The Best Trade Schools in Durham, Pennsylvania
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Durham.
Top Trade Schools in Durham
Empire Beauty School - Allentown
Empire Education Group
Empire Beauty School in Allentown provides comprehensive cosmetology and beauty trade programs with a focus on real-world salon experience. The school boasts high pass rates for state licensing exams and strong job placement in salons and spas across the region. With small class sizes, financial aid options, and a curriculum updated to reflect current beauty industry trends, students receive personalized training from licensed professionals.
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Lincoln Tech - Allentown Campus
Lincoln Educational Services
Lincoln Tech's Allentown campus has built a strong reputation for hands-on trade education with high job placement rates. The school offers industry-certified programs in high-demand fields like HVAC, electrical systems, and welding, with modern labs and experienced instructors. Students benefit from career services that connect them with local employers, and the campus maintains partnerships with major industry players for externships and employment opportunities.
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Universal Technical Institute - Exton Campus
Universal Technical Institute
UTI's Exton campus is a leader in transportation and skilled trades education, offering manufacturer-specific training programs with certifications from brands like Ford and BMW. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, high job placement rates, and partnerships with major employers. Students gain hands-on experience in automotive, diesel, and welding trades, with comprehensive career services supporting graduation-to-employment transitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Durham, PA, and what programs do they offer?
The closest trade schools to Durham, PA, are Lincoln Tech's Allentown Campus (about 30 minutes away), Empire Beauty School in Allentown, and Universal Technical Institute's Exton Campus (roughly 45 minutes away). These schools offer programs in HVAC Technology, Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Welding, Cosmetology, Barbering, and Collision Repair, providing accessible vocational training for Bucks County residents.
What local job opportunities exist in the Lehigh Valley for graduates of trade programs from schools near Durham?
Graduates from trade schools near Durham can find strong job opportunities in the Lehigh Valley's manufacturing, construction, automotive, and beauty industries. Local employers like Mack Trucks, major construction firms, and automotive dealerships actively seek skilled technicians in HVAC, diesel, welding, and automotive repair, while salons and spas in the region hire licensed cosmetology and barbering professionals.
Are there any shorter-term certification programs available near Durham, PA, for someone looking to enter the workforce quickly?
Yes, schools like Lincoln Tech in Allentown and UTI in Exton offer accelerated programs and certifications that can be completed in under a year. For example, HVAC Technology, Electrical Systems, and Welding programs often have focused tracks leading to industry-recognized certifications, allowing students from the Durham area to gain employable skills and enter high-demand trades rapidly.
How does the licensing process work for cosmetology and barbering graduates from schools like Empire Beauty School near Durham?
After completing their program at Empire Beauty School in Allentown, graduates must apply for a Pennsylvania state license through the State Board of Cosmetology. This requires passing both written and practical exams. The school typically helps students prepare for these exams, which are essential for working in salons, barbershops, or spas throughout Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley.
What financial aid or apprenticeship opportunities are available for trade school students in the Durham, PA area?
Trade schools near Durham, such as Lincoln Tech and UTI, offer federal financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans. Additionally, many local employers in construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries partner with these schools for apprenticeship programs, allowing students to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience in the Lehigh Valley job market.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Durham
Durham, Pennsylvania 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.