Trade SchoolsIf you’d like to start a rewarding career but cannot afford to spend four years in college education, trade schools are a viable alternative.
Through programs that usually last less than two years, trade schools can prepare you for entry-level employment in professions such as medical assistants, electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, and many other in-demand professions.
The curriculum combines classroom education with hands-on applications to prepare students for real-life scenarios.
If you live in Long Island and you want to find out more about the trade school programs available in your region, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the top 10 trade schools in Long Island.
1Hunter Business School
About the School
Hunter Business School has been training students for more than 50 years.
The school is preparing them for careers in a variety of in-demand industries.
Hunter Business School is accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Administration with Billing and Coding
- Computer Technician Networking Specialist
- Web Application Design and Development
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Billing Specialist
Costs vary between $3,000 and $43,000 depending on the program and the duration.
The 180-hour Medical Billing Specialist program costs $3,440 while the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program costs $43,100.
Contact Information
- Address: 3601 Hempstead Tpke. Levittown, NY 11756
- Phone: 516.796.1000
- Website: https://hunterbusinessschool.edu
2Apex Technical School
About the School
Apex Technical School offers trade school programs with quality hands-on training to provide students with marketable skills for employment after graduation.
The school is located in Long Island City, Queens.
Job placement assistance, financial aid, and work-study jobs are available for those who qualify.
Most courses are available in day and evening options to fit students’ needs and different schedules.
Seven 900-hour certificate courses designed to provide students with basic trade skills and labor skills are also available.
The programs cover the skills that help graduates find employment in an entry-level position in the industry of their choice.
Courses Offered
The school prepares students for employment in the following trades:
- Automotive Service and Repair
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Appliance/Controls
- Combination Welding Technology
- Electrical & Advanced Electrical
- Construction & Building Skills
- Plumbing & Pipefitting
Contact Information
- Address: 24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Phone: (212) 645-3300
- Website: https://apexschool.com
3Wilson Tech
About the School
Wilson Tech prepares high school students and adults with the skills needed in today’s workplace.
Students can learn technical skills, such as how to operate a computer, how to design a building, how to color hair, and more.
Courses Offered
The following high school tech programs are available at Wilson Tech:
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Esthetics
- Fashion Design Technology
- Electronics/Robotics/Computer Repair
- Computer Game Design
- Auto Body Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Carpentry
- Construction Electricity
- Welding
- Digital Film and Video
- Medical Assisting
- Physical Therapy Aide
- And more
Students enrolled in the CTE Skill program receive training for entry-level employment and/or post-secondary education.
Exploratory programs are also available for students who need a more individualized curriculum and a structured setting.
These programs provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with workplace skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 507 Deer Park Road, P.O. Box 8007, Huntington Station, NY 11746-9007
- Phone: (631) 425-9050
- Website: https://www.wilsontech.org
4Electrical HVAC/R Training Center
The Electrical HVAC/R Training Center prepares students for new careers in the HVAC/R or Electrical Industries.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
HVAC/R Program- a program designed for those with little or no experience in the field
Electrical Training Program- in addition to classroom hands-on training, the school has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to provide on-site hands-on training
The 600-hour HVAC/R Program also provides EPA Certification 608 Exam and OSHA 30.
Students progressively complete each course to acquire entry-level skills in each unit.
The Electrical Training Program also includes 600 hours of training and OSHA 30.
The following upgrade courses and seminars are also available:
- NYC/DOB 8-Hour Master & Special Electrician Renewal
- Suffolk County & 8-Hour Master Electrician Renewal
- Security and Fire Alarm Courses
Contact Information
- Address: 65 Elm Street, Copiague, NY 11726
- Phone: (631) 226-8021
- Website: https://www.electricaltrainingcenter.edu
5Nassau Bocces- Barry Tech
About the School
Nassau Bocces-Barry Tech provides high school students in all parts of Nassau County with the opportunity to get a head start in learning the skills needed for employment in addition to a high school diploma.
Barry Tech offers approximately 40 different occupational courses.
Courses Offered
Barry Tech provides the following courses:
- Computer Game Design and Programming Skills
- Fashion Design Technology and Merchandising
- Auto Collision Technician
- Automotive Skills
- Aviation Operations
- Carpentry
- Computer Technology
- Construction Electricity
- Construction Trade Skills
- HVAC/Plumbing
- Welding
- And more
Courses are between one and two years in length, depending on the program.
Program availability depends on what grade the students are in.
Some courses are available only to students in grades 11-12 while other courses are also available to 10th-grade students.
Contact Information
- Address: 1196 Prospect Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
- Phone: (516) 622-6800
- Website: https://www.nassauboces.org
6Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech in Queens, New York helps students train for a career in one of America’s largest automotive markets.
The college has a close working relationship with the Greater New York Dealers Association, the two being located in the same building.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Automotive Technology- the campus shares a facility with GNYADA’s Center for Automotive Education and Training
- Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology- students who complete this program have the skills needed to install and maintain fiber optics, alarm systems for fire and security, telecommunications systems, theater, and satellite systems.
The campus offers 50,000 square feet of training space and 14 fully-equipped auto bays stocked with industry-standard tools.
According to the Lincoln Tech website, approximately 39,000 talented automotive technicians will be needed in New York by 2028.
Grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options are available for students who qualify.
Students receive career training from ASE-certified instructors.
The school has an on-campus Snap-On tool shop to keep students’ toolboxes stocked.
Contact Information
- Address: 15-30 Petracca Place, Whitestone, NY 11357
- Phone: (718) 640-9800
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
7Access Careers
About the School
Access Careers offers flexible schedules with day, evening, and weekend classes available to fit different lifestyles and to accommodate the needs of students who also have jobs.
The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Nursing Assistant | Nurse Aide
- Medical Assistant Hybrid Program
- Dental Assistant Program
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical Courses
- Computer Courses
- Business Applications
- ESL
The Medical Assistant Hybrid Program covers topics such as Medical Terminology, Phlebotomy Techniques & OSHA, EKG Skills, Aseptic Techniques & Medical Examination Procedures, Communications with Medical Law and Ethics, Medical Coding & Billing with EHR, Pharmacology & Laboratory Skills, and more.
This program is 900 hours long- 600 hours cover theory and skills taught online with a live instructor and the rest consists of a skills lab that is supervised by an instructor.
Contact Information
- Address: 474 Fulton Avenue, Suite 201 Hempstead, NY 11550
- Phone: (516)-433-0034
- Website: https://accesscareers.net
8Alliance Group Affiliates NYS Security Guard Training School
About the School
Alliance Group Affiliates NYS Security Guard Training School provides security guard training, bodyguard, homeland security courses, and other classes for students who want to start a career in this field.
Courses Offered
The following security guard training courses are available:
- NYS Eight-Hour Pre-Assignment Course for Security Guards
- NYS Sixteen Hour OJT Course for Security Guards
- NYS Annual In-Service Course for Security Guards
Students have to be fingerprinted before getting their security guard license.
This is conducted by an electronic fingerprint vendor authorized by the New York State Department of State.
Applicants also have to submit a Security Guard Application to New York State.
The paperwork is available on the NYS Department of State website.
Contact Information
- Address: 3 Main St., Kings Park, New York 11754 (Admin Office)
- Phone: (631) 482-0075
- Website: https://nyofficer.com
9The Learn Center
About the School
The Learn Center is New York’s only licensed heavy equipment operator training school.
The center is located near the Long Island Rail Road and MacArthur airport.
The school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and a New York City DOB course provider.
Courses Offered
Students learn how to work with a variety of heavy equipment, including skid-steer, backhoes, excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and more.
The center emulates a construction environment with a 3,200-square-foot heated indoor shop and an air-conditioned classroom area with a kitchenette, media center, and bathroom facilities.
The 1.25-acre yard contains approximately 20 pieces of heavy equipment, construction materials, and equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 819 15th Street, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
- Phone: (631) 648-9991
- Website: https://thelearncenter.net
10Long Island School of Healthcare Careers
About the School
Long Island School of Healthcare Careers provides EKG and Phlebotomy Technician classes that can be completed in five or six weeks.
Morning, evening, and weekend sections are available to accommodate different lifestyles and schedules.
Weekdays and weekend classes are also offered.
Potential students can start their application process by taking a few minutes to provide contact information online.
The school teaches a complete curriculum as outlined by the New York State Education Department (Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision).
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- C.N.A.
- EKG and Phlebotomy
- H.H.A.
Students develop a variety of skills, including:
- How to assist clients with treatments and daily activities
- The communication skills needed to understand each patient’s needs and accurately communicate them
- Respect and compassion
- Cleansing and how to provide patient control and safety
Contact Information
- Address: 60 East Industry Court, Deer Park, NY 11729
- Phone: 631-522-1212
- Website: https://longislandcna.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 | 32,460 | $80,240 | $38.58 | $128,840 | $50,810 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 6,590 | $64,790 | $31.15 | $94,440 | $41,170 |
| Nursing Assistants | 80,540 | $47,450 | $22.81 | $56,780 | $38,700 |
| Dental Assistants | 19,770 | $48,830 | $23.48 | $61,440 | $36,880 |
| Medical Assistants | 45,350 | $47,780 | $22.97 | $57,580 | $36,650 |
| Phlebotomists | 7,170 | $50,450 | $24.26 | $61,540 | $39,250 |
| Electricians | 39,310 | $85,650 | $41.18 | $132,070 | $45,130 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 23,600 | $93,650 | $45.02 | $143,210 | $49,590 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 27,980 | $57,790 | $27.78 | $91,180 | $33,000 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 22,780 | $71,520 | $34.39 | $99,190 | $46,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of best trade schools in Long Island, it’s time to decide what career path you want to pursue.
Then, the next step is to choose the program that will prepare you for entry-level employment and/or licensure exam.
Trade Schools by City in New York
