The Best Trade Schools in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Wilkes Barre.
Top Trade Schools in Wilkes Barre
Johnson College
Johnson College
Johnson College is a highly respected technical college serving the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region with exceptional hands-on training programs. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers, resulting in impressive job placement rates exceeding 90% for graduates. Programs feature modern equipment, certified instructors with industry experience, and comprehensive certification preparation. The welding program is particularly renowned with AWS certification opportunities, while automotive and electrical programs provide manufacturer-specific training. Located just 20 minutes from Wilkes-Barre, the college serves the entire Northeast Pennsylvania region with career-focused technical education.
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Pennco Tech
Pennco Tech
Pennco Tech has built a strong reputation across Pennsylvania for quality trade education with comprehensive programs in high-demand fields. The school serves students from Wilkes-Barre through its Eastern Pennsylvania location and offers flexible scheduling options. Programs emphasize hands-on training with industry-standard equipment and preparation for multiple certifications including EPA 608 for HVAC, NCCER for electrical, and various welding certifications. The school maintains strong job placement assistance with relationships with regional employers and trade unions. Students consistently praise the practical, real-world training approach and instructor expertise.
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Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Educational Services
Lincoln Tech's Allentown campus serves the Wilkes-Barre region with comprehensive trade programs and strong industry connections. The campus features modern training facilities with current industry equipment and technology. HVAC students train on commercial and residential systems while electrical technology covers residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The automotive program includes manufacturer-specific training partnerships, and welding students learn multiple processes with certification preparation. Lincoln Tech maintains extensive employer relationships and career services support, with many graduates securing positions with regional contractors, manufacturers, and service companies. The school offers flexible scheduling and financial aid options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools in Wilkes Barre, PA, and what distinguishes them?
Wilkes Barre is home to several prominent trade schools including Johnson College, Pennco Tech, and Lincoln Tech. Johnson College focuses on hands-on, associate degree programs in fields like Automotive Technology and Carpentry & Cabinetmaking, while Pennco Tech and Lincoln Tech offer certificate and diploma programs in high-demand trades such as Electrical, HVAC, and Welding, with Lincoln Tech having a strong reputation for its Diesel Truck Technology program.
Which trade programs in Wilkes Barre have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs in HVAC, Electrical Technology, and Welding at schools like Johnson College and Pennco Tech typically report strong job placement rates in the Wilkes Barre area. This is due to high demand from local construction firms, manufacturing plants, and service companies in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with many graduates finding work with regional employers like Berwick Offray, Gentex, and various unionized trade contractors.
Are there any apprenticeship partnerships between Wilkes Barre trade schools and local unions or employers?
Yes, several Wilkes Barre trade schools have established partnerships. For example, Johnson College collaborates with local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and United Association (UA) for plumbing apprenticeships. Pennco Tech and Lincoln Tech also work with regional trucking companies and dealerships to provide pathways into Diesel Truck Technology careers, often combining classroom training with on-the-job experience.
What certifications can I earn through trade programs in Wilkes Barre that are recognized by Pennsylvania employers?
Programs in Wilkes Barre prepare students for industry-recognized certifications such as EPA 608 Certification for HVAC/R technicians, NCCER credentials for construction trades, and ASE certifications for automotive and diesel technicians. Many local employers specifically value these certifications, and schools like Pennco Tech often include exam preparation and testing as part of their curriculum to ensure graduates are job-ready.
How do the costs and financial aid options compare between trade schools in the Wilkes Barre area?
Costs vary, with Johnson College as a private, non-profit institution typically having higher tuition but offering more federal financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Pennco Tech and Lincoln Tech, as private technical schools, may have different pricing structures but often provide access to federal loans, grants, and sometimes institutional financing. All are eligible for Pennsylvania state aid programs, and it's advisable to contact each school's financial aid office to compare net costs and available assistance specific to your chosen trade program.
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About Trade Schools in Wilkes Barre
Wilkes Barre, 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.