Trade Schools & Apprentice Programs

Technical post-secondary schools combine career-specific training with general academic curricula. While some programs take two-to-four-years to complete, most can be completed in two years or less. Students studying at a technical school will study a very specific field, and be prepared for direct entry into the working world. Instructors at technical schools may or may not have a college degree; however, they all have training in the particular field in which they teach.

Many programs prepare students to take licensing or certification exams upon completion of the required courses. Unlike many community colleges and four-year universities that require students to complete general education courses prior to delving into their major field of study, students attending technical colleges usually take courses related to their major during their first semester.

Technical colleges or technical institutes, provide specialized training in a specific career field, trade, or profession, including computer technology, business administration, culinary arts, electronics, medical assisting, automotive technology, and cosmetology. Technical colleges emphasize hands-on training and offer internship experience in a relevant work setting.

Technical Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Vocational Association (Click on the "Chapters" top tab for a list of schools that offer technical programs throughout Massachusetts)

Trade Schools Search Engine

Massachusetts Registered Apprenticeship

Bay Path Career Technical Initiative 

An apprenticeship is a formal way of learning a skill or trade by working with someone who is in that particular field or profession. Apprenticeship programs almost always include class study along with a full-time job. Apprenticeships usually cover periods of time specified by the government or labor unions. One advantage of an apprenticeship is that rather than paying for the training themselves, the apprentice is being paid while learning a skill. Compared to countries like Germany and Switzerland, youth apprenticeship is an underutilized education and workforce strategy in the U.S., but it's gaining steam in many states. Additional information on apprenticeships can be found at the Department of Labor website.