Best Trade Schools in Lowell, Massachusetts (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Lowell and the Merrimack Valley. This guide compares accredited options, in-demand trades, and Massachusetts licensing1.

Top Trade Schools in Lowell

Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Middlesex Community College (Lowell/Bedford) Certificates 6–12 months; A.S. ~2 years NECHE-accredited. Advanced manufacturing, HVAC-related, and technical workforce programs2.
Greater Lowell Technical High School – Adult Ed 6–12+ months Adult trade programs in Welding, Electrical, HVAC, and more. Evening schedules for working adults.
IBEW Local 103 – Electrical JATC (regional) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom hours toward Journeyman licensure4.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 12/Local 104 (regional) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; plumbing/pipefitting with wage progression and 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 via experience, coursework, and 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. BLS, Boston–Cambridge–Newton and Lowell–Billerica–Chelmsford NECTA. bls.gov/oes ↩

  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.