Updated August 2, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
New York's economy is powered by skilled workers-from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the factories of Buffalo. Whether you're in NYC, Albany, Rochester, or the rural North Country, trade schools across New York offer practical, job-focused training to help you get started in a high-demand career.
From HVAC and electrical to healthcare and welding, New York's trade programs help students earn certifications and enter the workforce quickly.
These accredited trade schools and technical colleges offer hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and strong employment outcomes.
Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lincoln Tech | Queens, Brooklyn | HVAC, Automotive, Electrical, Medical Assisting | ACCSC | Visit Site |
SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center | Bronx | HVAC, Allied Health, Skilled Trades | SUNY Accredited | Visit Site |
Erie 1 BOCES Workforce Development | Buffalo | Welding, Electrical, HVAC, CNC | NYSED Approved | Visit Site |
Morrisville State College (SUNY) | Morrisville | Automotive Tech, Diesel, Building Trades | MSCHE | Visit Site |
CUNY LaGuardia Community College | Queens | Medical Billing, HVAC, Plumbing | MSCHE | Visit Site |
BOCES Hudson Valley | Yorktown Heights | Electrical, Welding, Cosmetology | NYSED Approved | Visit Site |
Lincoln Tech (Queens), SUNY Morrisville, and BOCES programs across the state are all strong choices, offering hands-on programs in automotive, HVAC, and allied health fields.
Many SUNY and CUNY campuses offer technical certificate and associate degree programs in skilled trades and healthcare.
Yes - through the Excelsior Scholarship and BOCES, eligible students can receive tuition-free vocational training.
Yes. Trade school students may qualify for Pell Grants, TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), and state-sponsored Excelsior aid if attending eligible programs.
According to the NYS Department of Labor and the BLS:
If you're ready to begin a skilled trade career in New York, these programs can help you get trained, certified, and working fast. Explore your options and take the next step today.
Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. Heβs the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.