Trade SchoolsNew Haven is home to many trade schools and community colleges that offer post-secondary programs designed to be completed in less than two years.
If you want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in college, you should check out the vocational programs that are available in your region.
The programs available in the New Haven region are career-focused and combine classroom instruction with hands-on training.
Most of these courses lead to diplomas or certificates and prepare students for licensing exams and employment.
1Northeast Medical Institute
About the School
Northeast Medical Institute offers training programs for those who want to become CNAs, Phlebotomists, EKG technicians, or PCTs.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Certified Nurse’s Aide and the Phlebotomy program cost $1,150 each.
The EKG Technician program costs $250 while tuition for the Patient Care Technician program is $2,560.
The classes are kept small with 8-12 students maximum, so students have more one-on-one time with the instructors.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Northeast Medical Institute:
- Certified Nurse’s Aide: a program that can be completed in two weeks and a half and includes 42 hours of theory, 27 lab hours, and 33 clinical hours
- Phlebotomist- a program that consists of 80 hours of theory and clinical training 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 route to becoming a certified Patient Care Technician consists of three parts:
- Obtain a Certified Nursing Assistant License
- Graduate from an accredited Phlebotomy program within the last two years
- Take an EKG program and finish by taking the National Healthcareer Association CPCT Exam
Contact Information
- Address: 29 Bank St, Floor 2 Stamford, CT 06901
- Phone: (203) 391-6766
- Website: https://northeastmedicalinstitute.com
2Gateway Community College
About the School
Gateway Community College is offering educational programs in a variety of fields.
Those interested may apply online.
Admission is open to all graduates of an approved secondary school and to those who hold GED.
At Gateway Community college, admission is offered on a first-come-first-served basis, except for the following selective admission programs: Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor, and General Motors Automotive programs.
Tuition and college services fee sum up to $254 for one credit hour.
Gateway Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The college offers degrees and certificate programs on subjects such as:
- Accountant Assistant- Certificate
- Bookkeeping Certificate
- Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy: Radiography, A.S.
- Exercise Science and Wellness, A.S.
- Nutrition and Dietetics, A.S.
- Surgical Technology, A.S.
- Automotive Repair And Service- Certificate
- Business Administration Certificate
- Computer Servicing Certificate
- Fire Technology and Administration, A.S.
- Hotel Management, A.S.
- Nursing, A.S.
- Aviation Maintenance Technology, A.S.
- Water Management Certificate
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 20 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
- Phone: (203) 285-2000
- Website: https://www.gatewayct.edu
3Porter and Chester Institute
About the School
Porter and Chester Institute is offering a variety of career training programs at its Hamden campus.
The programs are available in hybrid, online, and on-campus learning models.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Automotive Technology program costs $30,295 while the Dental Assisting program costs $19,860.
This includes tuition, laptop, ebooks/books, materials, uniforms, and student fees.
Financial Aid is available for students who qualify.
Porter and Chester Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following training programs are available at the Institute:
- Automotive Technology- a 12-month hybrid program
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design- a 12-month online program
- 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 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 laboratory training
- Medical Assisting- a blended program that can be completed in 10 months
- Practical Nursing- a 15-month program available in a residential format with lectures and labs held on campus and clinical rotations at approved locations.
Contact Information
- Address: 1245 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514
- Phone: (475) 234-6600
- Website: https://porterchester.edu
4Major League Barbershop & Academy
Barbers provide haircutting, hairstyling, facial shaving, and a variety of other beauty services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the barbering profession is projected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The same report shows that the median hourly wage for this profession is $15.61 with rates ranging from less than $11 to more than $25 per hour, depending on skills, education, and location, among other factors.
About the School
Major League Barbershop & Academy is offering a 1000-hour Barber program.
The school provides educational programs since 2010.
Students learn in a state-of-the-art facility with a contemporary and comfortable atmosphere.
Graduates are ready for the state licensing exam and a rewarding career in a barbershop.
The academy has been approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Those interested can apply through the academy’s website.
The Barber training program costs $9,040.84, which includes tuition, books, equipment, and enrollment.
The educational program is available at the school’s two locations: in East Haven and West Haven.
Contact Information
- Address: 648 Foxon Rd, East Haven, CT 06512
- Phone: 203-691-1120
- Website: https://www.mlcuts.com
5Industrial Management & Training Institute
About the School
Industrial Management & Training Institute is a trade school that serves New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, and the surrounding community.
Founded in 1985, the institute is approved by the State of Connecticut Commission of Higher Education.
Industrial Management & Training Institute is also accredited by the National Center for Construction Education & Research since 2002.
The Institute offers full apprenticeship programs for Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC mechanics.
Applicants need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
They also have to complete a school-administered math placement test and a full application for admission.
The school offers day programs that can be completed in 10 months and evening classes that are 20-month long.
Costs vary depending on the program.
The HVAC technician apprenticeship includes 938 hours in total and costs $22,050.
The Electrician program is $22,160 and includes 900 hours in total.
Their Plumbing program covers 926 hours of training and costs $22,200.
Total costs include tuition, books & materials, and application fees.
Courses Offered
The following apprenticeship programs are available:
- Electrician Apprenticeship Program
- HVAC Certification Apprenticeship
- Plumbing School Apprenticeship
Contact Information
- Address: 233 Mill Street Waterbury, CT
- Phone: 203-753-7910
- Website: https://imti.edu
6National Personal Training Institute
About the School
National Personal Training Institute is offering educational programs for those who want to become personal trainers.
The school helps students build their body and personal training skills while also covering the business aspects of this profession.
Graduates receive a diploma that is good for life.
The course includes six months of online coursework and hands-on training.
New classes start every six weeks.
Those interested can apply by filling out a form on the school’s website.
Courses Offered
The National Personal Training Institute offers a 500-hours virtual course taught by instructors who have years of real-world experience.
The program covers the basics of human physiology, nutrition and diet, anatomy, and how to start and run a personal fitness business.
Students enrolled in this program also learn new exercises and techniques in workouts designed and overseen by the institute’s staff members.
The program includes:
- Daily lectures that students can take from the comfort of their homes
- Daily hands-on applications of material with instructor and classmates
- Study materials
- A lifelong Personal Fitness Training Diploma
- Nutrition Certificate
Graduates receive job placement assistance that helps them start their careers.
Contact Information
- Address: 470 James Street, #004, New Haven, CT 06513
- Phone: 800-960-6294
- Website: https://nationalpti.org/school/new-haven-ct
7Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech is offering training programs for those who want to start a career in culinary arts, healthcare, or electrical technology at their Shelton campus.
Lincoln College of Technology provides training programs for those who seek a career in health sciences and the electrical industry while Lincoln Culinary Institute helps students build hands-on chef skills and cooking techniques.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Electrician Training Diploma program costs $32,670 while the Medical Assistant program costs $21,895.
The costs include tuition, registration fee, books, uniform and equipment fees as well as students and technology fees.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Lincoln Technical Institute:
- Electrician Training
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
The campus covers over 100,000 square feet of training and classroom space.
Medical assisting and practical nursing students have access to hospital and medical labs, clinical nursing facilities, and examining rooms as well as computerized simulation manikins designed to respond like real patients.
Lincoln Culinary Institute is offering the following programs:
- Culinary Arts and Food Services
- International Baking and Pastry
Culinary students learn in European-style kitchens using industry-standard ovens, tools, and utensils.
Contact Information
- Address: 8 Progress Drive, Shelton, CT 06484
- Phone: (203) 929-0592
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
8W.F. Kaynor Technical High School
About the School
Kaynor Tech is offering technical education programs that prepare students for rewarding careers.
Courses Offered
The following career and technical education programs are available:
- Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Automotive Technology
- Carpentry: a program that covers Exploratory and Introduction to Carpentry, Cabinet/Millwork, Carpentry- Residential Construction, and Carpentry- Residential and Commercial Construction
- Culinary Arts: with courses such as Exploratory and Introduction to Culinary Arts, Basic Food Service, Operating a Restaurant, and Advanced Restaurant Operations
- Electrical- with classes in Exploratory and Introduction to Electrical, Residential Wiring, Residential and Basic Commercial Wiring, and Residential, Commercial and Industrial Wiring
- Electronics Technology
- Hairdressing and Cosmetology
- Health Technology- a program that teaches Introduction to Health Technology, Exploration of Health Care Career Clusters, Nursing Assistant Certification, and Medical Assistant and Advanced Career Exploration.
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology
- Plumbing and Heating- a program that includes an Introductory class in Plumbing and Heating, Residential Plumbing, Residential and Commercial Plumbing, Heating, and Residential and Commercial Plumbing.
- Precision Machining Technology
Each program lasts three and half years and covers the academic and technical coursework required by each area of study.
Contact Information
- Address: 43 Tompkins Street, Waterbury, CT 06708
- Phone: 203-596-4302
- Website: https://kaynor.cttech.org
9Platt Technical High School
About the School
Located in Milford, Connecticut, Platt Technical High School is part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System.
The school has a hands-on approach to education.
Application is open for current eight grade students and 9th graders.
Courses Offered
Platt Tech is offering courses in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Hairdressing and Cosmetology, HVAC, Information Technology, Mechanical Design, and Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Plumbing and Heating, Precision Machining Technology, and Sustainable Architecture.
Each student is required to complete four years of Career Technical Education programs.
Students who graduate from four-year programs are ready to obtain immediate employment in their field or to pursue a two or four-year degree.
The curriculum varies depending on the program.
For example, the Sustainable Architecture program covers topics such as:
- Explanatory and Introduction to Sustainable Building Technology- for grade 9 students
- Sustainable Residential Construction and Advanced Drafting Principles- for grade 10
- Sustainable Residential Design and Mechanical Systems- for 11th graders
- Commercial Construction Design and Business Practices- for 12th graders
Each course includes three credits.
Graduates from the architecture program are ready to study architectural, structural, or civil engineering or find immediate employment as engineering technicians, computer-aided architectural design drafters, or illustrators.
Contact Information
- Address: 600 Orange Avenue, Milford, CT 06461
- Phone: 203-783-5300
- Website: https://platt.cttech.org
10Stone Academy
About the School
Stone Academy offers career-oriented courses designed to be completed in less than two years.
Founded in 1864, Stone Academy has offered training in Connecticut ever since.
The main campus includes approximately 28,000 square feet of classrooms, medical labs, a library, a student lounge, and administrative offices.
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.
Applicants have to follow a few steps:
- Attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Complete an Enrollment Agreement
- Submit the paperwork requested for admission
- Pay the registration fees
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Stone Academy:
- Practical Nursing- this Diploma program 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 program
- 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 exam in Connecticut.
Contact Information
- Address: 560 Saw Mill Road, West Haven, CT 06516
- Phone: (203) 288-7474
- Website: https://www.stone.edu/locations/west-haven-campus
Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers
| Career | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 710 | $69,960 | $33.63 | $96,960 | $49,810 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 250 | $69,410 | $33.37 | $98,710 | $45,180 |
| Nursing Assistants | 3,960 | $42,810 | $20.58 | $50,330 | $36,750 |
| Dental Assistants | 560 | $48,640 | $23.38 | $60,550 | $35,320 |
| Medical Assistants | 1,810 | $47,210 | $22.7 | $58,760 | $36,890 |
| Phlebotomists | 430 | $47,870 | $23.01 | $60,650 | $38,910 |
| Electricians | 1,090 | $72,100 | $34.66 | $111,820 | $39,540 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 700 | $71,120 | $34.19 | $100,750 | $38,420 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 1,080 | $53,500 | $25.72 | $76,260 | $35,200 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 770 | $69,610 | $33.47 | $99,380 | $41,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Trade schools can be a viable alternative to four-year colleges.
The schools available in the New Haven region can get you ready for employment in construction, allied health, or skilled trades in less than two years.
We encourage you to research all your options and take into account all the relevant factors before deciding where to enroll.
Trade Schools by City in Connecticut
