Best Trade Schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Cambridge and nearby. This guide compares accredited options, in-demand trades, and Massachusetts licensing so you can train and get hired quickly1.

Top Trade Schools in Cambridge

Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (Boston) Certificates 9–12 months; A.S. 2 years NECHE-accredited. HVAC&R, Electrical Technology, Automotive; employer partnerships; day/evening options2.
Porter and Chester Institute (Canton/Woburn) Diplomas ~9–12 months ACCSC-accredited3. Electrical Technology and HVACR with code-aligned training and hands-on labs.
IBEW Local 103 – Electrical JATC (Dorchester) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom hours toward Journeyman Electrician licensure4.
UA Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 12 – Training (Dorchester) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; plumbing/pipefitting with wage progression and industry certifications54.

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

  • Electrician: Apprentice → 8,000 OJT + 600 classroom → Journeyman exam; additional experience/education for Master exam6.
  • HVAC/R & Related: Refrigeration licensing (experience + coursework + exam); EPA 608 required78. Oil Burner and Gas Fitter are separate licenses85.
  • Plumbing/Gasfitting: Registered apprenticeship, required hours, and state exams for Journeyman/Master54.
  • Welding: No general state license; employers require AWS/ASME performance qualifications9.

Next Steps

  • Compare MA programs: /trade-school/massachusetts/
  • Explore trades and credentials: /trades/
  • National resources and guides: /trade-school/

Visit labs, confirm accreditation, and ask how programs map to Massachusetts licensing and exam prep.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH. bls.gov/oes/current/oes_14460.htm ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩

  3. ACCSC Directory. accsc.org/school-directory/ ↩ ↩

  4. MA Division of Apprentice Standards. mass.gov/orgs/division-of-apprentice-standards ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. MA Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. MA Board of State Examiners of Electricians. mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-electricians ↩

  7. MA Board of Examiners of Refrigeration Technicians. mass.gov/orgs/board-of-examiners-of-refrigeration-technicians ↩

  8. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  9. American Welding Society (AWS), Certification. aws.org/certification/ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s 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.