Best Trade Schools in Rochester, New York (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Rochester. This page highlights accredited programs, apprenticeships, and New York licensing basics. The Rochester area offers strong options in electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, and advanced manufacturing1.

Top Trade Schools in Rochester

All schools below serve Greater Rochester. Program lengths are typical ranges — verify current offerings, accreditation, and start dates23.

School Program Length Highlights
Monroe Community College (Rochester) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years MSCHE accredited. HVAC/R, Precision Manufacturing, Building Trades, Automotive. Strong labs and employer links across the Finger Lakes2.
Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) Varies SUNY-affiliated EOC with tuition-free workforce training for eligible students. Programs in allied health, trades-related skills, and career readiness.
IBEW Local 86 – Electrical JATC (Rochester) 3–5 years Registered apprenticeship in Inside Wireman/Residential. Paid OJT + classroom instruction; excellent placement and wage progression.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 13 – JATC (Rochester) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR. Earn while you learn with comprehensive shop training and safety.

Tip: If you’re new to the trades, start with a short college certificate to build fundamentals, then apply to a registered apprenticeship for paid experience and licensing hours.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Commercial TI, facilities maintenance, and new construction keep demand steady. Apprenticeships lead to journeyperson roles and contractor paths1.
  • HVAC/R Technician: Year-round service in homes, hospitals, and campuses. EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerants4. Controls skills are a plus.
  • Welder: Fabrication and manufacturing roles across Monroe and surrounding counties. Multi-process credentials improve employability1.
  • Plumber: Residential/commercial service and new installs. Apprenticeships provide a clear path to licensing and higher pay.

Licensing Requirements in New York

New York licensing is set locally by cities and counties (there is no single statewide electrician or plumber license). Always check your city or county’s building department for current rules.

  • Electrician: Complete an apprenticeship or equivalent experience, pass local exams, and register/insure if you plan to contract.
  • Plumbing: Local jurisdictions license Journeyman/Master Plumbers and require exams and documented experience. Gas work may need additional qualifications.
  • HVAC/R: No statewide technician license. EPA Section 608 is required for refrigerant handling4. Some municipalities require contractor registration for mechanical work.
  • Welding: No statewide welder license. Employers often require AWS or project-specific qualifications.
  • Apprenticeships: Search and apply via the New York State Department of Labor Apprenticeship portal5.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning for theory with on-campus labs for hands-on skills.
  • Evening/weekend schedules at community colleges and apprenticeship centers.
  • Short stackable credentials (OSHA-10/30, EPA 608) add quick value alongside long-form training.

Next Steps

Start with two local programs and one apprenticeship application. Confirm accreditation, lab time, and how training maps to your local licensing requirements.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC Technicians, Plumbers, Welders). bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory. accsc.org ↩

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

  5. New York State Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Programs. dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship ↩

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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.