If you want to prepare for a career in skilled trades, like HVAC, electrical, or plumbing, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best trade schools in the Springfield region and the programs they offer.
Trade schools are a faster, less-expensive alternative to a traditional college.
Trade schools offer specialized training for specific careers by focusing only on the topics that are relevant to that field.
To help you decide if a trade school program would fit your lifestyle and career goals, on this page, we have compiled information about the best trade schools in Frederick and the programs they offer.
The schools included in our list offer programs in various fields, like automotive technology, construction, cosmetology, electricity, healthcare, and more.
The curriculum focuses on practical skills development by providing students with real-world experience in their field of choice.
Our selection includes both adult education and high school programs.
We encourage you to read further and find out more about the trade schools available in the Frederick region.
1Springfield Technical Community College
About the School
Springfield Technical Community College offers a variety of programs and classes.
The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Programs are available in the following areas of study:
- Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technologies
- Digital Media
- Fire Protection and Safety Technology
- Teacher Training
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Science and Engineering
- And more
The following Fire Protection and Safety Technology programs are available:
- Fire Investigation Teacher
- Fire Protection and Safety Technology
- Fire Science Technology
The health pathway includes courses such as:
- Dental Assistant Certificate
- Dental Hygiene Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene
- Health Information Technology- Associate in Science
- Medical Assistant- Associate in Science
- Medical Coding and Billing Specialist- Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105
- Phone: (413) 781-7822
- Website: https://www.stcc.edu
2Tech Foundry
About the School
Tech Foundry offers admission for people who are seeking careers in IT and are passionate about learning new technology and professional skills.
The Information Technology program helps students prepare for an IT career in just 18 weeks.
The program delivers an integrated learning experience that combines technical skills, professional development, and career readiness training supported by a team of experienced and committed staff members.
Students learn in-demand technical skills through a mix of classes, projects, and labs in a hybrid model.
They participate in professional development workshops, meet professionals in the field, complete a capstone project, and intern with one of the school’s employer partners.
Those who complete the program gain:
- Essential Technical Skills
- Hands-on Experience Acquired Through Labs and Internship
- IT Career Map
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Google IT Certificate
- Access to CompTIA Study Materials and Discounted Certification Exam
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1350 Main Suite 500. Springfield, MA 01103
- Phone: 413.276.0609
- Website: https://thetechfoundry.org
3Lower Pioneer Valley Career Technical Education Center
About the School
Lower Pioneer Valley Career Technical Education Center is an extension of the seven-member high schools served by the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the center:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Building/Property Maintenance & Management
- Carpentry
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Early Education and Care
- Graphic and Visual Design
- Health Assisting
- Information Support Services and Management
- And more
The Advanced Manufacturing program has the following course objectives:
- Integrating academics through project-based learning
- Safely operating and maintaining tools and equipment
- Incorporating the use of industry-standard technology and software
- Reading and understanding blueprints and technical drawings
- Utilizing basic metrology practices and standards
- Troubleshooting, diagnosing, analyzing, and presenting data related to the field
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 174 Brush Hill Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089
- Phone: 413-735-6300
- Website: https://lpvctec.org
4Ed2Go
Ed2Go offers a variety of online trade classes in Springfield.
Students who complete these programs are well-prepared to begin or advance their careers.
Courses Offered
Some of the most popular trade courses in Springfield are:
- Manufacturing Applications
- Manufacturing Fundamentals
- HVACR Controls/Building Automation Systems
A 12-month HVAC/R Technician program costs $3,185.
A Residential Electrical program that can be completed in 12 months and includes 125 course hours costs $3,460 with tools included.
A Foundations of Plumbing program costs $2,345.
The Manufacturing Fundamentals course is $144 and can be completed in six weeks.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com
5DiGrigoli
DiGrigoli offers training programs for students who have a passion for art and beauty.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
The Cosmetology Program curriculum includes the following skills:
- Manicures
- Hair Straightening/Permanent Waving
- Shampooing
- Fingerwaving
- Dyes & Bleaching
- Hair Cutting
- Instruction & Lecture on Sanitation
- Ethics, Salesmanship, Courtesy & Conduct
- And more
The 600-hour Esthetics program is a combination of coursework and practical training and covers topics such as skin analysis, facials, hair removal, makeup application, business fundamentals, and more.
The school also provides a carefully curated kit that includes high-quality makeup and top-of-the-line Bio-Therapeutic equipment and tools.
Contact Information
- Address: 1578 Riverdale St. West Springfield, MA 01089
- Phone: 413-827-0037
- Website: https://digrigoli.com
6Holyoke Community College
Holyoke Community College offers a variety of degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Criminal Justice, A.S.
- Culinary Arts, Applied Science, A.A.S.
- Nursing, A.S.
- Addiction Studies Certificate
- Cyber Security Certificate
- Graphic Design Certificate
- Marketing Certificate
- Medical Assistant Certificate
- Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
- Mental Health Studies Certificate
- Practical Nursing Certificate
- Veterinary Assistant Certificate
- And many more
The total cost (with Distance Learning fee, less insurance) is $415 per credit for in-state students and includes:
- Tuition
- Education Service Fee
- Distance Learning Fee (does not apply to on-campus courses or hybrid courses)
- Student Service Fee
Contact Information
- Address: 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040
- Phone: 413.538.7000
- Website: https://www.hcc.edu
7Porter and Chester Institute
About the School
Porter and Chester Institute offers career training and a trade school in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
The following career training programs are available in Chicopee:
- Automotive Technology Program
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Program
- Computer and Network Technology
- HVACR Program
- Electrical Technology Program
- Dental Assisting Program
- Medical Assisting Program
Program duration, tuition, and curriculum vary depending on the career path.
The HVACR program is available in blended and on-ground formats.
Graduates earn a diploma.
The program can be completed in 12 months.
Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn their EPA Section 608A and OSHA 30 certification.
Contact Information
- Address: 1984 Westover Road, Chicopee, MA 01022
- Phone: (413) 459-9760
- Website: https://porterchester.edu
8Westfield State University
Westfield State University offers a wide variety of programs in flexible learning formats online, on campus, or a combination of both.
Courses Offered
Students may choose from a variety of majors or minors, including:
- Graphic Design
- Chemistry
- Health Sciences
- History
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- And more
The following undergraduate certificates are also available:
- Computer Information Science Certificate
- Geographic Information Systems
The Computer Information Science Certificate includes courses such as:
- Computer Science Principles
- Database Management
- Introduction to Computer Information Systems
- Systems Analysis and Design
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 577 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01086
- Phone: 413-579-3040
- Website: https://www.westfield.ma.edu
9Greenfield Community College
About the School
Greenfield Community College is located in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts.
Greenfield is a public, not-for-profit, two-year college accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The college provides a variety of degree and certificate programs.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the college:
- Addiction Studies Certificate
- Adventure Education
- Allied Health Transfer
- Fire Science Technology
- Justice Studies
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Paramedic
- And more
The Medical Assistant program includes 29 credits and teaches classes such as:
- Fundamentals of Medical Assisting
- Medical Office Procedures
- Clinical Procedures
- Pharmacology for Medical Assistants
- Human Body in Health and Disease
- Phlebotomy for Medical Assistants
- Medical Claims Management
- Medical Terminology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: One College Drive, Greenfield, MA 01301
- Phone: (413) 775-1000
- Website: https://www.gcc.mass.edu
10Springfield College
About the School
Springfield College offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
The college has an 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio.
Courses Offered
The following undergraduate programs are available at the college:
- Accounting
- Art and Design
- Athletic Training
- Criminal Justice
- Graphic Design
- Health Care Management
- Nutritional Sciences
- Public Health
- And more
The following course distribution must include the following coursework for admission:
- Four years of English
- Three years of math
- Two years of history or social science
- Three years of lab science
- Two consecutive years of studying a foreign language
Contact Information
- Address: 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3739
- Phone: (413) 748-3000
- Website: https://springfield.edu
Schools Summary Table
Final Thoughts
If you live in Springfield and you want to start a career in trades by enrolling in a program that emphasizes hands-on experiential learning, the schools included in our list can prepare you for a variety of in-demand careers.
Now that you have read our list of the best trade schools in your region, the next step is to continue with your own research and apply for the program that best meets your budget, lifestyle, and career aspirations.












