Trade SchoolsFour-year degrees are sometimes expensive and not everyone can afford them.
Luckily you can train for a career in a skilled trade for less than the cost of a semester at a private college or university.
Lancaster trade schools prepare you for careers as a medical assistant, esthetician, welder, or professional driver, among many other in-demand paths.
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 thousand 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 selection 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.
1Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
About the School
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology educates Pennsylvania’s economically and socially disadvantaged as well as other qualified students for skilled employment.
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Associate degrees and certificates are available.
Courses Offered
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology provides the following Certificate programs:
- Computer Integrated Machining
- Electrical Construction and Maintenance
- Masonry Construction Certificate
- Welding Technology Certificate
In-demand majors are also available in:
- Carpentry Technology
- Collision Repair Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Electronic Engineering Technology
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning- Refrigeration
- Plumbing Technology
- Welding Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 750 E King St Lancaster, PA 17602
- Phone: 717.299.7701
- Website: https://stevenscollege.edu
2Lancaster 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 in high-demand industries.
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
- HVAC
- 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
3YTI Career Institute
About the School
YTI Career Institute offers Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management and Pastry Arts programs at its Lancaster, PA campus.
The campus opened in 2003 and has graduated 5,429 students to date.
Courses Offered
The following career training programs are available in Lancaster:
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
- Computer and Data Management
- Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management
- Cybersecurity
- Health Information Management
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Pastry Arts
- Respiratory Therapy
- Veterinary Technician
The campus has memberships and affiliations with institutions such as:
- The Accrediting Commission of Schools & Colleges
- American Academy for Professional Coders
- American Culinary Federation
- Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 380 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
- Phone: (717) 295-1100
- Website: https://yti.edu
4Central Penn College
About the School
Central Penn College opens opportunities for students from a variety of academic backgrounds by providing the education needed for employment and advancement in the fields of their choice.
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Central Penn College offers degree and certificate programs in fields such as:
- Business Administration
- Health Science
- Healthcare Management
- Bookkeeping Certificate
- Dental Assistant Certificate
- Medical Assisting Diploma
- Medical Billing & Coding Certificate
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Sports Management Certificate
- Associate in Applied Science in Child Care Management
- Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Central Penn College, 600 Valley Rd., P.O. Box 309, Summerdale, PA 17093-0309
- Phone: 800-759-2727
- Website: https://www.centralpenn.edu
5Lancaster School of Massage
About the School
Lancaster School of Massage provides professional massage therapy education in a relaxed, supportive, educational setting.
The school provides students with all the care and instruction students need to begin a new career.
Courses Offered
Lancaster School of Massage offers a Massage Therapy program that includes the following topics:
- Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology
- Awareness, Communication Skills, and Ethics
- Business Practices
- Swedish Massage
- Myofascial Release
- Sports Massage
- Reflexology
- And more
The admission requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Submit a Student Application Form
- Arrange for a personal interview
- Submit transcripts
- Enroll for the entire 600 hours of training
Tuition for this program is $10,500.
Contact Information
- Address: 313 W. Liberty Street, Suite 205, Lancaster, PA 17603
- Phone: 717.293.9698
- Website: https://www.lancasterschoolofmassage.com
6Conestoga Valley High School
About the School
Conestoga Valley High School offers programs for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a specific field of study during and/or after high school at its Career and Technology Center.
The CTC prepares students for employment, two-year technical or trade schools, and four-year colleges and universities.
The center also provides students with dual enrollment and co-op experiences.
The CTC tuition is paid by the CV School District.
However, most programs have a cost to students for uniforms and tools/equipment.
The cost varies by program, but it’s usually around $200 per year.
Contact Information
- Address: 2110 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
- Phone: 717-397-5231
- Website: https://www.conestogavalley.org/Page/1450
7Welder Training & Testing Institute
About the School
Welder Training & Testing Institute has been supporting the welding industry’s demand for Training, Certification, and Inspection, since 1968.
Courses Offered
The 900-hour Welder Fitter program available at the school is a primary career-level program specifically designed for incoming students who have little or no welding experience.
This program consists of metal cutting using the Oxyacetylene torch and employing four common processes to make sound welds on carbon steel plates and pipes.
The program is eligible for financial aid to students who qualify.
The following advanced-level welding programs are also available for individuals who have prior knowledge of welding processes:
- Standard Welding- 180 hours
- Advanced Welder Qualification- Pipe- 120 hours
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding- 60 hours
- Gas Metal Arc Welding- GMAW and MIG- 60 hours
- Flux Cored Arc Welding- FCAW- 60 hours
Contact Information
- Address: 729 E. Highland Street, Allentown, PA 18109
- Phone: 610-437-9720
- Website: https://www.wtti.edu
8Eastern Atlantic States- Carpenters Technical Centers
About the School
Training opportunities are also available for students who want to start careers in the carpentry trade.
Eastern Atlantic States- Carpenters Technical Centers gives students the opportunity to choose from various trades at seven convenient locations across 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 following trades are available:
- 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- this program covers entry-level concepts and principles of proper door & hardware installation
- Millwright- prepares skilled craftsmen to install, maintain, repair, and diagnose complex machinery
- Mill/Cabinet- 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
9McCann School of Business & Technology
About the School
McCann School of Business & Technology is an affordable and flexible vocational education institution in Allentown.
The school is located about an hour outside of Philadelphia in eastern Pennsylvania.
Trainees have access to career readiness education at a more affordable rate than a four-year program.
McCann School of Business & Technology provides affordable, flexible education that allows students to apply for positions in their career field in as little as 18 to 24 months.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Medical Clinical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer
- IT Support Specialist
- HVAC and Basic Refrigeration
Contact Information
- Address: 2200 N Irving St, Allentown, PA 18109
- Phone: 866-865-8065
- Website: https://www.mccann.edu
10Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech offers a variety of training programs for Pennsylvania students.
The college has a campus in Philadelphia and one in Allentown.
The school has specialized training labs and classrooms, equipped to meet the needs of students on the path to careers in electrical, healthcare, and information technology industries.
Courses Offered
The following training programs are available at Lincoln Tech:
- 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.
Contact Information
- Address: 5151 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104
- Phone: (610) 398-5300
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best trade schools in Lancaster, Pennsylvania the next step is to discover what career path you want to pursue and choose the program that will help you become ready 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
