Trade Schools
Trade schools, also called vocational schools, offer many educational opportunities to students who want to build a rewarding, successful career but can’t afford 4 years of college.
New Hampshire is home to many reputable trade schools.
In just months of training, students can learn all the skills they need to get an entry-level job in their chosen field.
Let’s see what new trades you can learn in New Hampshire.
Trade Schools by City
1The NH School of Mechanical Trades
The New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades specializes in training students for heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical jobs.
The school also offers licensing requirement courses, exam-prep courses, and continuing education seminars.
The school’s motto is “Build A Hands-On Future Today!”
The Mechanical Trades School has two locations in New Hampshire: one in Hampton and one in Manchester.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a High School Diploma or a GED. Additional requirements might be needed for some classes.
Fees. Total tuition varies between $300 and $5,200, depending on the course. Payment plans are also available.
Courses offered:
HVAC Courses
- Air Conditioning Technician
- Advanced A/C Technician
- Oil Heat Technician
- A/C & Oil Heat Combo
- A/C & Advanced A/C Combo
Gas Heat Courses
- Gas Systems, Controls, and Service
- Gas Piping Installer
- Gas Equipment Installer
- Gas Service Technician
- Gas License Code Combo
- Gas License and Service Combo
- MA Gas Prep
Electrical Courses
- Electrical 101
- Apprentice Programs (1-4)
- NH Electrical Prep
- MA Electrical Prep
Plumbing Courses
- Plumbing 101
- Apprenticeship Programs (1-4)
- NH Plumbing Prep
- MA Plumbing and Gas Prep
Contact information:
- Main Location: 7 Perimeter Rd, Manchester NH 03013
- New Location: 109 Towle Farm Rd, Hampton, NH 03842
- Phone: (603) 622-6544
- Website: https://nhtradeschool.com
2Heavy Construction Academy
Heavy Construction Academy is providing training and certification for Heavy Equipment Operators.
The Academy was founded in 2004 and has since trained and certified thousands of knowledgeable and proficient Heavy Equipment Operators.
At HCA students learn through hands-on training.
The school is continuously monitoring and adapting the curriculum to best suit current economic states, weather conditions, and industry demand.
Enrollment. Applicants must have a valid picture ID, must hold a GED or the equivalent, must be able to read and write in English at a minimum of an 8th-grade level, as well as be proficient in Math at the minimum of an 8th-grade level, and be at least 18 years old.
Applicants who have a history of seizures or are on medications that may interfere with their ability to operate equipment may be disqualified. Applicants who have felony convictions may also be disqualified.
Fees. Tuition is $18,300. Mandatory fees sum up to $400.
Courses offered:
- Front-end Loader Training
- Skid Steer Training
- Backhoe Training
- Off-Road Dump Truck Training
- Roller Compactor Training
- Bulldozer Training
- Motor Grader Training
- Excavator Training
Contact information:
- Heavy Construction Academy is located at 5 Industrial Drive, Brentwood, NH 03833-6543
- Phone: (888) 772-9002/(603) 772-9002
- Website: https://operator-academy.com
3Continental Academie of Hair Design
Continental Academie of Hair Design been providing students with a quality cosmetology education since 1973.
The school is Nationally Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc.
Continental Academie of Hair Design is licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
The school offers an 11-month program with classes Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m and a 15-month program with classes Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Academie provides employment assistance to its graduates by providing names of employers looking to hire graduates of the Academie.
The school offers a $1,000 “incentive for success” scholarship to students who:
- have a 95% – average attendance rate
- have a 95% – written grade average
- have a 95% – practical grade average
The school also offers a high school transfer scholarship of $1,600+Transfer 200 hrs for students who completed a two-year Cosmetology program at an area high school.
Enrollment. Applicants must hold a High School Diploma or GED. Copies of the Birth Certificate and Drivers License are also required along with a copy of the Social Security Card and 2 full-face passport photos.
Fees. The total tuition cost for the Cosmetology program is $21,474. Financial Aid is also available to students who qualify.
Contact information:
- Phone: 603.889.1614
- Website: http://continentalacademie.com
4Granite State Trade School
Granite State Trade School offers training programs for HVAC and refrigeration technicians, as well as gasfitters and plumbers.
The school has expert instructors, spacious classrooms, and lab facilities.
School instructors have more than 20 years of experience in the field.
Granite State Trade School is the original provider of New Hampshire gas license testing.
The school also provides a review class for former NH license holders looking to renew their license.
The school offers flexible scheduling, with classes available days, evenings, and Saturdays.
Granite State has partnered with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association to enhance the Plumber’s Home Study Mentoring Program.
Fees vary by program. Tuition for the Oil Heat Technician Course is $2,250 while the full 6 hours Gas Continued Education is $95.
The cost of New Hampshire gas license testing and review is $225.
Courses offered:
- Fuel gas piping installers license
- Fuel gas equipment installers license
- Fuel gas service technician license
- Gas continuing education
- Plumbing continuing education courses
- Plumber’s Licensing eLearning Program
- Plumber’s In-house Apprentice Program
- 2 Year HVAC Evening Program
Contact information:
- The school is located at 42 Old Manchester Road Raymond, NH 03077
- Phone: 603-895-4444
- Website: http://www.granitestatetradeschool.com
5Empire Beauty School
Empire Beauty Schools are offering training classes for future cosmetologists, estheticians, and barbers.
The schools have more than 50 years of experience in educating future stylists.
Empire Beauty Schools is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Students can graduate in 20-107 weeks, depending on the program and the schedule you choose (part-time or full time).
Enrollment. Applicants must provide proof of secondary education.
Fees. Tuition ranges between $10,940 and $20,895, depending on the program. Empire Beauty Schools are approved for use of Federal Government Loan and Grant Programs.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Premium Esthetics
- Barbering
- Professional Makeup Classes
Contact information:
- Laconia Campus: 556 Main Street Laconia, NH 03246
- Phone: 603-524-8777
- Somersworth Campus: 456 High Street Somersworth, NH 03878
- Phone: 603-692-1515
- Hooksett Campus: 1328 Hooksett Road Hooksett, NH 03106
- Phone: 603-792-1400
- Website: http://www.empirebeautyschools.com/
6Boston Bartenders Schools
Boston Bartenders Schools of America are independently owned schools of a large franchise.
The schools offer regional, and national placement assistance to graduates.
Students can choose between day classes, afternoon classes and Saturday classes.
Trainees learn through hands-on training in a real pub atmosphere.
Course topics include freestyle hand pouring, one and two-handed pours, daily opening and closing duties, learn about the different spirits and their histories, bar flair, draft beer pouring, proper wine service but also business management and alcohol awareness.
Boston Bartenders Schools of America is licensed by the Massachusetts Office of Private Occupational School Education, Division of Professional Licensure.
The school is also licensed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Education Office of Career.
Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Fees. Tuition is $445. Students will receive a manual, a drink sheet, a state-approved certificate in Mixology & Bar management, a laminated bartenders I.D. Card, B.B.A personalized logo resume and immediate job placement assistance.
Courses offered:
- 32-Hour Bartending Certificate Program
Contact information:
- The school is located at
- Phone:
- Website: https://www.bostonbartendingschool.com
7North Eastern Institute of Whole Health
North Eastern Institute of Whole Health is the largest school of Massage Therapy in New England.
The Institute has a 12,500 square feet facility with study classrooms and practical training rooms, workshop and lecture rooms as well as a student break room.
In addition, the Institute has a clinic, where the students gain practical experience in massage and learn how to deal with the general public.
The 750-Hour Massage Therapy Program is offered to students who want to obtain a Massage Therapy License in New Hampshire.
A Diploma in Massage Therapy is awarded to students who complete and pass all courses.
The Institute and its curriculum are licensed and approved by the State of New Hampshire Department of Education, Higher Education Commission.
North Eastern Institute of Whole Health is approved to offer Veteran’s Administration educational benefits.
Enrollment is available throughout the year. Prospective students may enroll at any time at the school campus. Applicants must be 18 years or older and hold a High School Diploma or GED. Adult CPR and Basic First Aid certification is required to be taken before graduation.
Fees. The total course price is $9,500.
Contact information:
- North Eastern Institute of Whole Health, 22 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH 03101
- Phone: (603) 623-5018 Ext.10
- Website: https://neiwh.com
8Ann Flanagan Real Estate School
Ann Flanagan New Hampshire Real Estate School is offering courses for future salespersons.
Salesperson Pre-license Live Class FLEX Schedule is offering students the freedom to start anytime at any location and complete all 10 classes in any order at any of the locations.
The school also offers the Broker Pre-License Online course.
The school instructor is Ann Flanagan.
She has 20 years experience as the Investigator for the NH Real Estate Commission.
Ann holds Master’s degrees in business & education and holds a New Hampshire real estate broker license.
Ann Flanagan New Hampshire Real Estate School is accredited by the NH Real Estate Commission.
In order to qualify for the Licensing Process, future real estate salespersons need to complete the 40-hour pre-license course.
Future brokers need to complete the 60-hour pre-license course.
Other requirements also apply.
The school also offers free optional assistance with real estate agent job placement.
Fees. The price for the 40 credits Pre-license Salesperson Course is $350. The 60-credits Broker Pre-license Online Course costs $375.
Courses offered:
- Pre-license FLEX Salesperson Course
- Broker Pre-license Online Course
- CE Renewal – Online
- CE Renewal – Live Classes
Contact information:
- Phone: (603) 225-5266 (call or text)
- Website: https://www.nhreschool.com
9Commercial Driving School LLC
Commercial Driving School, LLC is a registered training provider of automotive and commercial driver’s license courses.
Classes have a small student-to-instructor ratio to make sure students get the attention and assistance they need.
The school was founded in 2009.
It currently serves anyone in New Hampshire who wants to gain a driver’s license or start working in the transportation industry.
The school is a member of Concord Chamber of Commerce, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, New Hampshire Driver Education Teachers Association, New England Traffic Safety Education Association and New Hampshire Motor Transport Association.
Commercial Driving School, LLC has a current pass rate of 94%
Fees. Training fees for CDL training vary between $2,900 and $6,500, depending on the course. The 6-week automobile course is $650.
Courses offered:
CDL course
- CDL-A Weekday Course
- CDL-B Weekday Course
- CDL-A Refresher Course
- CDL-B to CDL-A Upgrade Weekday Course
- CDL-A Weekend Course
Auto-courses
- Automobile Course
- Driver Improvement Program
Contact information:
- The school is located at70 Pembroke Road, Suite #3, Concord, NH 03301
- Phone: (603) 715-2559
- Website: http://cdsofnh.com
10American Academy of Health and Beauty
American Academy of Health and Beauty is providing hands-on education for future estheticians, massage therapists, and spa nail technicians.
The American Academy of Health & Beauty is licensed by the State of New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics.
The American Academy of Health & Beauty is accredited with the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.
The school’s 7000 sq. ft. facility contains modern, up to date equipment that is used for individual treatments such as waxing, advanced services, facials, manicures, pedicures, and massage.
Theory rooms and practical rooms are used for student education.
The school offers its graduates assistance in finding employment opportunities.
Enrollment. Prospective students can apply online on the school’s website, by filling out an enrollment form.
Fees. The total cost of education varies between $4,177 and $17,327. Title IV Funding is available for those who qualify. Three payment options, outside financing, and other discounts are also available.
Courses offered:
- Esthetics (600 Hours)
- Advanced Esthetics (900 Hours)
- Massage Therapy (780 hours)
- Spa Nails (300 Hours)
- Advanced Spa Nails (450 Hours)
Contact information:
- The school is located at 981 Second St. Suite 4, Manchester, NH 03102
- Phone: 800-576-2457/603-625-6100
- Website: https://myaahb.com
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 | 1,460 | $59,810 | $28.76 | $81,700 | $38,240 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 990 | $50,430 | $24.24 | $67,100 | $36,200 |
| Nursing Assistants | 7,710 | $45,090 | $21.68 | $56,690 | $35,400 |
| Dental Assistants | 1,350 | $54,190 | $26.06 | $63,430 | $40,670 |
| Medical Assistants | 2,930 | $45,490 | $21.87 | $55,140 | $36,950 |
| Phlebotomists | 650 | $45,110 | $21.69 | $54,060 | $37,420 |
| Electricians | 3,450 | $60,780 | $29.22 | $84,300 | $35,350 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 2,410 | $61,010 | $29.33 | $80,460 | $38,890 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 3,930 | $53,210 | $25.58 | $74,150 | $35,520 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 1,990 | $61,500 | $29.57 | $80,410 | $40,160 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
New Hampshire trade schools offer a variety of programs in some of the most in-demand industries.
Choosing the profession that best fits your skills and interests is just the first step towards a successful career.
You have to also choose the trade school that will help you fulfill your dreams.
With so many options out there, you have to choose carefully, taking into account all the relevant factors such as school accreditation, licensure rate, graduation rate, and reviews.
