement assistance and financial aid guidance (for those who qualify).

3. Champlain Valley BOCES

CV TEC at Champlain Valley BOCES offers practical, licensure driven training across trades, healthcare, and transportation for immediate employability. With over 250 employer partners and robust placement tracking, programs connect classroom learning to in demand credentials.

Quick Facts: A public CTE in Plattsburgh, NY. Delivery is on campus and online. Accreditation includes COE (institutional) and NYSED approved programs.

Students train in modern labs and through work based placements, learning the exact skills needed for local jobs. Support services help with licensure steps, financial aid, and job connections.

Programs & Career Support: Automotive/Diesel, Electrical, Welding, Healthcare (LPN/CNA), CDL; job placement assistance, financial aid advising, and industry certification/licensure prep.

2. ABC Training Center

ABC Training Center has served NYC since 1972 with fast, job focused pathways into allied health and service careers. By blending classroom instruction with clinical practice and flexible schedules, ABC helps learners transition swiftly into entry level roles.

Quick Facts: A private career school in Bronx, NY. Delivery is on campus or hybrid. Approvals include NYSED BPSS and it is an NHA/Prometric Testing Site.

Hands on training, day, evening, and weekend options, and strong employer ties lead to high placement success across programs. On site testing streamlines certification so graduates can move to work faster.

Programs & Career Support: Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, EKG/Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Tech; job placement assistance, flexible payment plans, and on site certification testing.

1. Aveda Institutes

Aveda Institutes deliver brand forward education in beauty and wellness, blending technical mastery with client service and business skills. Students gain extensive real world experience in public student spas and prepare directly for state licensure.

Quick Facts: A private career school with multiple U.S. locations. Delivery is campus based. Accreditation includes NACCAS and state board licenses.

Expect a polished, salon simulated environment, flexible day and evening schedules, and a direct pipeline into the Aveda network. Portfolio development and business training round out the path from classroom to clientele.

Programs & Career Support: Cosmetology, Esthiology, Barbering, Massage Therapy; licensure prep, portfolio coaching, access to Aveda network, and financial aid guidance.

2. Empire Beauty Schools

Empire Beauty Schools leverage a large, multi state footprint to prepare students for licensure and salon careers through public facing student salons. The result is plenty of hands on practice, frequent client interactions, and strong connections to employers.

Quick Facts: A private certificate school headquartered in Pottsville, PA. Delivery is on campus, with select hybrid options. Accreditation includes NACCAS and state board approvals.

Students train on live clients, learn salon operations, and prepare for state boards with the help of flexible schedules. Career services and employer outreach support the transition into paid roles.

Programs & Career Support: Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Educator Training; placement assistance, financial aid advising, and state licensure preparation.

3. Paul Mitchell Schools

Paul Mitchell Schools are known for licensure success and career ready training, reporting a 94% licensure and 79% placement rate for the 2022 cohort. Students learn in salon simulated environments with the option to attend day or night at many campuses.

Quick Facts: Private certificate programs with over 90 U.S. Locations. Delivery is on campus and hybrid. Accreditation includes NACCAS (institutional) and state board approval.

The curriculum blends technical skill, client service, and business know how, with extensive time on the clinic floor. Support includes exam prep, career coaching, and employer connections across the Paul Mitchell ecosystem.

Programs & Career Support: Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Makeup; job placement assistance, financial aid guidance, and state board licensure prep.

1. Island Drafting and Technical Institute

For nearly 70 years, Island Drafting and Technical Institute specialized in CAD driven drafting and electronics with reported 80 to 85% placement rates. Note: the institute ceased operations in May 2025, but its legacy reflects hands on training and employer aligned outcomes.

Quick Facts: A 2 year, private school in Amityville, NY. Delivery was on campus. It was approved by NYSED and was an Autodesk ATC. The school ceased all operations in May 2025.

Historically, programs emphasized lab based practice, flexible scheduling, and focused career support. Coursework aligned to Autodesk tools and industry expectations for entry level drafting roles.

Programs & Career Support: Architectural CADD, Electronics Service, AutoCAD; individualized job placement assistance, financial aid guidance, and Autodesk certification prep.

1. New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants

Since 1967, NYSMDA has prepared New Yorkers for front line clinical roles through focused training and extensive externships. High placement rates reflect a practical, practice ready approach built for NYC’s clinics and hospitals.

Quick Facts: A private career college in Long Island City, NY. Delivery is hybrid. Accreditation includes ACCSC and the New York State Education Department.

Students split time between campus labs and real clinics, with flexible day and evening options to fit busy lives. Career services support externships, certification prep, and the job search.

Programs & Career Support: Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting; job placement assistance, externships, financial aid guidance, RMA and DANB certification prep.

4. American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service

As NYC’s sole funeral service college, AAMI prepares graduates for licensure and the National Board Exam with a reported 88% employment rate. Clinical embalming and restorative art labs build confidence for sensitive, high stakes work.

Quick Facts: A 2 year private college in New York, NY. Delivery is on campus or online. Accreditation includes ABFSE and it is authorized by the NYS Board of Regents.

Flexible campus or online options and three annual starts help students balance family and work. Business coursework complements technical training to support long term career growth.

Programs & Career Support: Funeral Directing, Embalming, Business Management; job placement aid, financial advising, and National Board Exam preparation.

2. The Welding Expert Inc

The Welding Expert Inc focuses squarely on code level structural and pipe welding, connecting training to the exact tests employers and unions require. Individual booths, flexible schedules, and direct test scheduling make for an efficient, results first experience.

Quick Facts: A private, non degree school in Farmingdale, NY. Training is in person. It is an AWS ATF partner with NYSDOT & NYC DOB test prep.

Training targets code qualifications such as AWS, ASME, and DOT with focused practice and immediate progression to the test. Employer and union ties help translate new certifications into job referrals.

Programs & Career Support: Structural, Pipe, Pipeline, NYSDOT welding; job referrals and direct assistance scheduling AWS/ASME/DOT certification tests.

2. The School for Cooperative Technical Education

Co op Tech is a half day public CTE program for NYC students ages 17 to 21, designed to complement high school with hands on technical training. Labs, paid internships, and pre apprenticeships turn classroom learning into real workplace experience.

Quick Facts: A public CTE center for ages 17 to 21 in New York, NY. Delivery is on campus with AM and PM sessions. Programs are NYSED CTE approved.

Students rotate through shop based training with flexible AM and PM sessions that fit school schedules. Industry certifications and work based learning help graduates step into entry level roles.

Programs & Career Support: Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Health, IT, Culinary Arts; work based learning, certification prep (OSHA, ASE, CNA), and pre apprenticeship pathways.

2. New York City College of Technology

City Tech is CUNY’s college of technology, delivering applied design and engineering technology education for NYC’s core industries. Hands on labs, studios, and employer internships align learning with real job demands and transparent wage outcomes.

Quick Facts: A public 4 year CUNY college in Brooklyn, NY. Delivery is on campus, hybrid, and online. It is accredited by MSCHE, ABET, NAAB, and NASAD.

Flexible day and evening schedules support working learners while program accreditations signal quality to employers. Students build portfolios and earn industry recognized certifications where applicable.

Programs & Career Support: Engineering (Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), Industrial Design, Communication Design; job placement assistance, financial aid guidance, OSHA/ACI certification prep.

3. Hunter Business School

Hunter Business School offers fast, job ready healthcare and technology programs backed by standout student outcomes: 91% retention and 80 to 81% placement. Labs and clinical externships at partner facilities help students build confidence and competence.

Quick Facts: A private career school in Levittown & Medford, NY. Delivery is on campus, hybrid, and online. Accreditation includes MSA CESS (institutional) and CAAHEP, JRCERT (programmatic).

Balanced day and evening options and career services keep learning accessible and focused on results. Graduates leave with practical experience, interview support, and certification prep tailored to their field.

Programs & Career Support: Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Sonography, Radiologic Technology; job placement assistance, financial aid advising, and certification preparation.

HVAC, Electrical, and Building Systems

The schools in this section are dedicated to training students in the essential trades of HVAC, electrical systems, and overall building maintenance. These fields are grouped together because they form the backbone of modern infrastructure, ensuring our homes and workplaces are comfortable, safe, and functional. By focusing on these critical systems, these trade schools equip students with the in demand skills needed to build and maintain the environments we rely on every day.

Welding and Metal Fabrication

In this section, we highlight the premier schools for welding and metal fabrication, trades that are fundamental to countless industries, from construction to manufacturing. These schools are grouped together because they specialize in the art and science of working with metals, teaching students the precision and techniques required to create and repair structures and products. A career in welding and metal fabrication offers a unique blend of creativity and technical skill, making it a rewarding path for those who enjoy hands on work.

Cosmetology and Beauty

This section is dedicated to the top schools for cosmetology and beauty, where creativity and personal care converge to create fulfilling careers. These institutions are grouped together because they all focus on the art of enhancing appearance and well being, from hair and makeup to skincare and spa treatments. If you have a passion for style and a desire to help others look and feel their best, these schools provide the perfect foundation for a vibrant career in the beauty industry.

Healthcare and Funeral Services

The schools featured in this section are leaders in training for the vital fields of healthcare and funeral services, professions dedicated to caring for individuals and families during times of need. These seemingly different fields are grouped together because they both require a unique combination of technical skill, compassion, and a commitment to serving others with dignity and respect. Whether in a clinical setting or a funeral home, these careers offer the opportunity to make a profound and positive impact on people’s lives.

Design, Drafting, and Transportation Technologies

This section explores the top schools for design, drafting, and transportation technologies, fields that are at the forefront of innovation and infrastructure. These schools are grouped together because they all involve the planning, creation, and maintenance of the systems and vehicles that keep our world moving. From designing blueprints to repairing complex engines, these programs offer a dynamic blend of technical expertise and creative problem solving, preparing students for exciting careers in a variety of industries.

What You Can Earn: Career and Salary Outlook for Skilled Trades

Pursuing a skilled trade isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about building a career with long term stability and excellent earning potential. The demand for qualified technicians and tradespeople continues to outpace supply, which gives skilled workers significant leverage in the job market.

While entry level wages are competitive, your income can grow substantially with experience, specialization, and further certifications. Many experienced HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers earn salaries well above the national average. Furthermore, the skills you gain are portable and in demand everywhere, giving you job security no matter where you live.

Local Opportunities: A Look at Trade Careers in New York

While skills are universal, opportunities can be local. To see what a trade career looks like in a specific region, let’s take New York as an example. A quick search reveals strong demand for HVAC technicians in New York City’s dense commercial and residential landscape. Plumbers are essential for both new construction and maintaining the city’s aging infrastructure.

To succeed in a specific state, you should research:

• State and City Licensing: Some states or cities have additional licensing requirements beyond national certifications.

• Local Unions: Joining a local union can provide access to apprenticeships, benefits, and job placement services.

• Major Employers: Identify the largest HVAC contractors, property management groups, and construction firms in your area to target your job search.

Use this template to research the opportunities and requirements in your own city and state, and browse the HVAC Technician Blog for deeper state by state tips and employer insights.

Your Future in the Trades Starts Now

The path to a rewarding and stable career doesn’t have to be a four year journey. Trade schools offer a focused, affordable, and accelerated alternative that equips you with the practical skills employers desperately need. From HVAC to electrical work, the opportunities are immense and the demand is real.

With the rise of flexible and accredited online trade schools, it has never been easier to get started. You can learn on your own schedule, practice with cutting edge simulations, and earn official certifications right from your phone. Your future is in your hands.

Ready to start your journey? Explore hundreds of courses and get certified with SkillCat today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools

Are online trade schools legitimate?

Yes, as long as you choose a properly accredited one. Look for accreditation from bodies like IACET and specific industry approvals, such as being an EPA approved certifying organization for HVAC credentials. Legitimate online trade schools provide industry recognized certifications that employers trust.

How long does trade school take?

The duration varies by program. Many certification programs can be completed in just a few weeks or months. Unlike traditional colleges, trade schools focus on getting you job ready as quickly as possible.

How much do trade schools cost?

Costs range widely, from a few thousand dollars to over $30,000 for some traditional programs. However, modern online platforms have dramatically lowered the cost, with some offering full access to training and certifications for a low monthly subscription fee.

Can I get a job right after trade school?

Absolutely. Trade schools are designed to provide you with the specific, job ready skills that employers are looking for. Earning foundational certifications like the EPA 608 makes you a valuable candidate for entry level positions right away.

Do employers accept online certifications?

Yes. Employers care about whether a certification is official and verifiable. An EPA 608 certificate earned through an accredited online provider is just as valid as one earned in person. Many online platforms, including SkillCat, offer employers a public verification tool to instantly confirm the legitimacy of a certificate.

What is the easiest trade to get into?

“Easiest” is subjective, but some trades have a very low barrier to entry. Fields like apartment maintenance or appliance repair require foundational skills that can be learned quickly. For HVAC, you can start applying for entry level helper roles immediately after passing the EPA 608 exam, which can be studied for and completed in just a few days.