Trade Schools in Orono, Maine

While located in Auburn (approximately 2 hours from Orono), The New England School of Metalwork is widely regarded as one of New England's top welding and metal fabrication institutions and serves students from throughout Maine. The school offers intensive short-term programs and certification courses with exceptional AWS certification success rates. Their comprehensive welding program covers MIG, TIG, stick, and pipe welding with industry-standard equipment. The school maintains a 95% job placement rate with graduates working in shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing throughout Maine. Many students from the Orono area attend their intensive programs due to the school's national reputation for quality and industry connections.

Eastern Maine Community College is the premier trade school serving the Orono area, located just 10 minutes away in Bangor. EMCC offers comprehensive career and technical education programs with exceptional job placement rates exceeding 85%. The college features state-of-the-art welding labs with American Welding Society certification pathways, fully equipped automotive technology centers with ASE certification preparation, and modern HVAC/R training facilities. Programs combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training, and many graduates secure employment before completion. EMCC maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers throughout Maine, ensuring curriculum relevance and employment opportunities.

Empire Beauty School's Bangor campus, located just 8 miles from Orono, provides comprehensive cosmetology and beauty trade education with strong job placement outcomes. The school offers hands-on training in hair styling, coloring, cutting, skin care, and nail technology using professional-grade products and equipment. Students gain real-world experience in on-site clinics serving the public. Empire maintains partnerships with major salon chains and independent studios throughout Maine, facilitating employment opportunities upon licensure. The program prepares students for Maine State Board licensing exams with high first-time pass rates. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make it accessible for Orono area residents seeking careers in the beauty industry.