The Best Trade Schools in Manchester, Massachusetts
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Manchester.
Top Trade Schools in Manchester
North Bennet Street School
North Bennet Street School
One of the oldest and most respected trade schools in America, North Bennet Street School offers exceptional hands-on training in traditional trades and craftsmanship. Located in Boston, it serves the entire Greater Boston area including Manchester. The school maintains a 94% job placement rate with graduates working for prestigious institutions and high-end contractors. Programs feature small class sizes, master instructors, and intensive skill development. While historically focused, the training prepares students for modern high-demand careers in preservation, fine woodworking, and specialized trades.
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The Peterson School
Peterson School Corporation
The Peterson School has been a leader in trades education since 1938, offering intensive, career-focused programs in high-demand fields. Their Boston location provides accessible training for Manchester residents seeking welding, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing careers. The school features state-of-the-art welding labs with multiple processes, comprehensive HVAC training with EPA 608 certification, and electrical programs that prepare students for Massachusetts licensing. With strong industry partnerships and dedicated career services, graduates achieve excellent placement rates with local contractors and unions throughout Eastern Massachusetts.
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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. The Worcester campus serves the North Shore region including Manchester. The institute offers comprehensive programs with strong industry connections and high job placement rates. HVAC and Electrical programs include EPA and OSHA certifications, while automotive training features ASE certification preparation. Hands-on learning in modern labs combined with career services support makes this a top choice for trade education in Eastern Massachusetts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most unique trade programs available at schools near Manchester, MA, that I might not find elsewhere?
The North Bennet Street School, located in nearby Boston, offers highly specialized programs like Piano Technology, Preservation Carpentry, and Locksmithing & Security Technology that are rare in standard trade schools. These programs combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and are well-regarded nationally. Graduates often find niche career opportunities in restoration, fine woodworking, and specialized technical services.
Which trade schools in the Manchester, MA area offer programs with strong local industry connections for job placement?
Porter and Chester Institute, with a campus in nearby Chicopee, has established relationships with employers throughout Massachusetts, including in the North Shore region near Manchester. Their programs in Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Automotive Technology include externships and career services focused on local job placement. The Peterson School also emphasizes hands-on training and industry partnerships for fields like Dental Assisting and Medical Assisting.
Are there trade programs in the Manchester area that prepare students for Massachusetts-specific licensing exams?
Yes, programs like Electrical Technology and Plumbing at Porter and Chester Institute and The Peterson School are designed to prepare graduates for Massachusetts licensing exams, such as the journeyman electrician or plumber exams. These curricula align with state requirements and often include exam preparation as part of the training. It's advisable to verify with each school that their program meets the current Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians or Plumbers guidelines.
What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for trade school students in the Manchester, MA region?
Most trade schools near Manchester, including North Bennet Street School and Porter and Chester Institute, offer federal financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans. North Bennet Street School provides need-based scholarships and merit awards for its specialized programs. Additionally, Massachusetts state grants and workforce development programs may be available for eligible students pursuing high-demand trades like HVAC or welding.
How do trade school programs in the Manchester area accommodate students who work full-time or have other commitments?
Many trade schools near Manchester offer flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend classes. Porter and Chester Institute and The Peterson School often provide both day and evening programs for fields like Computer Support Specialist or Medical Assisting. Some programs, particularly at North Bennet Street School, are intensive and full-time, so it's important to check each school's schedule to find one that fits your availability.
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About Trade Schools in Manchester
Manchester, 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.