Vocational Trade Schools in Connecticut

Trade and vocational schools provide workforce training in fields like healthcare, technology, and construction, as well as professional trades like plumbing. Many trade school careers offer above-average salaries and strong job growth potential. Earning a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years.

During a vocational program, students take coursework while gaining hands-on experience through labs, internships, or practicums. For example, dental hygienists complete clinical requirements to build career-ready skills, while mechanics and HVAC technicians practice their skills in an experiential learning environment.

Trade schools offer several benefits to students. Vocational programs save students money on tuition and fees compared to four-year programs, and vocational programs offer a faster route to career training. Professionals with an occupational credential also benefit from higher employment rates than those with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

This page introduces the top-ranked trade and vocational schools in Connecticut to help students find the right program for their needs. It also provides career and salary information for trade school graduates, introduces popular vocational programs, and lists scholarship opportunities for Connecticut trade school students.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Prospective trade school students should always research a school’s accreditation and licensure status before applying. Accredited schools meet high standards for granting degrees and certificates. Schools must undergo a rigorous review to earn accreditation, which evaluates schools’ student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.

In Connecticut, several organizations accredit vocational programs. Community colleges, liberal arts institutions, and research universities typically hold regional accreditation. The New England Commission of Higher Education grants regional accreditation to Connecticut schools.

Trade and vocational schools in Connecticut often hold accreditation from a national accrediting agency, such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which grants national accreditation to over 650 trade and vocational schools nationwide. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission, another specialized accrediting agency, grants accreditation to online schools.

In addition to accreditation, vocational and trade schools in Connecticut should hold a license from the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. The department licenses over 150 postsecondary career schools in the state. By researching accreditation and licensure when choosing a trade or technical school in Connecticut, students can make sure their program provides adequate preparation for the workforce.

Trade schools in Connecticut prepare graduates for in-demand careers. By attending a top-ranked trade school, professionals can advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Our list ranks the best vocational schools in Connecticut to help prospective students find the right fit for their interests and professional goals.

Many schools in the Connecticut education system integrate career training into their curricula, but the state also offers many secondary and postsecondary schools dedicated to vocational and trade training. The Connecticut Technical High School System comprises 17 technical high schools that provide trade and vocational education to teenagers and offer career training, education, and apprenticeships. Connecticut also hosts 19 agriculture science and technology education centers and offers career and technical education (CTE) training at 12 community colleges throughout the state.

Students interested in vocational and trade schools in Connecticut can use this search tool to find the right CTE school.

Trade school graduates can work in roles such as paralegal, automotive service technician, medical assistant, and construction manager. Salaries vary by field and role, but trade school professions offer an average salary of around $55,000 per year. Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations pay around $50,000 per year, while healthcare practitioner and technical occupations pay around $55,000 per year. Management occupations pay over $96,000 per year, on average, while construction occupations offer over $60,000 per year.

In many fields, trade school graduates earn high salaries with strong job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that occupational therapy assistants, dental hygienists, and HVAC technicians all earn above-average salaries and benefit from much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2023 and 2033.

Salaries also vary by location and experience. Prospective trade school students can research Connecticut salary data to learn more about the earning potential in different fields. For example, Connecticut paralegals earn over $71,000 per year, on average, while automotive mechanics make nearly $53,000 per year. Electricians in Connecticut make more than $69,000 per year, while respiratory therapists earn over $85,000 annually.

Trade schools in Connecticut offer vocational programs in many high-demand fields, including healthcare, professional trades, and legal services. Graduates with a vocational certificate or degree can work as construction managers, dental hygienists, medical assistants, and electricians.

This section discusses trade school programs for various careers. In addition to the following examples, prospective students can research vocational programs in other fields.

Vocational and trade school students often save many on their education compared to students in bachelor’s programs. Connecticut public universities charge over $12,000 per year in tuition and fees, while private universities cost over $40,000. In contrast, Connecticut community colleges cost around $4,000 per year in tuition, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

In addition to choosing an affordable trade or vocational school in Connecticut, students can save money on their education by pursuing financial aid opportunities. Students attending accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. Learners can determine their eligibility for federal aid by submitting the FAFSA every year. Not all schools meet the requirements for federal financial aid, so prospective students should check with specific schools to learn more about their eligibility.

Trade school students can also help cover the cost of a certificate or degree through grants and scholarships. Unlike loans, recipients do not need to pay back grants or scholarship awards, making them one of the best forms of financial aid. The next section introduces scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Connecticut.

Trade school students may qualify for many scholarship opportunities. By applying for scholarships and grants, students can potentially cover the cost of a vocational certificate or program. In addition to the following opportunities, students can find scholarships based on their school and field.