Trade SchoolsFour-year degrees can be expensive but luckily trade schools offer a variety of training programs that can be completed for less than the cost of a semester at a private college or university.
Harrisburg trade schools prepare you for careers as a medical assistant, esthetician, welder, or professional driver, among many other in-demand professions.
On this page, we will compile information about the best trade schools in your region and the programs available.
Students may earn associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas, depending on the career path they choose.
Costs range from a few hundred dollars to more than $30,000, depending on the program, its duration, the school, and the credentials it leads to.
By attending one of the schools on our list you may prepare for in-demand careers, in a variety of industries, including healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, or the beauty industry.
Our list includes hands-on on-campus programs as well as online training programs that can be completed by students at their own pace from the comfort of their homes.
1Dauphin County Technical School
About the School
Dauphin County Technical School is a full-time, comprehensive public career and technical high school serving 11 high schools in Central Dauphin, Derry Township.
25 programs of study are available in the schools of:
- Construction & Manufacturing
- Visual Arts & Information Technology
- Health Sciences & Public Services
- Transportation
High school dual enrollment programs are available through Harrisburg Area Community College.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Building Construction Technology
- Carpentry
- Electrical Construction & Maintenance
- Engineering and Machining Design
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Landscaping & Greenhouse Production
- Masonry
- Welding Technology
Contact Information
- Address: 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109
- Phone: (717) 652-3170
- Website: https://dcts.org
2Pennsylvania Career & Technical Education
About the School
Pennsylvania Career & Technical Education offers an Education Resource Center at Penn State Greater Allegheny, near Pittsburgh.
The primary goal of this Center is to provide technical support services to the field of career and technical education.
Courses Offered
The school offers programs designed to:
- Prepare high school graduates for postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or entry into the workforce
- Identify relevant secondary academic and technical courses required for postsecondary enrollment and/or entry into the workforce
- Align with postsecondary options and offer college credit for specific high school academic and technical courses
- Focus on preparing students with industry certifications and higher-level STEM
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: McKeesport, PA 15132
- Phone: (412) 675-9065
- Website: https://www.careertechpa.org
3HACC
About the School
HACC- Central Pennsylvania’s Community College offers a variety of programs of study.
The college was founded in 1964 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
HACC- Central Pennsylvania’s Community College offers the following programs:
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
- Automotive Technology
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Cardiology Technician Certificate
- Commercial Driver’s License Certification
- Culinary Arts
- Dental Assisting
- Electrical Technology
- Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
- Fire Science Technology
- Health Science
- Massage Therapy Program
- Paralegal Studies
- Welding
- And more
Programs lead to Certificates, Diplomas, or Degrees, depending on the chosen pathway.
Contact Information
- Address: One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110
- Phone: 800-ABC-HACC
- Website: https://www.hacc.edu
4Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech has trained students throughout the Lehigh Valley since 1949 at its Allentown campus.
A second Pennsylvania campus is also located in Philadelphia.
The school has specialized training labs and classrooms, equipped to meet the needs of students on their path to careers in electrical, healthcare, and information technology industries.
Courses Offered
The following training programs are available at the school:
- Computer Systems Support Technician
- Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Practical Nursing
The campus has the following features:
- Information Technology training rooms
- Medical training labs and simulation manikins
Tutoring services are available as needed.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program, its duration, and the credentials it leads to.
The Medical Assistant program costs $23,266, while the Computer and Network Support Technician program costs $36,145.
Contact Information
- Address: 9191 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136
- Phone: (215) 335-0800
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
5Cedar Crest College
About the School
Cedar Crest College offers more than 40 degree programs that lead to certificates or degrees.
The 84-acre campus includes a nationally-registered arboretum with more than 130 species of trees.
Cedar Crest College is a liberal college that offers training programs that lead to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, as well as certificates.
The college provides, to both men and women, a flexible option to achieve one of the above credentials.
Courses Offered
The college offers a variety of degree and certificate programs in areas such as:
- Business: Healthcare Management
- Business, Human Resource Management
- Business Administration
- Nursing: School Nurse
- Optometry
- Web Design
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 100 College Drive, Allentown, PA 18104
- Phone: 800-360-1222
- Website: https://www3.cedarcrest.edu
6AW Driving School
About the School
If you want to start a career as a commercial driver, AW Driving School offers fully one-on-one training that provides students with personalized instruction from a skilled instructor throughout the entire training program.
The 100-hour commercial driving program includes:
- 40 hours of ELDT online/classroom theory
- 60 hours of Class A one-on-one training
- the CDL exam is administered at the school’s testing center
- a Certificate of Completion
This program cost is $6,500 and covers:
- Administration fees, student fees, and online fees
- DOT physical and drug screen
- AWTS CDL A Course
A 20-hour E Restriction Removal program that focuses on behind-the-wheel manual training is also available for $2,400.
Contact Information
- Address: 555 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109
- Phone: 610-508-3011
- Website: https://www.awdrivingschool.com
7Eastern Atlantic States- Carpenters Technical Centers
About the School
Eastern Atlantic States- Carpenters Technical Centers gives students the opportunity to prepare for rewarding careers in skilled trades.
Trainees may choose from different trades available at seven convenient locations across the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
The Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers are accredited by the Commission of Council on Occupational Education.
Courses Offered
The center offers training programs that prepare students for the following trades:
- Carpenter- students prepare for work in diverse settings, constructing structures of all sizes and complexities
- Floor Layers- trainees learn how to install various types of flooring materials
- Pile Drivers- trainees specialize in various construction tasks
- Upholsters- the program prepares skilled craftsmen with the ability to use industrial sewing machines, hand tools, and other power tools
- Locksmith- students learn about the locks of today
- Casino In-House- entry-level concepts and principles of proper door & hardware installation
- Millwright- prepares skilled craftsmen to install, maintain, repair, and diagnose complex machinery
- Mill/Cabinet- this program teaches students how to bring architectural designs to reality by crafting and installing a wide range of woodwork, cabinetry, furniture, and decor.
Contact Information
- Address: 10401 Decatur Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154
- Phone: 215-824-2300
- Website: https://www.eascarpenterstech.edu
8YTI Career Institute
About the School
YTI Career Institute offers a variety of training programs at its three Pennsylvania campuses.
The institute has campuses in Altoona, Lancaster, and York.
The Altoona campus opened in 2006 and has graduated 2,056 students to date.
The institute offers programs in Business, Computer, Culinary Arts, Healthcare, and Trades fields.
Courses Offered
The following career training programs are available at the institute:
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
- Computer and Data Management
- Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assistant
- Electrical Technology
- Health Information Management
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Pastry Arts
- Respiratory Therapy
- Veterinary Technician
- And more
YTI Career Institute has memberships and affiliations with institutions such as:
- Accrediting Commission of Schools & Colleges
- American Academy for Professional Coders
- American Culinary Federation
- Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602
- Phone: (814) 201-2025
- Website: https://yti.edu
9Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
About the School
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center is a full-service career and technical school dedicated to preparing high school students and adults for careers.
The center is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center has four campuses: Willow Street, Brownstown, Mount Joy, and Health Sciences Campus.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- HVAC EPA Certification
- Machinist/CNC Operator/Training Program
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Dental Hygiene
- Interactive Media & Web Design
- Welding Technology
- TIG Welding
- Basic Welding
- Veterinary Technology
- And more
Program duration varies depending on the chosen pathway.
The TIG Welding program can be completed in seven weeks.
The Veterinary Technology program can be completed in two years.
Contact Information
- Address: 1730 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584
- Phone: 717-464-7050
- Website: https://lancasterctc.edu
10Penn Foster
About the School
Penn Foster offers a variety of recognized certificate, diploma, and degree programs.
Students learn on their own time, around their schedule.
They have access to the courses 24/7 on a computer, tablet or mobile device.
Penn Foster is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
According to the school’s website, the average monthly cost for its most popular programs is $59 or less.
Programs are available in the following areas of study:
- Automotive & Engine Repair
- Business
- Computers & Electronics
- Child Care & Education
- Criminal Justice & Legal
- Design & Creative Services
- Healthcare
- Skilled Trades & Industrial
- Fitness & Nutrition
- Travel & Hospitality
- Veterinary
Courses Offered
Penn Foster offers the following programs:
- Medical Administrative Assistant- a four-month program
- Dental Assistant- a three-month program
- Pharmacy Technician Professional- a 13-month program
- IT Support Specialist- a three-month program
- Residential Electrician- a seven-month program
- Veterinary Assistant- a 12-month program
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best trade schools in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania the next step is to discover what career path you want to pursue and choose the school and the program that will prepare you for entry-level employment in the field of your choice.
This is an important step, so make sure you gather information about all the factors that are relevant to you before deciding where to enroll.
Trade Schools by City in Pennsylvania
