10 Best Trade Schools inMaine

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Trade schools are post-secondary institutions aimed at providing individuals with a specialized set of skills that is usually in high demand.

At trade schools, students learn practical skills that are in direct correlation with respective careers.

Attending a trade school is usually more than twice as cheaper compared to a traditional four-year college education.

Moreover, highly-skilled professionals will have an opportunity to quickly enter the workforce.

Maine has some of the best trade schools in the area, many of which are nationally-renowned institutions.

Take a look and find the perfect fit for your interests.



1The Landing School

The Landing School is an exciting school that focuses on Marine Industry Technology.

The experience and passion of their instructors are irreplaceable.

Every one of them is a renowned industry professional with years of working experience in the marine industry.

The facilities are well-equipped, they use modern tools, and follow the latest industry trends.

Besides formal education, students will also receive guidance, assistance, and mentoring by the amazing faculty staff.

The Landing School was the first school of this type to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Furthermore, this school was also recognized as a 2014 ACCSC School of Distinction.

Enrollment: All students must meet the following criteria:

  • They must complete an application form
  • Must write a personal statement
  • Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Complete an interview with an admissions representative

Fees: Tuition fees for each of the courses fo as follows:

  • Wooden boatbuilding – $23,500
  • Yacht design – $23,500
  • Marine systems – $23,500
  • Composite boat building – $23,500

The school also offers various financing options, student aid, as well as scholarships.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Wooden boat building
  • Yacht design
  • Marine systems
  • Composite boat building

Contact information:


2Spa Tech Institute

Spa Tech Institute offers superior education for all students who’d like to pursue a career in beauty.

They are considered to be one of the leaders in the industry, with amazing facilities, and inspiring instructors.

The school teaches modern methods and techniques, ensuring that the students receive a top-notch education.

Here are some impressive statistics:

  • Spa Tech Institute’s licensure rate is 98,94%
  • Spa Tech Institute’s placement rate is 74,12%
  • Spa Tech Institute’s graduation rate is 77,97%

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • They must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Must complete an admissions interview

If you’re interested in beauty and would like to pursue a career in this field, then this school is irreplaceable.

Fees: All applicants must pay a $50 application fee. Furthermore, the price for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Massage – $11,750
  • Esthetics – $9,550
  • Polarity Therapy – $12,550
  • Cosmetology – $14,500
  • Limited Barbering – $4,000
  • Manicuring/Nail Tech – $4,000
  • Teacher Training – call their admissions office for further information.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Massage
  • Esthetics
  • Polarity Therapy
  • Cosmetology
  • Limited Barbering
  • Manicuring/Nail Tech
  • Teacher Training

Contact information:


3United Technologies Center

United Technologies Center is a member of Maine’s network of career and technical schools.

Here, they offer a wide variety of courses that follow the latest national and industry standards.

Instructors focus on hands-on learning, allowing students to partake in various activities that will strengthen their newly-acquired skills.

They are also very involved and selflessly offer guidance to students in order to maximize their chances of success.

Many of these skills are highly valued in the workforce, hence they are very profitable.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: Contact the school via the phone number below to get further information about the tuition fee and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Automotive (3 Programs)
  • Business Management (1 Program)
  • Computer Technology (3 Programs)
  • Construction Technology (2 Programs)
  • Culinary Arts/Hospitality (2 Programs)
  • Electrical/Connectivity (1 Program)
  • Environmental Horticulture/Outdoor Recreation (1 Program)
  • Health Occupations (1 Program)
  • Heavy Equipment Technology (1 Program)
  • Outdoor Power Technology (1 Program)
  • Plumbing/Heating (1 Program)
  • Public Safety (2 Programs)
  • Welding Technology (1 Program)

Contact information:


4Northern Maine Community College

Northern Maine Community College a renowned vocational institution that has taught hundreds of students from all over the state.

It’s a rather small college, which is great for efficient learning and forming connections.

NMCC is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, the same organization that accredits Harvard and many other world-famous colleges.

Upon completion, students will earn either an associate degree or certificate, depending on the course.

Enrollment: All applicants must do the following:

  • Must submit an application form
  • Must provide official high school transcripts or GED scores
  • Request SAT scores if available. If not, placement testing may be required
  • Must schedule an interview and a campus tour

Fees: Contact their admissions department to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Accounting
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Automotive Technology
  • Building Construction Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Career Studies
  • Community Paramedicine
  • Computer & Network Technology
  • Diesel Hydraulics Technology
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electrical Construction & Maintenance
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Liberal Studies
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Coding
  • Nursing
  • Office Assistant
  • Plumbing and Heating
  • Precision Machining Technology
  • Structural Welding
  • Trade and Technical Occupations
  • Water Treatment Technology
  • Wind Power Technology

Contact information:

  • Northern Maine Community College
  • Address: 33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle, Maine 04769
  • Phone: 207-768-2700
  • Website: https://www.nmcc.edu/

5Heavy Construction Academy

Heavy Construction Academy is the best and most renowned educational institution in the field of heavy equipment.

They have successfully taught and certified thousands of aspiring industry professionals.

They use state-of-the-art equipment, modern techniques, and follow the latest national and industry standards.

Students can choose between a three-week and six-week program and don’t need to have any prior experience using heavy equipment.

HCA also offers career services that further sets them apart because they have an irreplaceable network of over 350 partner companies.

They will aid in advancing students’ interview and job-seeking skills and help them achieve their goals.

Construction industry professionals are in high demands, so this might be a great opportunity.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must go through an enrollment interview to see whether they’re eligible for any of their programs
  • Must be at least 18 years of age

Fees: The tuition cost for their programs is $18,700.  The school also offers student loans to applicable students.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Front End Loader
  • Skid Steer
  • Backhoe
  • Off-Road Dump Truck Training
  • Roller Compactor
  • Bulldozer
  • Motor Grader
  • Excavator

Contact information:


6Maine College of Art

Maine College of Art is an institution that invites and inspires creativity, uniqueness, and ambition.

Their facility is located in the heart of Portland.

Appropriately, they have creatively transformed a former department store into a state-of-the-art educational facility.

Their programs have been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, as well as National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Maine College of Art was founded back in 1882, and it has helped thousands of students to achieve their artistic goals.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must complete an application form
  • Must pay a 50$ application fee
  • Must write a personal statement
  • Must provide a portfolio of 15-20 works
  • Must bring high school transcripts or GED scores
  • Must bring two letters of recommendation

Fees: The tuition fee is $35,694

The school offers the following courses:

  • Ceramics
  • Animation & Game Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Metalsmithing & Jewelry
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textile & Fashion Design
  • Woodworking & Furniture Design

Contact information:

  • Maine College of Art
  • Address: 522 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
  • Phone: 800-699-1509
  • Website: https://www.meca.edu/

7Helping Hands Maine

Helping Hands Trade School is a great school dedicated to training prospective healthcare professionals.

They offer many courses at competitive prices – they’re one of the cheapest around.

The healthcare industry is ever-growing and there’s a constant demand for skilled workers.

It’s a great opportunity for everyone who’s looking to enter the medical field and explore future career opportunities.

Enrollment: All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee (see information below). They also must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED.

Fees: The tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Personal Support Specialist (PSS) – $295
  • Certified Nursing Assistant Training (CNA) – $1,050
  • Certified Medication Aide Training (CNA-M) – $1,500
  • Certified Residential Medication Aide Training (CRMA) – $295
  • Phlebotomy Training – $1,750
  • Medical Billing Specialist Training – $759
  • Dental Assistant Training – $1,400
  • Certified Residential Medical Aide (8 Hour) – $75

All applicants must also pay a non-refundable application fee – $100 for phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, dental assisting, and medical aide courses; $40 for all other programs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Personal Support Specialist (PSS)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant Training (CNA)
  • Certified Medication Aide Training (CNA-M)
  • Certified Residential Medication Aide Training (CRMA)
  • Phlebotomy Training
  • Medical Billing Specialist Training
  • Dental Assistant Training
  • Certified Residential Medical Aide (8 Hour)

Contact information:

  • Helping Hands Maine
  • Location 1: 32 College Avenue, Suite 104, Waterville, ME 04901
  • Location 2: 571 Sabattus St, Suite 2, Lewiston, ME 04240
  • Phone 1: 207-873-0011
  • Phone 2: 207-777-5294
  • Website: https://helpinghandsmaine.com/

8Mid-Maine Technical Center

Mid-Maine Technical Center is located on the campus of Waterville High School.

All of their programs follow the latest industry and national standards, which enables students to receive over 42 recognized certifications.

It’s a renowned institution that aims to inspire students and help them achieve their goals and dreams.

The environment is very safe, friendly, and student-oriented.

They offer a wide variety of courses led by an abundance of recognized industry experts and leaders.

MTC has a state-of-the-art facility with over one million dollars in high tech equipment.

The curriculum focuses on hands-on learning, while still teaching the most important theoretical knowledge.

By attending this school, students will get an opportunity to secure a job easily, as many of the certifications offered are in high demand.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Everyone’s welcome to apply.

Fees: Contact their admissions department to get further information about the tuition fees.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Automotive Technology
  • Construction Technology
  • CTE Academy
  • Culinary Arts
  • Criminal Justice
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electrical Technology
  • Emergency Services
  • Information Technology
  • Mass Media Communications
  • Medical Careers
  • Precision Machining

Contact information:


9Waldo County Technical Center

Waldo County Technical Center is another member of Maine’s network of career and technical education schools.

They offer a variety of courses and focus on hands-on practical training back up with relevant theoretical knowledge.

Because they’re a part of Maine’s network, they have to follow a robust set of rules, created to ensure that the students receive only the best education.

Their instructors are very dedicated and passionate, having helped hundreds of students achieve their goals.

The whole institution is student-oriented and its facilities are very modern.

Their curriculum entails only the latest techniques and methods.

Enrollment: Applicants must fill in the form from their website and wait for a response on whether they’re eligible for any of the programs.

Fees: Contact their admissions department to get further information on tuition costs and additional fees.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Auto Collision Repair/Composites
  • Automotive Technology
  • Building Construction
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Computer Careers
  • Culinary Arts
  • Diesel Technology
  • Electrical Trades
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • ESP(Employability Skills Program)
  • Graphic Design
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Small Engine Repair
  • Strive
  • Welding Technology

Contact information:

  • Waldo County Technical Center
  • Address: 1022 Waterville Rd, Waldo, ME 04915
  • Phone: 207-342-5231
  • Website: https://waldotech.org/

10Mid-Coast School of Technology

Mid-Coast School of Technology is another member of Maine’s network, which means that they follow robust standards in order to provide students with the highest-quality education.

One standout feature of attending this school is the ability to take advantage of their post-secondary agreements with colleges to earn credits.

This is an amazing school filled with opportunities for students who want to dabble in many specialized-skill industries.

Upon completion, students will be competent enough to start independently working and taking advantage of the high demand.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Everyone’s welcome to apply.

Fees: Contact the school via the phone number below to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Auto Collision Repair
  • Auto Technology
  • Design/Technology
  • Diversified Occupations – North Haven
  • Diversified Occupations – Vinalhaven
  • English / Technical Communications
  • Firefighting / EMT
  • Health Occupations
  • Horticulture – Islesboro
  • Hospitality (Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry)
  • Introduction to Applied Technology
  • Machine Tool
  • Marine Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Outdoor Leadership
  • Pre-Engineering
  • Residential Construction
  • School to Career – Cooperative Education
  • Small Engine & Diesel Engine Technology
  • Social Studies
  • Welding / Fabrication

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,260$59,800$28.75$77,280$45,010
Medical Records Specialists820$49,270$23.69$68,640$37,190
Nursing Assistants7,550$42,960$20.65$49,130$36,750
Dental Assistants1,390$48,760$23.44$59,330$38,590
Medical Assistants3,960$44,580$21.44$52,440$37,680
Phlebotomists670$40,670$19.55$47,330$33,660
Electricians3,380$64,920$31.21$80,010$47,390
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2,410$60,200$28.94$75,410$41,500
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics3,220$49,840$23.96$63,360$34,970
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers2,080$59,060$28.39$73,980$40,930
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Maine, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, trade schools offer an abundance of amazing and interesting courses that will come in handy when looking for jobs.

By attending one of these schools and earning a certificate, you will be able to enter the workforce rapidly and secure a prosperous job position.

Another advantage is the fact that many of the courses don’t last longer than two years and have flexible schedules, so you will be able to juggle school and additional work easily.