10 Best Trade Schools inHartford, CT

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Trade schools can get you ready for employment in high-demand careers in less than two years.

The Hartford region is home to many institutions that offer career-ready programs in allied health, skilled trades, automotive, and a variety of other industries.

If you live in the area and you’re contemplating the idea of starting a new career without spending four years in college, this page is for you.

We invite you to read further and find out more about your options.



1American Institute

About the School

American Institute is offering training programs designed to help students thrive and flourish.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Nurse Aide fast track program costs $1,275 in total, which includes tuition, registration fee, supplies, and textbooks.

Courses Offered

The following courses are available at the academy:

  • Dental Assisting- a program available in a hybrid format
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography- a program that combines online theory with on-campus hands-on lab work and prepares students for the specialty examinations
  • Massage Therapy- a program that covers the standards and ethics of this profession as well as several massage techniques, including Swedish, Therapeutic, Reflexology, Pregnancy Massage, and many more.
  • Medical Assisting- a program that includes coursework in the clinical, lab, and office procedures.
  • Medical Coding and Billing- a hybrid training program available at the West Harford campus that allows students to attend the school only two days a week and complete the rest of the coursework online
  • Nurse’s Aide- a fast track program that can be completed in only three weeks.

Contact Information


2A.I. Prince Technical High School

About the School

A.I. Prince Technical High School offers training programs that help students prepare for a variety of career paths.

The school has state-of-the-art classrooms, the latest instructional technology, and industry-standard equipment.

The high school is part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and aims to give students a real-world advantage in a competitive job market.

The available programs also focus on preparing students for post-secondary education.

Prospective students can apply for grade 9 through the school’s website.

Prince Tech students have the chance to earn industry certification or licenses.

Courses Offered

Students can choose between 13 different career fields that help them prepare for college.

Prince Tech also offers apprentice courses for adult students.

The following Career and Technical Education programs are available:

  • Automated Manufacturing Technology
  • Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
  • Automotive Technology
  • Bioscience and Environmental Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Culinary Arts
  • Electrical
  • Graphics Technology
  • Health Technology
  • Hairdressing and Cosmetology
  • Information Technology
  • Masonry
  • Plumbing and Heating
  • Sound Production Technology

The programs require four years of training and include 12 credits structured as four three-credit courses.

Contact Information


3CT Aero Tech School for Aviation Maintanance Technicians

About the School

CT Aero Tech School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians is an extension campus of Bristol Technical Education Center located in Hartford.

The school offers a two-year Aviation Maintenance Technician program that helps students meet the licensing requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Graduates may start careers as airport mechanics and technicians for aircraft and power plant companies.

Aviation maintenance technicians can perform service or make repairs on all types of private and commercial aircraft.

Graduates are eligible for certifications as mechanics with Airframe and/or Power Plant ratings.

The school’s programs are accredited by the Council On Occupational Education.

Courses Offered

The program includes a General, an Airframe, and a Powerplant path.

The Aviation Maintenance General program includes 663 hours and covers coursework on Basic Electricity, Aircraft Drawings, Fluid Lines and Fittings, Cleaning and Corrosion Control, Mathematics, Basic Physics, Maintenance Publications, Mechanic Privileges and Limitations, and more.

The 897-hour Aircraft program includes Wood Structures, Aircraft Finishes, Welding, Assembling and Rigging, Airframe Inspections, Aircraft Electrical Systems, and many more.

The 780-hour Powerplant program includes Reciprocating Engines, Engine Inspection, Lubrication Systems, Engine Cooling Systems, Induction and Engine Airflow Systems, Propellers, and more.

Contact Information


4DCI Resources, LLC

About the School

DCI Resources, LLC offers IT-related services for non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and municipalities.

Its Learning Academy is an IT training and public testing center where individuals learn new skills and earn certifications.

The academy offers group training for businesses and one-on-one training for individuals.

Exam vouchers are available online, through the school’s website, or on-site.

The proctoring fee is $40 for outside exam voucher purchases.

A Photo ID is required for all scheduled exams.

Training costs vary depending on the program.

The school’s IT Training- TechHire Advanced program costs $3,750.

This program places participants into one of 15 IT Career Pathways.

Each pathway is defined by a series of IT credentials, such as Internet Core Competency Certification Global Standard 5, Microsoft Specialist, Microsoft Technology Associate, CompTIA, and Cisco.

Courses Offered

Their most popular certification programs are:

  • Office Proficiency & Productivity (IT/CSS)
  • Advanced Customer Service & Sales
  • CompTIA Certification
  • Microsoft Technology Certification- TecHire Preparatory Program
  • Advanced IT Career Pathways Certification Program
  • Second Chance Society Initiative (IT/CSS)

Contact Information

  • Address: 50 Fitch Street (2nd Floor), New Haven, Connecticut (Ext. 101)
  • Phone: (203) 404-5054
  • Website: http://dciresourcesllc.com

5Northeast Medical Institute

About the School

Northeast Medical Institute offers CNA, Phlebotomy, EKG, and PCT training programs.

Tuition costs vary depending on the program.

The Certified Nurse’s Aide and the Phlebotomy program cost $1,150 each.

Enrollment fees, supplies, HPSO insurance, and background check fees are not included in the above cots.

The EKG Technician program costs $250.

Tuition for the Patient Care Technician is $2,560.

The classes are kept small with 8-12 students max to give students more one on one time with the instructors.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Northeast Medical Institute:

  • Certified Nurse’s Aide: a 2.5-week program that includes 42 hours of theory, 27 lab hours, and 33 clinical hours
  • Phlebotomist- a program that includes 80 theory and clinical hours and can be completed in two weeks
  • EKG Technician- a 24-hour program that can be completed in three days
  • Patient Care Technician- a program that includes 206 hours of theory, lab, and clinical training

The Patient Care Technician program consists of three parts:

  • Part I: Obtain a Certified Nursing Assistant License
  • Part II: Graduate from an accredited Phlebotomy program within the last two years
  • Part III: Take an EKG program and finish by taking the National Healthcareer Association CPCT Exam

Contact Information


6Stone Academy

About the School

Stone Academy offers career-oriented courses that can be completed in less than two years.

The academy has been founded in 1864 and has offered training in Connecticut ever since.

Stone Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools to award Diplomas and certificates.

Tuition costs range from $925 and $32,225, depending on the program and its duration.

The registration fee is $25 for all programs.

Applicants have to:

  • Attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
  • Complete an Enrollment Agreement
  • Submit the paperwork requested for admission
  • Pay the registration fee

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Stone Academy:

  • Practical Nursing- a Diploma program that combines classroom courses with clinical experiences and prepares future LPNs for entry-level positions
  • Medical Assisting- a Diploma program that includes 10 months of campus training and a two-month externship
  • Patient Care Specialist- students enrolled in this Diploma program learn anatomy, medical terminology, physiology while also obtaining clinical experience.
  • Nurse’s Aide- this Certificate program trains students in the 25 traditional nursing skills and additional competencies required for the CNA examination in the State of Connecticut.

Contact Information

  • Address: 745 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108
  • Phone: (800) 585-1315
  • Website: https://www.stone.edu

7Capital Community College

About the School

Capital Community College is offering over 60 degree and certificate programs online and in person.

Admission requirements vary depending on the program.

Those interested can apply by filling out an application through the college’s website.

The total cost is $304 for one semester hour for Connecticut State Residents and $812 for out-of-state students.

This includes college tuition, college services fee, student activity fee, and transportation fee.

Full-time students can earn an associate’s degree in two years by paying approximately $10,000.

Federal Pell Grant and other financing options are also available for students who qualify.

Capital Community College is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education and The New England Commission of Higher Education.

Courses Offered

The following Certificate programs are available at Capital:

  • Accounting: Advanced Certificate
  • Accounting: Basic Certificate
  • Computer Programming Certificate
  • Early Childhood Education Certificate
  • Health Science Certificate
  • Paramedic Certificate
  • Visual Communication Certificate
  • And many more

Online courses are also available in Financial Accounting, Architectural Drafting, Two-Dimensional Design, Nutrition, Personal Finance, Concepts of Chemistry, Digital Graphics, Virtual/Cloud Computing, and many other topics.

Contact Information


8Goodwin University

About the School

Goodwin University offers a variety of degree and certificate programs.

To qualify for admission, applicants are required to:

  • Interview with an admission officer
  • Complete an Application for Admission
  • Pay a $50 application fee
  • Arrange to take the English and Math placement evaluations.

Goodwin University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Classes are offered in days, evenings, and weekend schedules as well as online to accommodate students’ needs.

Tuition is $9,994 per semester for full-time students and $5,038 for part-time students.

According to the school’s website, 94 percent of Goodwin undergraduate students receive financial aid such as grants and scholarships.

Courses Offered

The following Certificate and Associate of Science programs are available through the School of Business, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing:

  • Business Administration, Associate in Science
  • Basic CNC Production, Certificate
  • Bookkeeping, Certificate
  • Business Startup, Certificate
  • CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology, Certificate
  • Influencing Organizational Leadership, Certificate
  • Manufacturing and Logistics, Certificate
  • Welding Technology, Certificate

The college also offers a Nursing program and many other certificate programs that prepare students for healthcare careers as medical assistants, medical billing and coding specialists, and more.

Contact Information


9Academy Di Capelli

About the School

Academy Di Capelli is a beauty school and salon that offers training in East Hartford and Wallingford.

Financial assistance options and scholarships are available for students who qualify.

Costs vary depending on the program and its duration.

The Cosmetology program costs $22,800 which includes tuition, application fee, registration fee, state board exam fee, books, and supplies.

This program prepares students for careers as cosmetologists, salon managers, salon owners, color technicians, nail artists, estheticians, makeup artists, instructors, product reps, and consultants.

Academy Di Capelli is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Cosmetology- a 1300-hour program that includes classes in Sanitation, Anatomy and Physiology, Hair Shaping and Styling, Skin Care, Manicure&Pedicure, State Laws, and more.
  • Barbering- an 850-hour program that covers Sanitation and Hygiene, Anatomy and Physiology, Haircare and Treatments, Chemical Procedures, and many other barbering-related skills.
  • Esthetics- this 600-hour curriculum includes classes in Esthetician Practices and Procedures, Skin, Business Management, and more.
  • Makeup Artistry- a program that is offered Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Contact Information


10Porter and Chester Institute

About the School

Porter and Chester Institute is offering career training programs at their Rocky Hill campus.

The school offers hybrid, online, and on-campus learning models.

The Electrical Technology program costs $30,575 which includes tuition, laptop, ebooks/books, materials, uniforms, and student fees.

Porter and Chester Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The following training programs are available:

  • Automotive Technology- a 12-month hybrid program
  • Computer-Aided Drafting and Design- a fully online program that can be completed in 12 months.
  • Computer and Network Technology- a 12-month fully online program
  • Electrical Technology- a 12-month program
  • HVACR- a 12-month hybrid program
  • Low Voltage Technology- a hybrid program that can be completed in 12 months
  • Plumbing- a 12-month program that is available in a hybrid format with lectures online and labs on campus.
  • Dental Assisting- a 10-month program that combines online lectures with on-campus labs
  • Medical Assisting- the blended program can be completed in 10 months
  • Practical Nursing- a 15-month program offered in a residential format with lectures and labs on campus and clinical rotations at approved locations.

Contact Information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants2,030$71,970$34.6$98,650$44,250
Medical Records Specialists680$64,590$31.05$85,530$44,410
Nursing Assistants7,400$43,430$20.88$50,630$36,970
Dental Assistants1,370$49,510$23.81$62,450$36,030
Medical Assistants3,010$46,500$22.36$56,170$37,950
Phlebotomists600$45,000$21.64$53,340$37,050
Electricians2,470$68,220$32.8$92,650$38,510
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters1,290$68,950$33.15$99,000$37,060
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics2,240$52,110$25.05$75,100$34,480
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers1,780$67,230$32.32$97,900$43,290
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Hartford is home to many trade schools that offer high-quality programs focused on getting students ready for employment.

If you live in the region and you want to learn new skills and start a new career, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Now that you have read our list of top Hartford trade schools, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.


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