Best Trade Schools in Jersey City, New Jersey (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Jersey City. This guide compares accredited programs, shows the fastest paths to licensure in New Jersey, and highlights in-demand trades in the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro, one of the nation’s largest skilled labor markets1.

Top Trade Schools in Jersey City

The schools below are accredited or state-approved and within a practical commute of Jersey City. Program lengths are typical ranges. Always confirm current details with the school and College Navigator2.

School Program Length Highlights
Hudson County Community College (Jersey City) Short-term certificates to 1–2 years Regionally accredited (MSCHE)2. Jersey City and North Hudson campuses. Workforce training in healthcare, technology, CDL, and trades-related upskilling. Strong community and employer partnerships.
Hudson Technical – Hudson County Schools of Technology (Secaucus) 6–12+ months certificates; LPN ~12 months State-approved adult and continuing education. LPN program approved by NJ Board of Nursing. Offers practical hands-on labs and evening schedules for working adults.
Lincoln Tech – Union 9–15 months ACCSC accredited3. HVAC and Electrical programs with EPA Section 608 prep, low-voltage systems, and hands-on labs. Day and evening scheduling.
Eastwick College – Hackensack 9–12 months certificates; 12–18 months diplomas/associate Institutionally accredited; verify programs on College Navigator2. Offers HVACR, electrical, and other technical tracks with accelerated schedules and externships.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Bloomfield 9–18 months ACCSC accredited3. Automotive and Diesel Technology with modern labs and manufacturer-aligned curriculum. Career services and employer network.
Fortis Institute – Wayne 9–12 months ACCSC accredited3. HVACR and allied health programs. Hands-on refrigeration and controls training with preparation for EPA 608 certification.
Apex Technical School – Long Island City, NY 7–12 months ACCSC accredited3. Close by via PATH and subway. Programs in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding. Intensive lab time and job placement support.
Eastern International College – Jersey City 18–36+ months (AAS/BS) Regionally accredited (MSCHE)2. Allied health focus including dental hygiene and diagnostic medical sonography with on-site clinics and labs.

Tip: Apprenticeship training centers in the region, such as IBEW and UA JATCs, provide paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction that meets New Jersey licensing requirements for certain trades1.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • The New York–Newark–Jersey City metro is one of the largest employment hubs for electricians, offering steady project pipelines in residential, commercial, and transit work1. Training options include 6–12 month school programs that prepare you for entry-level work or a 4–5 year apprenticeship that leads to journeyperson status and the hours needed for a contractor license in New Jersey.

HVAC

  • HVAC technicians perform installation, service, and controls work in a region with extreme seasonal swings and high building density. Demand is sustained by retrofits, energy efficiency upgrades, and construction. Many local programs prepare you for EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification, required for handling regulated refrigerants4. The metro employs a large number of HVAC workers compared to most U.S. areas1.

Welding

  • Welders support infrastructure, manufacturing, construction, and facility maintenance. Employers often look for practical shop skills and performance-based certifications. Local technical schools and fabrication shops provide the hands-on practice you need to test for industry-recognized credentials. NCCER welding credentials can help document skills for employers and contractors5.

Plumbing

  • Plumbers and pipefitters are in steady demand for new construction, hospital and lab projects, and code-driven upgrades in older buildings. New Jersey relies on registered apprenticeships to build qualified talent pipelines. Completing an approved apprenticeship helps you meet eligibility to test for a master plumber license6.

For deeper career info and typical duties, explore our trade hub:

  • Electrician overview and schools: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC career path and licensing: /trades/hvac
  • Welding training options: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing training and apprenticeships: /trades/plumbing

Licensing Requirements in New Jersey

Electrician

  • Regulator: New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors7
  • Steps:
    • Enter a registered apprenticeship or accumulate equivalent experience and classroom training.
    • Complete thousands of on-the-job hours plus related instruction that aligns with Board rules.
    • Pass the state exam.
    • Apply for licensure. A business permit is required to contract for electrical work.

HVACR

  • Regulator: New Jersey Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors8
  • Steps:
    • Complete an approved apprenticeship or a combination of education and verified experience.
    • Pass the state HVACR exam.
    • Hold EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling4.
    • Apply for a Master HVACR Contractor license. A business permit is required to contract.

Plumbing

  • Regulator: New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers6
  • Steps:
    • Register as an apprentice and complete the required on-the-job hours and classroom training.
    • Work as a qualified journeyperson under supervision, as required by Board rules.
    • Pass the master plumber exam.
    • Apply for license and business permit to contract.

Welding

  • New Jersey does not license welders at the state level. Employers and project owners require performance-based qualifications. Training often prepares you to test to industry standards. NCCER credentials are widely recognized in construction and industrial settings5.

Note: Always verify current licensing rules and required hours with the state boards before you enroll or test.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Many local schools offer hybrid schedules. Theory and code courses may be online while labs remain on campus.
  • Evening and weekend cohorts are common at Hudson Technical, Lincoln Tech, Eastwick, and similar providers, helping you train while working.
  • For exam and certification prep:
    • Electrical NEC code updates and practice tests are often offered in hybrid formats.
    • HVAC programs commonly include EPA 608 study resources online4.
  • Explore flexible learning tips in our guides:
    • How to compare online trade programs: /guides/online-trade-schools
    • Paying for trade school and grants: /guides/financial-aid
    • How apprenticeships work in the trades: /guides/apprenticeships

Next Steps

  • Compare programs across the state: /trade-school/new-jersey/
  • Browse all trades and pick a path: /trades/
  • See our national school finder: /trade-school/

Make a shortlist of two to three schools. Ask about upcoming start dates, hands-on lab hours, and how they help you meet New Jersey licensing requirements. If you plan to contract, also ask about the business permit process for your trade.

References

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, New Jersey and New York–Newark–Jersey City metro. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35620.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/schools/directory/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. NCCER Credentials and Certifications. https://www.nccer.org/credentialing/ ↩ ↩

  6. New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu ↩ ↩

  7. New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/elec ↩

  8. New Jersey Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors. https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr ↩

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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.