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If you belong to those students disinterested in a traditional four-year degree and consider that vocational education provides the training necessary to become qualified professionals in a variety of trades, you are in the right place.
Career and technical education prepare graduates for direct entry into the workforce and we are offering you the top ten trade schools in Maine.
Northeast Technical Institute
Northeast Technical Institute is Nationally Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
The Institute gives its students hands-on career training that is driven by industry needs and graduating at this institute is a great way to get into the career that you were not sure how to get to.
Enrollment: You can take the first step towards your new career by getting in touch with one of the admission representatives.
You are welcome to call them and learn how you can have a new career in just a few short weeks or months.
They will answer all your questions and schedule a tour of an NTI campus in Maine.
You can also contact them via the contact form found on the official website.
The enrollment process requires filling out the application form, also available on the school’s website.
Courses Offered:
- Healthcare
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Phlebotomy/EKG Technician
- Medical Lab Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Medical Office Assistant
- Computers
- Desktop Support Technician
- Network Administration
- HVAC/R
- Truck Driving
- Manufacturing Technician
Contact Information:
- Northeast Technical Institute
- Address: 20 East Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240
- Phone: +1 800-447-1151
- Web: https://www.ntinow.edu
The Landing School of Boat Building and Design
The Landing School is the oldest operating school of its type in the United States.
It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
The Landing School offers, besides all the other programs, the only residential yacht design degree program in the United States.
Their goal is to provide opportunities for every student that enters their programs.
Enrollment: If you are interested in enrolling in the Landing School, you need to meet the following criteria for admission:
Firstly, you are supposed to complete an application form found on the school’s website.
Besides this, you need to complete a personal statement which is within the application.
You should submit the official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or official General Education Diploma (GED).
The official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned are also required.
The additional documentation includes two letters of recommendation by non-family members.
Once all these are gathered, you should be ready for an interview with an admissions representative.
The admissions interview can be conducted in person or over the phone.
Courses Offered:
- YACHT DESIGN
- WOODEN BOAT BUILDING
- COMPOSITE BOAT BUILDING
- MARINE SYSTEMS
Contact Information:
- The Landing School of Boat Building and Design
- Address: 286 River Rd, Arundel, ME 04046
- Phone: +1 207-985-7976
- Web: https://www.landingschool.edu
Spa Tech Institute
Career-oriented education is designed for people who want to get started in a meaningful career as quickly as possible and the Spa Tech Institute is the ideal choice for them.
Enrollment: The enrollment process in Spa Tech Institute requires that candidates are at least 18 years of age which has to be proved by a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other proof.
The eligible applicant is the one who has a high school diploma, HiSet or General Education Development (GED) certificate or equivalent.
The equivalents may be satisfied with the following:
- A high school transcript with graduation date clearly indicated.
- A college transcript from a Title IV approved college from an Associate Degree or at least 2 years towards a Bachelor degree
- Documentation showing that the student has met the state’s homeschool requirements or
- Other acceptable documentation that supports proof of state-recognized High School graduation credential.
Besides these, he/she has to have completed an admissions interview and established the method of payment for tuition, books, and fees.
The first step in the admission process is calling the Institute or filling out our online form.
Once you get in contact with a Career Advisor, you will get all the additional information.
Courses Offered:
- Massage
- Esthetics
- Polarity Therapy
- Cosmetology
- Limited Barbering
- Manicuring/Nail Tech
Contact Information:
- Spa Tech Institute
- Address: 100 Larrabee Rd, Westbrook, ME 04092
- Phone: +1 207-591-4141
- Web: https://spatech.edu
Region 10 Technical High School
Region 10 Technical High School is dedicated to exploring students’ potential through 15 full year programs.
The school offers certifications which are specific to each program, and are widely recognized by prospective employers.
Enrollment: If you are wondering how to apply for this school, here are the steps to complete.
Firstly, you are supposed to complete a New Student Application available on the school’s website.
Make sure you have filled out both sides of this application with all appropriate information and signatures.
The next step is scheduling and visiting the school and what is more important, you must bring the signed application with you when
you visit.
The application requires that you explain in your own words why you are applying for this program.
Courses Offered:
- Auto Collision & Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Building Trades
- Culinary Arts
- Early Childhood Ed.
- M.T. Basic
- English
- General Trades
- N.A
- Metal Fab. / Welding
- Multimedia Comm.
- Outdoor Powersports
- Pre-Apprenticeship
Contact Information:
- Region 10 Technical High School
- Address: 68 Church Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
- Phone: +1 207-729-6622
- Web: https://www.r10tech.org
Sanford Regional Technical Center
Sanford Regional Technical Center is a member of Maine’s network of career and technical education (CTE) schools.
Enrollment: In case you are interested in applying for Sanford Regional Technical Center, it is important to know the admission dates, as they will accept applications from early January through March 8th.
The process is simple as you just need to click on the “Apply Online” link on the school’s website and complete the online application.
The next step is seeing your School Counselor for more details regarding the next steps.
Prospective students are required to attend an interview, which should be held during the week of March 18th.
Final decisions regarding student selection are made by the end of April when the students will be notified via e-mail.
The following factors are considered in reviewing students:
- depth of interest in the program area
- grades
- attendance record
- recommendation from your high school
- interview
Courses Offered:
- Academy of Business
- Auto Collision Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Building Trades
- Computer & Network Systems
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Design
- Early Childhood Occupations Education
- Electrical Wiring
- Emergency Medical Services
- Engineering & Architectural Design-EAD
- Engineering Applications with Robotics
- Fire Science
- Health Occupations
- Landscaping & Horticulture
- Law Enforcement
- Precision Manufacturing
- Video Production
- Welding/Metal Fabrication
Contact Information:
- Sanford Regional Technical Center
- Address: 100 Alumni Blvd, Sanford, ME 04073
- Phone: +1 207-324-2942
- Web: http://sanford.mainecte.org
Kennebec Valley Community College
Kennebec Valley Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Kennebec Valley Community College wants to provide citizens in the area with accessible and affordable quality education.
Enrollment: KVCC offers education to students who have a high school diploma or a GED and who express a desire to pursue a college education.
You need to complete the online application and submit an official high school transcript or diploma and/or GED/HiSET scores.
The last step is the completion of the Accuplacer in sentence skills, reading, numerical skills, algebra, and computer skills.
Applicants who wish to transfer credits from other colleges must submit official transcripts from those institutions for evaluation.
Fees: If you are a Maine resident, you will have to pay a tuition of $94 per credit hour, while Non-Residents pay $188 per credit hour.
Courses Offered:
- ALLIED HEALTH & NURSING
- BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
- BUSINESS
- EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- GENERAL, LIBERAL & CAREER STUDIES
- MENTAL HEALTH & PSYCHOLOGY
- TRADES & TECHNOLOGY
Contact Information:
- Kennebec Valley Community College
- Address: 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME 04937
- Phone: +1 207-453-5000
- Web: https://www.kvcc.me.edu
Waldo County Technical Center
Waldo County Technical Center is a member of Maine’s network of CTE schools.
Waldo County Technical Center provides quality technical education programs to the people of Waldo County.
After graduation, students are either prepared for employment or post-secondary education.
Enrollment: The admission process consists of several steps and each of them is done together with Bonnie Kein, the Student Services Coordinator.
She is there to offer prospective students more assistance.
The first thing you should do is submit the application form found on the official website.
That way you will express your interest in attending Waldo County Technical Center as a student.
Once WCTC receives this form, somebody will contact you in 2-4 weeks with more information.
Courses Offered:
- Auto Collision Repair/Composites
- Automotive Technology
- Building Construction
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Computer Careers
- Culinary Arts
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Trades
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- ESP(Employability Skills Program)
- Graphic Design
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Outdoor Leadership
- Small Engine Repair
- Strive
- Welding Technology
Contact Information:
- Waldo County Technical Center
- Address: 1022 Waterville Rd, Belfast, ME 04915
- Phone: +1 207-342-5231
- Web: https://waldotech.org
Tri-County Technical Center
Tri-County Technical Center provides students with Career and Technical Education.
The staff boasts years of experience in business and industry, making them ideal teachers for students.
Enrollment: If you are interested in becoming a student at Tri-County Technical Center, you are supposed to submit the application form with accurate answers.
After the Center receives this form, you will be contacted in 2-4 weeks with more information.
Application for admission to TCTC should be made through your local sending school guidance counselor.
Besides being asked about your personal details, there are questions related to your Parent/Guardian Contact Info and academic details.
Part of the application requires that you speak about why you are interested in Tri-County Technical Center, as well as your plans after graduation.
You will be scheduled a tour of the Center which will be conducted by current students.
Prospective students will get the chance to talk freely about TCTC and learn about the school from a student’s perspective.
Courses Offered:
- Automotive Technology
- Building Trades
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design & Communications
- Health Occupations
Contact Information:
- Tri-County Technical Center
- Address: 14 Abbott Hill Rd, Dexter, ME 04930
- Phone: +1 207-924-7670
- Web: https://tricounty.mainecte.org
Hancock County Technical Center
Hancock County Technical Center is a member of Maine’s network of career and technical education (CTE) schools.
Hancock County Technical Center has the aim to engage students with career and technical education for success in the post-secondary and industrial world.
Enrollment: As you are reading this, you are probably interested in enrolling this center.
The application process is simple, but students should apply through their sending school guidance office.
Your sending school should make arrangements for interested students to come and visit the program they are applying to.
The application materials which have to be included as a part of the application process are the following:
- a completed application form with a handwritten essay
- a teacher recommendation
- an attendance record
- a discipline record.
It is important that students submit applications before March 18th and they will be notified by mail of acceptance decisions.
Courses Offered:
- AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY I AND II
- BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SUPPORT
- CULINARY I AND II
- DIESEL TECHNOLOGY I AND II
- EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- HEALTH OCCUPATIONS PROGRAMS
- LAW ENFORCEMENT
- MARINE SERVICES TECHNOLOGY
- MULTIMEDIA DESIGN I AND II
- WELDING
Contact Information:
- Hancock County Technical Center
- Address: 112 Boggy Brook Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605
- Phone: +1 207-667-9729
- Web: https://www.ellsworthschools.org/
Heavy Construction Academy
Enrollment: Enrolling in heavy equipment school starts with an interview through which you will make sure whether you are eligible for enrollment.
An enrollment interview will be conducted over the phone by an HCA Admissions Representative.
So as to be accepted, you have to meet some eligibility criteria.
Applicants must have a valid/current picture ID, a GED or the equivalent.
He/she must be able to read and write the English language at a minimum of an 8th-grade level, as well as being proficient in Math at the minimum of an 8th-grade level.
The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
The following may disqualify an applicant:
- Any history of seizures.
- Being on medication that may interfere with one’s ability to operate the equipment.
- Felony convictions.
If you consider yourself eligible, you should submit the application form filled out with accurate information and available online.
Applications will be reviewed, and the applicant will be contacted within 72 hours by the Admissions Representative for notification of his/her enrollment status.
Courses Offered:
Contact Information:
- Heavy Construction Academy
- Address: 5 Industrial Dr, Brentwood, NH 03833
- Phone: +1 888-772-9002
- Web: https://operator-academy.com
Final Thoughts
Since we have reviewed the benefits and drawbacks of various vocational schools, it is your turn to make the right decision and pick the school which is in line with your needs and desires.