The Best Trade Schools in Scarborough, Maine
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Scarborough.
Top Trade Schools in Scarborough
Portland Arts and Technology High School
Portland Public Schools
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) is a highly-regarded career and technical education center serving Scarborough and the greater Portland area. With over four decades of operation, PATHS offers comprehensive trade programs for both high school students and adult learners. The school features state-of-the-industry facilities including fully equipped automotive bays, welding labs, construction workshops, and commercial kitchens. Programs lead to industry certifications and licenses, with exceptional job placement rates due to strong partnerships with local employers. The institution is known for its experienced instructors who bring real-world expertise directly into the classroom.
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Southern Maine Community College
Maine Community College System
Southern Maine Community College is a premier technical education institution located just minutes from Scarborough. SMCC offers extensive trade programs with associate degrees and certificates designed for immediate workforce entry. The college features modern training facilities including advanced welding labs, automotive technology centers, and construction trades workshops. Programs emphasize hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and are taught by instructors with professional trade backgrounds. SMCC maintains strong industry connections with local employers, resulting in excellent job placement rates. The college also offers flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend classes for working professionals.
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Empire Beauty School
Empire Education Group
Empire Beauty School in nearby Westbrook provides specialized training in cosmetology and beauty trades, serving the Scarborough community. With over a decade of operation, this accredited institution offers comprehensive programs that lead to state licensure. The school features modern salon environments with professional-grade equipment and products. Students receive hands-on training from experienced industry professionals and benefit from Empire's national network of salon partnerships for job placement. The curriculum combines technical skills with business management training, preparing graduates for successful careers in the beauty industry. Flexible scheduling options and financial aid availability make this an accessible choice for trade education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for students in Scarborough, ME, given the local job market?
In the Scarborough and Greater Portland area, Building Trades, Electrical, and HVAC programs are particularly in-demand due to ongoing residential and commercial construction. Southern Maine Community College's Electrical Technology and Plumbing & Heating programs also have strong local industry connections, with graduates finding work with contractors throughout Cumberland County. These trades offer stable career paths with competitive wages in Maine's growing construction sector.
Can I attend a trade program at Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) if I'm an adult living in Scarborough, or is it only for high school students?
Portland Arts and Technology High School primarily serves high school students from participating districts, including Scarborough High School. Adult learners from Scarborough should look to Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) in South Portland for post-secondary vocational training. SMCC offers comprehensive certificate and associate degree programs in trades like Automotive Technology, Building Construction, and Culinary Arts specifically designed for adult students.
What local certification options are available for cosmetology and barbering in Scarborough, ME?
Empire Beauty School, with a campus in nearby Portland, offers Maine state-approved programs in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology. Graduates are prepared to take the Maine State Board of Cosmetology licensing exams. These programs provide hands-on training in salon services, with many graduates finding employment at salons and spas throughout the Scarborough and Portland regions.
Are there any trade school programs in the Scarborough area that offer apprenticeships or direct job placement assistance?
Yes, Southern Maine Community College has strong partnerships with local unions and employers, facilitating apprenticeships and job placements, especially in Electrical Technology and Plumbing & Heating. Additionally, PATHS programs for high school students often include work-based learning opportunities with Scarborough-area businesses. Many trade programs in the region have dedicated career services to connect graduates with local employers in Southern Maine.
How do the costs and financial aid options compare between trade programs at Southern Maine Community College and private schools like Empire Beauty School for Scarborough residents?
Southern Maine Community College, as a public institution, typically offers lower tuition rates for Maine residents, including those from Scarborough, and accepts federal financial aid. Empire Beauty School is a private institution with different cost structures, though it also qualifies for federal aid. Scarborough residents should complete the FAFSA and explore Maine-specific grants, like the Maine State Grant, which can be applied to eligible programs at both types of schools.
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About Trade Schools in Scarborough
Scarborough, Maine offers a variety of vocational training programs and trade schools for students looking to launch careers in skilled trades. Our comprehensive directory helps you find the best programs based on instructor quality, job placement rates, certifications, and student reviews.
Browse through local trade schools offering programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive, and more. Each school has been evaluated using our rigorous 5-star rating system to help you make the best choice for your career goals.