Best Trade Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Worcester. This guide compares accredited options, in-demand trades, and Massachusetts licensing so you can train and get hired quickly. Worcester’s construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors support steady demand for skilled trades in Central MA1.

Top Trade Schools in Worcester

Program lengths are typical ranges; confirm details, accreditation, and schedules before you enroll23.

School Program Length Highlights
Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years NECHE-accredited. HVAC, Manufacturing/Mechatronics, Automotive, and Building/Construction-related programs. Hybrid and evening options2.
Porter and Chester Institute – Worcester Diplomas ~9–12 months ACCSC-accredited3. Electrical and HVACR with code-aligned training and hands-on labs. Job placement support and flexible scheduling.
IBEW Local 96 – Electrical JATC (Worcester) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; paid OJT and classroom hours toward Journeyman Electrician licensure. Strong contractor network.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 4 – Training Center (Worcester) 5-year apprenticeship Registered MA apprenticeship; plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR with structured wage progression and benefits while you train.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Ongoing construction and clean energy projects across Central MA. Apprenticeships lead to Journeyman and Master licensing14.
  • HVAC/R: Four-season climate and commercial facilities drive hiring. Refrigeration and gas/oil credentials add value156.
  • Welding: Fabrication, construction, and maintenance roles across Central MA. AWS/ASME code quals help secure structural and pipe work17.
  • Plumbing/Gasfitting: Residential/commercial service and new installs remain strong. Apprenticeships are the standard path to licensure189.

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

  • Electrician (Board of State Examiners of Electricians): 8,000 hours OJT + 600 hours classroom for Journeyman; pass exam; additional experience/education for Master exam4.
  • HVAC/R and Related: Refrigeration Technician/Contractor licensing requires documented experience, approved coursework, and passing the state exam; EPA 608 is required for refrigerants56. Oil Burner Technician and Gas Fitter credentials are licensed separately68.
  • Plumber/Gasfitter (Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters): Registered apprenticeship, required OJT and classroom hours, and state exams for Journeyman/Master89.
  • Welding: No general state license; employers and project owners require code-based performance qualifications. Specialized work may need additional approvals17.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs: theory online plus in-person labs for skills.
  • Evening/weekend cohorts at community colleges and training centers.
  • Apprenticeships: paid training with classroom nights that meet state licensing education requirements.

Next Steps

Visit labs, confirm accreditation, and ask how each program maps 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. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (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. American Welding Society (AWS), Certification. aws.org/certification/ ↩ ↩

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

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

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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.