10 Best Trade Schools inTrenton, NJ

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If you live in Trenton and you want to start a rewarding career in a high-demand field such as skilled trades, healthcare, or the beauty industry, this page is for you.

Here we will compile information about the best trade schools in your region.

The schools included in our list prepare you for rewarding careers in a variety of fields, including Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Electrical Technology, Welding, Construction, and more.

ere you will find information about the best trade schools in the region and the programs they offer.

Most programs focus on teaching real-world skills and are designed to be completed in less than a year to prepare students for certification exams and entry-level employment in their field of study.

The classes focus on teaching the skills relevant to the future career through a combination of classroom and hands-on education.

Associate degree programs are also available for those who want to dedicate two years to their studies and prepare for employment or further studies toward a four-year degree.

Costs vary depending on the school and the program duration but many schools also offer financing options to help you cover expenses.



1New Jersey County Vocational- Technical Schools

New Jersey County Vocational-Technical Schools is a non-profit association by state law to represent the vocational-technical school district in New Jersey’s 21 counties.

New Jersey County Vocational-Technical Schools help people pursue their passions and experience real-world learning.

Programs are available for students who want more out of high school and for adults who need to prepare for better-paying jobs or technical certification.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Audiovisual Technology, Digital Media and Design, and Graphic Arts
  • Construction Technology and Architecture
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts and Hospitality
  • Health Sciences
  • Law and Public Safety
  • Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing
  • And more

Assunpink Center and Mercer County Technical Schools offer programs such as Barbering, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Electrical Trades, Machinist, Plumbing, Welding, and many more.

Contact Information


2Recording Connection

About the School

Recording Connection has music production and audio engineering training studios in Trenton.

In total, the school has studios at more than 250 locations.

Students help their mentor while also learning about music theory, the physical property of sound, and how to set up a studio to maximize a session.

They also learn how to bring new clients and how to pay the bills, among many other skills.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Ableton for music Creators and Artists
  • Audio Engineering & Music Production
  • Hip Hop & Beat Making
  • Music Producing
  • Music Business
  • Live Music
  • Live DJ
  • Advanced Audio Engineering & Music Production
  • Advanced Ableton Electronic Music Production
  • Ableton Electronic Music Production

Contact Information


3Mercer County Technical Schools

About the School

Mercer County Technical Schools provides courses designed to upgrade the skill level of the students and provide entry-level training for new employment or career change through its Adult Evening School.

The schools have developed both shared-time and academy programs of study to develop appropriate college and career pathways.

Enrolling in a shared-time program of study will give students the credentials to begin a career directly after high school graduation.

Academy programs are intended for students who plan to continue their education at a two or four-year institution.

Courses Offered

The school provides career prep programs in the following fields:

  • Advertising and Design
  • Criminal Justice
  • Digital Film
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Fire Science Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Radio and Television Production
  • Technical Theater
  • And more

Contact Information

  • Assunpink Center: 1085 Old Trenton Road, Trenton NJ 08690
  • Phone: 609.586.5144
  • Website: https://www.mcts.edu

4160 Driving Academy

160 Driving Academy offers a truck driving training program that prepares students for the commercial licensing exam and careers in the field.

Courses Offered

160 Driving Academy offers truck driving classes that help students earn a Commercial Driver’s License.

The classes teach the best procedures for driving a Class A truck and include:

  • Classroom instruction that prepares students for the written exam
  • A field training part that teaches students hands-on how to drive a truck

The school devotes the individual time necessary for each student to perfect their skill set and pass the Commercial Driver’s License exam.

The CDL A program includes 160 hours of training designed to be completed in just four weeks by students who attend the program 40 hours per week.

The classroom instruction lasts 40 hours in total.

The remaining 120 hours are dedicated to hands-on driving training and observation time on the yard, local streets, highways, and interstate roads.

Contact Information


5E&S Academy

E&S Academy offers quality medical healthcare training programs.

The programs were developed with a focus on practical experience.

The healthcare training at the program is available to help students find the right career for their goals.

Students learn at their own pace at home with no interruptions to their day-to-day lives.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at the school:

  • Online Medical Office Assistant/Specialist
  • Online Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Online Certified Home Health Aide
  • Online Patient Care Technician
  • Online EKG Technician
  • Online Phlebotomy Technician
  • And more

The Online Medical/Clinical Assistant program prepares students to take vital signs, communicate with patients, assist patients in preparing for doctor appointments, and manage the clinic’s schedule, among other skills.

This program costs $5,000 and includes 360 hours that cover 80 lessons.

The program includes approximately 16-24 weeks of self-paced online learning.

The program also includes 180 hours of externship at a medical facility as a requirement for course completion.

Contact Information


6Fortis Institute in Lawrenceville

About the School

Fortis Institute offers postsecondary education to people in Mercer, Trenton, Middlesex, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties and central New Jersey.

The institute provides a range of quality career training programs in popular healthcare career fields and the skilled trades.

Fortis Institute in Lawrenceville is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

The institute is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Fortis Institute:

  • HVAC & Refrigeration
  • Electrical and Electronic Systems Technician
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Medical Assisting

The HVAC & Refrigeration program teaches students how to:

  • Select and install heating and cooling systems in all types of buildings
  • Diagnose and repair commercial, industrial, and residential systems
  • Think critically so they can problem-solve while in the field

The Medical Billing and Coding program consists of experiential learning that prepares students for work in both office and hospital settings.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2572 Brunswick Pike, Suite 100, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
  • Phone: (609) 512-2560
  • Website: https://www.fortis.edu

7Jersey College

About the School

Jersey College has a nursing school campus located just outside of Trenton.

The campus offers a Practical Nursing “LPN” program and an RN Program to nursing students in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

The school hires well-trained and experienced instructors and administration from around the region dedicated to providing a comprehensive nursing education that can prepare students for a real-world career.

The Ewing campus features:

  • 30,000 square feet campus
  • 3143 square feet simulation lab
  • 11 classrooms
  • Student study rooms and lounge space

Courses Offered

The following programs are available:

  • Practical Nursing- a program that combines coursework with clinical practice to provide a well-rounded nursing education
  • Professional Nursing- students receive theoretical and practical training as well as preparation for the NCLEX exam.

Contact Information


8Ideal Institute of Technology

About the School

Ideal Institute of Technology offers affordable online and live online certification programs designed to train students for the latest, in-demand job skills.

Apprenticeships that allow students to earn a competitive wage from day one are also available.

Courses Offered

The institute offers programs in the following career pathways:

  • IT Careers
  • Construction Trade
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Digital Film Productions

Students may start a career in construction trades in less than nine months.

The following pathways are available:

  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have two forms of identification
  • Proof that they have graduated high school or equivalent
  • Provide a resume
  • Provide certifications or licenses related to the program when submitting an application form in order to be admitted into selective enrollment courses that may demand further admission prerequisites.

Contact Information

  • Address: 121-123 South Main Street, Pleasantville, NJ 08232
  • Phone: (609) 318-8008
  • Website: https://www.iitnj.edu

9Suny Westchester Community College

About the School

Suny Westchester Community College offers vocational and life studies non-credit workforce credentials.

The credentials prepare young adults to transition into independent living with a focus on vocational and employability skills.

The four-semester credentials are a collaborative effort between the Pleasantville Union Free School District Laboratory School and Westchester Community College.

Courses Offered

The course requirements include:

  • Skills for Living through Culinary
  • Computer Fundamentals, including Keyboarding
  • Workplace Communication
  • Health and Living
  • And more

The program has the following graduation requirements:

  • 80% attendance
  • Complete and pass all vocational and life studies program requirements

Contact Information


10Prism Career Institute

About the School

Prism Career Institute offers medical career training programs in West Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The campus is conveniently located so that students from South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia can also attend.

The institute offers:

  • Career readiness evaluation tests
  • Valuable experience gained from externships in professional healthcare settings
  • Affordable classes and programs supplemented with financial aid for students who qualify.

Courses Offered

The following programs are available at Prism Career Institute:

  • Practical Nursing Program- a program that offers specialized education required for students to pass the NCLEX-PN exam
  • Medical Assistant Program- a program that prepares both clinical and administrative education.

Contact Information


Final Thoughts

Trade schools in Trenton, New Jersey offer a viable educational alternative for high school students and adults who want to learn new skills through fast-paced hands-on education.

Now that you have read our selection, we encourage you to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.


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