Vocational Trade Schools in New Jersey

Trade school students acquire career-ready technical skills by earning certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Trade schools provide a pathway to lucrative and in-demand careers in fields like plumbing, robotics, cybersecurity, and auto repair.

Career and technical education (CTE) blends experiential learning and classroom lectures. Students in New Jersey can begin exploring careers as early as middle school to see if a particular field grabs their interest.

At the secondary level, students in New Jersey can take vocational education at comprehensive high schools. New Jersey also operates a unique system of secondary county vocational-technical schools that integrate academics and vocational training focused on career clusters.

At trade schools in New Jersey, students can pursue short-term certificates, one-year diplomas, and two-year associate degrees.

Vocational education continues to grow in the Garden State. For the 2019 fiscal year, New Jersey received approximately $25,422,049 in CTE funding.

Read on to learn more about vocational schools in New Jersey.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

The following section provides a ranking of the best vocational schools in New Jersey. Prospective students can match their interests and career goals with the right school.

Trade schools in New Jersey provide certificates, associate degrees, and apprenticeships to more than 32,000 secondary school students and 5,000 adult students.

Trade schools receive funding from local taxes and state and federal aid, which makes programming free to local residents. Learners pursuing additional training at two-year community and technical colleges pay low tuition rates that vary by program.

Trade schools prepare learners for specific technical jobs after graduation. Colleges take a more comprehensive approach by incorporating general education courses.

Possibly. Some trade schools maintain articulation agreements with local two-year and four-year colleges to facilitate a seamless transition. However, credits from unaccredited schools do not transfer.

Students should verify that their desired school holds accreditation. To receive accreditation, institutions undergo a comprehensive third-party review process to ensure they meet rigorous standards. The review process considers factors like faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student outcomes.

Only students who attend an accredited school can apply for federal financial aid. Furthermore, accredited schools typically accept transfer credits only from other accredited institutions. Employers often vet students to ensure their degree comes from an accredited school.

Tech schools in New Jersey hold either regional or national accreditation. Degree-granting schools in the United States hold regional accreditation from one of six agencies, and each accredits schools within a designated region. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education regionally accredits schools in New Jersey.

National accreditation applies to for-profit vocational institutions and trade schools. More than 650 trade and vocational schools across the country receive national accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Some organizations award programmatic accreditation in specific fields. Automotive programs, for instance, hold accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission accredits online programs at trade schools.

Trade schools in New Jersey need a license to operate. Licensure signifies that a school meets certain minimum requirements. The New Jersey Department of Education provides license information for vocational schools and the state’s community colleges.

Trade school graduates can expect to earn a competitive salary that varies depending on their chosen industry, experience, and where they live.

As students investigate career options, they should factor in career and salary outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource with current information on median annual salaries, entry-level job requirements, and job growth projections.

Trades with strong projected growth rates include electricians, nursing assistants, registered nurses, paralegals, and computer support specialists. All of these jobs pay well and do not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree.

Trades feature prominently on the BLS’ list of jobs with high projected growth rates between 2018 and 2028.

Vocational schools in New Jersey offer more than 450 programs for high school students and adults. These programs train learners for jobs in the state’s key industries, including advanced manufacturing; health sciences; logistics and transportation; and science, technology, engineering, and math.

The following section highlights four common trade school programs.

Students can attend secondary trade schools in New Jersey for free, as these schools receive funding from local taxes and state and federal aid. Learners pursuing postsecondary education at a two-year community and technical college generally pay less tuition than they would in a four-year academic program. Students at these two-year institutions qualify for scholarships, loans, and grants.

To qualify for federal financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA. Scholarships do not require repayment, while federal loans offer low interest rates.

Prospective students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for the federal Pell Grant, which pays for undergraduate education and does not require repayment. Students can check with the school they plan to attend to find out if its students can receive federal student aid.

The following section provides more details about scholarships to pay for vocational schools in New Jersey.

Many organizations offer scholarships for students based on financial need, academic merit, or identity. The following section lists several scholarships to help learners pay for tuition at tech schools in New Jersey.

Who Can Apply: New Jersey students enrolled at one of the state’s 18 community colleges may qualify for free tuition. Applicants must enroll in at least six credits per semester in any program, meet income requirements, and complete the FAFSA.
Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: Women and people of color planning to pursue a certificate or degree in a construction-related field can apply. Applicants must earn admission to one of the state’s vocational tech colleges and qualify for financial aid.
Amount: $2,000

Who Can Apply: An organization for CTE students, SkillsUSA and its partners offer several scholarships. These scholarships pay for college/postsecondary career training in fields such as HVACR, culinary arts, and homebuilding. Application requirements vary.
Amount: $1,000-$3,000

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to students planning to enroll in an accredited construction or engineering bachelor’s program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented permanent residents.
Amount: $2,500

Who Can Apply: U.S. citizens qualify for this scholarship if they plan to attend an accredited postsecondary institution. Applicants must submit an essay outlining why education matters to them.
Amount: $5,000