The Best Trade Schools in Springfield, Massachusetts
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Springfield.
Top Trade Schools in Springfield
A.I. Prince Technical High School Adult Education
Connecticut Technical Education and Career System
While located in Hartford, Connecticut, A.I. Prince Technical High School's adult education programs serve the broader Western Massachusetts region including Springfield. The school offers evening and weekend programs in essential trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, automotive repair, and cosmetology. With industry-experienced instructors and comprehensive hands-on training, students prepare for state licensing exams and immediate employment. The program maintains strong job placement rates and partnerships with local unions and employers throughout the Connecticut River Valley region.
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Porter and Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute has been serving Western Massachusetts for over 75 years with comprehensive trade education programs. Their Springfield campus offers hands-on training in high-demand fields including HVAC, electrical technology, and automotive systems. The school maintains strong industry partnerships and provides career placement assistance with a focus on preparing students for immediate employment. Programs include industry-recognized certifications and feature experienced instructors with real-world expertise in their respective trades.
Programs Offered:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Educational Services
Located just minutes from Springfield in Chicopee, Lincoln Tech has been providing quality technical education since 1946. The campus offers comprehensive programs in automotive technology, HVAC, electrical, and welding with modern equipment and industry-current curriculum. Students benefit from hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs and career services that help connect graduates with local employers. The school maintains strong relationships with industry partners and offers financial aid options for qualified students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs in Springfield, MA, and which local schools offer them?
In Springfield, high-demand programs include HVAC, electrical, and healthcare fields like dental assisting and medical billing/coding. Local institutions like Porter and Chester Institute, Lincoln Technical Institute, and A.I. Prince Technical High School Adult Education offer these programs, with many providing hands-on training tailored to regional employer needs.
How do I find apprenticeship opportunities for trades like plumbing or electrical work in Springfield?
Springfield-area trade schools often have partnerships with local unions and contractors to help place students in apprenticeships. You can also contact the Western Massachusetts Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 7) or plumbing trade associations directly. Many programs at A.I. Prince Technical High School Adult Education include apprenticeship pathways as part of their curriculum.
Are there any state-specific certifications I should know about for trade careers in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires specific licenses for trades like electricians (through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians), plumbers, and HVAC technicians. Many Springfield trade school programs, such as those at Porter and Chester Institute, are designed to prepare you for these state exams and include the necessary hours of training to qualify.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for trade school students in Springfield?
Springfield trade school students can access federal aid (FAFSA), state grants like the Massachusetts Cash Grant, and school-specific scholarships. Institutions like Lincoln Technical Institute often have financial aid offices to help navigate options, and some local unions and trade associations offer apprenticeship scholarships for residents.
Which Springfield trade schools offer evening or part-time programs for working adults?
A.I. Prince Technical High School Adult Education specializes in flexible schedules with evening classes for trades like carpentry, welding, and automotive technology. Porter and Chester Institute and Lincoln Tech also offer hybrid or part-time options for programs such as computer support specialist and medical assisting to accommodate working students in the Springfield area.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Springfield
Springfield, 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.