10 Best Trade Schools inVermont

1Central Vermont Career Center

The Central Vermont Career Center is offering career-based education for the 21st-century world.

The Career Center was founded in 1969 and has served Vermont students ever since.

The school is part of the Barre Unified Union School District.

The Central Vermont Career Center also offers Adult Continuing Education courses.

Enrollment. The Central Vermont Career Center application can be downloaded from the school’s website.

The Career Center recommends students applying to CVCC to first attend an Information Day visit at their school.

If in high school, students should be grades 10-12 during the year they plan to attend Central Vermont Career Center; Exploratory Tech is the only program that is also available to 9th and 10th graders.

Prospective students should have good attendance and good discipline record.

Courses offered:

• Automotive Technology
• Baking Arts
• Building Trades
• Co-op Education
• Cosmetology
• Exploratory Technology
• Human Services
• Medical Professions
• Natural Resources and Sustainability
• Plumbing and Heating

Contact information:

• Central Vermont Career Center is located at 155 Ayers Street, Suite 2, Barre, VT 05641
• Phone: (802) 476-6237
• Website: http://www.cvtcc.org

2Vermont Woodworking School

Vermont Woodworking School is a trade school that teaches fine woodworking and furniture design.

The school was founded in 2007 by Carina Driscoll, Blake Ewoldsen and Master Designer Craftsman Robert Fletcher.

The Vermont Woodworking School is located in a historic barn tuned into a modern woodworking facility.

Students learn extensive furniture-making techniques that give them access to a variety of paths and careers in the woodworking industry.

The school offers immersion programs and community workshops.

Immersion programs are designed to help students gain a deep understanding of fine woodworking and furniture-making.

Community Workshops are designed for those who want to explore the craft in a shorter time period.

Students may enroll for a minimum of six weeks in the Immersion Program and can extend for up to two academic years.

Fees. Tuition fees vary according to the length of the training period.

The 6-week Immersion Program costs $5,850 while the 15-week program costs $7,800.

Community Workshops cost between $249 and $399.

The school awards scholarships of $500 or $1,000 per semester to qualifying Immersion Program students.

Courses offered:

• 6-Week Immersion
• 9-Week Immersion
• 15-Week Immersion

Contact information:

• The school is located at 148 Main Street, Fairfax, VT 05454
• Phone: (802) 849-2013
• Website: https://www.vermontwoodworkingschool.com

3Center of Technology, Essex

The Center for Technology, Essex offers a variety of career training programs that are open to both high school students and adult learners.

Enrollment. Applicants interested in attending CTE must visit the programs before submitting an application.

Prospective students must be 16 years of age or older and submit a completed application.

The completed application should include high school academic transcript, high school attendance and discipline records.

Adult applicants without a high school diploma (including those with a GED) may enroll in daytime programs free of charge.

Adults with a high school diploma may attend daytime programs on a space-available basis with a reduced tuition charge.

By attending one of the center’s programs, students can earn Industry Recognized Credentials like ASE Automotive Certification, ServSafe in Culinary, OSHA10, OSHA30 in Building and Agricultural systems.

Fees. Tuition for the school year is $4,800 for adult students with a high school diploma.

Courses offered:

• Automotive Technology
• Building Technology
• Childhood Education & Human Services
• Computer Animation & Web Design
• Computer Systems Technology
• Cosmetology
• Dental Assisting
• Design and Creative Media
• Engineering & Architectural Design
• Health Informatics
• Natural Resources
• Pre-Tech
• Professional Foods

Contact information:

• The center is located at 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452
• Phone: 802-879-5558
• Website: https://www.ewsd.org/CTE

4Advanced Welding Institute

The Advanced Welding Institute offers accelerated welding programs that train students to become structural and pipe welders.

The school’s curriculum is based on four strategies: lecture and discussion, demonstration, individual practice, and systematic practical and written testing.

The school’s welding programs are over 90% hands-on welding/cutting.

School instructors have over 30 years of combined experience.

Classes, which begin on a monthly basis, are held in a modern training facility.

The Institute also offers career and job search assistance.

The Advanced Welding Institute is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent.

The school also requires a letter of reference and a short essay stating why you would like to attend AWI and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Fees. Tuition for the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding program is $20,500 while the Structural Welding Program costs $16,500.

Financial aid is also available for qualifying students.

Courses offered:

The school offers the following full-time courses:

• Structural Welding
• Combination Structural and Pipe Welding

Contact information:

• Advanced Welding Institute, Vermont campus is located at 2 Green Tree Dr # 3, South Burlington, VT, 05403
• Phone: (802) 660-0600
• Website: https://awi.edu

5O'Briens Aveda Institute

O’Briens Aveda Institute provides training programs for future cosmetologists, barbers, and estheticians.

O’Briens has been in the cosmetology business for over 60 years and has trained thousands of beauty professionals.

At the Institute, students learn through hands-on, real-world experience.

The length of time needed to graduate varies by program: the Cosmetology program can be completed in one year, while the Esthetics program can be completed in 6 months or less.

Graduates are entitled to apply for the Vermont State Board exam.

During training, students also learn how to write a resume, interview tips, and business management.

O’Brien’s Aveda Institute is accredited by the National Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, a copy of their driver’s license and proof of MMR vaccine.

Prospective students also need a copy of their passport, a social security card or birth certificate.

Fees. The total cost is $18,625 for the Cosmetology program, $14,000 for the Barbering program and $9,650 for the Esthetics program.

The Institute is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer Title IV funding.

Courses offered:

• Cosmetology
• Barbering
• Esthetics

Contact information:

• O’Briens Aveda Institute is located at 400 Cornerstone Drive, Williston, VT 05495
• Phone: 802.876.7044
• Website: http://www.obriensavedainstitute.org

6YesterMorrow Design/Building School

The YesterMorrow Design/Building School teaches the arts of design and building through hands-on experience.

School classes are taught by top architects, builders, craftspeople, and permaculture practitioners from around the country.

YesterMorrow offers professional certificate programs that are open to students over 18 years of age who are seeking career development.

The school offers hands-on training that teaches the art of design and building as an integrated process.

YesterMorrow campus is located in Waitsfield and includes design studios, woodshop, administrative offices, dormitory lodging, seasonal cabins, outdoor classroom space, kitchen, dining room, library, and unique features designed and built by students.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Maximum capacity for classes ranges from 8 to 15 students.

Fees. Tuition for the certificate programs is between $3,500 and $8,500.

Courses offered:

The school offers the following certificate programs:

• Building Science and Net-Zero Design
• Natural Building
• Green Woodworking Certificate
• Residential Design & Construction
• Tiny House Design/Build Certificate Program
• Woodworking

Contact information:

• YesterMorrow Design/Building School is located at 7865 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673
• Phone: +1.888.496.5541
• Website: https://yestermorrow.org

7Stafford Technical Center

Stafford Technical Center is providing career training in a variety of fields, including allied health, welding, computer technology, and much more.

The Center offers day classes and adult education classes.

The primary objective of the CTE programs is to provide students with specific knowledge, skills, and theory to enable them to either get a job upon completion of the program and/or to pursue post-secondary education.

Stafford Technical Center is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment. Prospective students can apply by filling out a form on the school’s website.

An interview with a program instructor is also required.

Applicants should have a minimum of 11th-grade status and good school attendance.

To be eligible for Adult Education programs, you must be at least 16 years old.

Fees. Tuition varies by program.

The CDL A adult education training program costs $5,556, while the Wheel-Thrown Pottery class costs $170.

Courses offered:

The Center offers career training in the following fields:

• Auto Body Repair
• Automotive Technology
• Construction Technology
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts
• Digital Arts
• Electrical and Plumbing
• Engineering
• Health Careers
• Human Services
• Power Mechanics and Welding
• Public Safety and Criminal Justice
• Natural Resources and Forestry
• Video Communications

The Center offers many Adult Education programs, including:

• Wheel Thrown Pottery
• CDL “A” License
• CDL “B” License
• Fundamental Computer Skills
• Microsoft Excel Fundamentals
• Microsoft Excel Fundamentals
• and many more.

Contact information:

• The school is located at 8 Stratton Road, Rutland, Vermont 05701
• Phone: (802) 770-1033
• Website: http://staffordonline.org

8New England Culinary Institute

New England Culinary Institute is offering training for those who want to build a career in the culinary world.

NECI has been one of the leading culinary colleges in the country for over 30 years.

The school offers Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies and Certificate programs.

The Certificate programs can be completed in 22 weeks.

New England Culinary Institute’s educational facilities include classrooms, library, and kitchen laboratories,  as wells as restaurants serving the public.

NECI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

The Institute is certified by the Vermont Board of Education as a bona fide institution of higher learning.

Enrollment. Applicants need official high school transcripts or school equivalency.

A letter of reference is also required along with an essay of a minimum of 500 words.

Prospective students will also be interviewed by an Admissions Representative.

Fees. Tuition for the Certificate programs varies between $19,135-$20,260, for off-campus students.

On-campus students will have to pay an additional $5,600.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

• Culinary Arts
• Professional Baking and Pastry Arts
• Food and Beverage Business Management

Contact information:

• New England Culinary Institute is located at 7 School Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
• Phone: 877.223.6324
• Website: https://www.neci.edu

9River Bend Career & Technical Center

River Bend Career & Technical Center offers a variety of educational programs for future skilled professionals in allied health, construction, automotive technology and much more.

River Bend provides career, technical, and integrated academic training to students and adults in New Hampshire and Vermont.

With programs centered on learning-by-doing, the center teaches students the skills necessary to secure employment, to continue post-secondary studies, or to pursue a combination of both.

River Bend’s campus is located in Upper Plain and it includes a state-of-the-art automotive garage, heavy equipment training sites and shop, a complete building trades workshop, and a commercial kitchen with its own restaurant.

Enrollment. Students can apply online or by filling out a paper application.

Courses offered:

• Cosmetology
• Div. Ag & Natural Resources
• Construction Academy & Residential Energy
• 21st Century Media and Design
• Automotive Technology
• Emergency Services
• Health Sciences
• Culinary Arts
• Teacher Education
• Heavy Equipment
• Criminal Justice

Contact information:

• The Center is located at 36 Oxbow Drive, Bradford, VT 05033
• Phone:  802-222-5212
• Website: https://www.rbctc.org

10Northeast Driver Training LLC

Northeast Driver Training LLC provides training classes for future truck operators.

The company provides commercial driver’s license training for class A and class B.

Students are trained by instructors with over 30 years of experience.

Northeast Driver also provides training for students who want a Class B license with a Passenger (P) endorsement.

Based out of Rockingham, VT, the company serves Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.

The New England driving school has a simulator that helps students become familiar with the shifting concept.

Students will practice proactive inspections, backing, coupling and uncoupling trailers before a trip and on-road driving on one of the Northeast Driver Training tractor-trailers.

Fees. Training fees vary by program.

The tuition cost includes use of a school tractor-trailer for the CDL road test, and the D.O.T. physical exam and pre-employment drug screen.

Courses offered:

• Commercial Drivers License Course- CDL A
• Commercial Drivers License Course- CDL B
• Commercial Drivers Refresher Course
• HazMat retesting- Endorsements
• Pre-tip Inspections

Contact information:

• Northeast Driver is located at 10 Transport Park, Rockingham, VT 05101
• Phone: (802) 463-9194
• Website: https://northeastdrivertraining.com