The Best Trade Schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Cambridge.
Top Trade Schools in Cambridge
North Bennet Street School
North Bennet Street School
One of the nation's oldest and most respected trade schools, North Bennet Street School offers intensive, full-time programs in traditional trades and craftsmanship. Located just across the river from Cambridge in Boston's North End, the school has exceptional job placement rates with graduates working in high-demand specialized trades. The hands-on curriculum is taught by master craftspeople, and the school maintains strong industry partnerships throughout New England.
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Porter and Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute has been training skilled trades professionals throughout Massachusetts for over seven decades. Their Canton campus serves the Greater Boston area including Cambridge, offering comprehensive programs in high-demand trades like HVAC, electrical, and automotive technology. The institute boasts strong industry connections, certification preparation, and career placement services with many graduates securing positions with local unions and contractors.
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Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Educational Services
Lincoln Tech's Somerville campus is conveniently located just minutes from Cambridge and offers extensive trade programs with modern facilities and equipment. The school provides hands-on training in automotive, HVAC, electrical, and diesel technologies with industry-standard certification preparation. Lincoln Tech maintains strong employer partnerships throughout the Boston metro area, resulting in high job placement rates for graduates entering skilled trades positions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique, specialized trade programs are available in Cambridge, MA, that I might not find elsewhere?
Cambridge is home to the prestigious North Bennet Street School, which offers highly specialized programs rarely found at typical trade schools. These include Piano Technology, Violin Making and Repair, Bookbinding, and Locksmithing & Security Technology. These programs combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and have strong reputations in their respective industries.
How do trade school programs in Cambridge, like those at Porter and Chester Institute, connect graduates with local job opportunities?
Porter and Chester Institute in the Cambridge area has established relationships with employers throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. Their career services team assists with job placement for fields like Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Dental Assisting, leveraging the strong demand for skilled trades in Massachusetts' robust construction, healthcare, and technology sectors.
For someone interested in automotive or diesel technology near Cambridge, what are the local training options and career pathways?
Lincoln Technical Institute in nearby Somerville offers programs in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, and Collision Repair. Graduates are prepared for careers as technicians at dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and repair shops throughout the Greater Boston area, with many students securing positions before graduation due to high regional demand for skilled automotive professionals.
What certifications can I earn through trade schools in the Cambridge area, and how are they recognized by Massachusetts employers?
Programs in Cambridge and the surrounding area prepare students for industry-recognized certifications critical for employment. For example, electrical programs prepare for Massachusetts Electrician Licensure, HVAC programs for EPA Section 608 certification, and healthcare programs for credentials like Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). These certifications are highly valued by local employers and often required by state regulations.
Are there shorter-term, focused training options in Cambridge for trades like computer networking or medical assisting?
Yes, schools like Porter and Chester Institute and Lincoln Tech offer diploma and certificate programs that can often be completed in under a year. For instance, Computer and Network Support Technician or Medical Assisting programs provide focused, hands-on training designed to quickly prepare students for entry-level positions in Cambridge's thriving technology and healthcare sectors, including nearby hospitals and biotech firms.
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About Trade Schools in Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts 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.