Best Trade Schools in Springfield, Massachusetts (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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

Top Trade Schools in Springfield

Verify current offerings, accreditation, and schedules23.

School Program Length Highlights
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Certificates 6–12 months; A.S. ~2 years NECHE-accredited. HVAC, Manufacturing/Welding, Electrical/Telecom, and related programs with strong labs2.
Porter and Chester Institute – Chicopee (regional) Diplomas ~9–12 months ACCSC-accredited3. Electrical and HVACR with code-aligned training, hands-on labs, and job placement support.
IBEW Local 7 – Electrical JATC (Springfield) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom hours toward Journeyman Electrician licensure.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 104 – Training (Springfield) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR with wage progression and employer connections.

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

  • Electrician: Apprentice → 8,000 OJT + 600 classroom → Journeyman exam; additional experience/education for Master exam4.
  • HVAC/R & Related: Refrigeration Technician/Contractor licensing via experience, coursework, and exam; EPA 608 required56. Oil Burner and Gas Fitter are separate licenses67.
  • Plumbing/Gasfitting: Registered apprenticeship, required hours, and state exams for Journeyman/Master78.
  • 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, Springfield, MA–CT Metro. bls.gov/oes ↩

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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.