Best Trade Schools in Maine for 2025

Learn all about trade schools in Maine and find a practical career-based training program. Trade schools can be an affordable way to gain a practical education.

Best Trade Schools in Maine for 2024

Trade or vocational schools are practical institutions designed to give students a clear path to a profitable career.

Trade schools in Maine can help students become carpenters, welders, cosmeticians, dental assistants, plumbers, roofers, heavy machinery operators, and many other roles.

Trade schools are typically short, affordable, and accessible for students from any background.

Students who attend a trade school may be able to graduate with little to no student debt and find employment in their field within months.

Featured Trade Schools in Maine

Here are some of the best trade schools in Maine.

1. Northeast Technical Institute

The Northeast Technical Institute (NTI) is one of the leading trade schools in Maine and has been supporting students for over 25 years.

Common areas of study include healthcare, HVAC technology, information technology, and commercial truck driving.

NTI has campuses in Scarborough, Bangor, and Auburn, Maine so students anywhere in the state will have convenient access to career training.

All programs are aligned with current industry standards and give students the required licenses or certificates to work in their field.

2. Lewiston Regional Technical Center

Lewiston Regional Technical Center is a great place to get the hands-on training and practical skills you need to start a career.

All programs are aligned with national standards for trades and technical education programs.

LRTC offers a range of career-oriented programs such as culinary arts, automotive technology, carpentry, cosmetology, electricity, criminal justice, and healthcare.

Students can also take classes on basic life skills such as budgeting and personal finance.

3. Capital Area Technical Center

The Capital Area Technical Center (CATC) has a goal to brighten the future of every student who walks through its doors.

The center offers nationally-approved programs in computer technology, auto collision, business, construction, early childhood education, EMT, law enforcement, machine technology, and plumbing and heating.

Many alumni have gone on to establish successful businesses in their area of work thanks to the practical skills and confidence gained at CATC.

4. Lake Region Vocational Center

The Lake Region Vocational Center (LRVC) is another great option for students interested in a skill-based line of work.

All programs are nationally approved and students can choose from career paths such as:

Automotive technology
Healthcare
Culinary arts
Early childhood education
Health occupations
Law enforcement

LRVC values inclusivity and provides a warm and welcoming learning environment for students from any background.

5. Mid-Maine Technical Center

Students looking for trade schools in Maine should consider the Mid-Maine Technical Center's (MMTC) comprehensive training programs.

MMTC maintains strong partnerships with many local businesses and organizations so graduates will have plenty of work options.

Students can learn practical career skills such as construction, automotive technology, culinary arts, emergency services, and information technology.

6. Presque Isle Career & Technical Center

The Presque Isle Career & Technical Center (PICTC) is a vocational training center that can give students the career skills required for professional growth.

PICTC allows students to explore a range of career options and find areas of work that are interesting to them.

Staff are industry professionals and are passionate about passing their skills on to the next generation of skilled workers.

7. St. John Valley Technical Center

St. John Valley Technical Center (SJVTC) is another one of Maine's fantastic trade and technical training programs.

SJVTC seeks to develop students' core academic skills and critical thinking alongside hands-on career training in a vocation.

Students can take advantage of federal funding or apply for scholarships like the Blue Collar Scholarship to reduce their tuition costs.

The center offers training in common areas of employment such as automotive technology, early childhood education, forest management, and welding.

8. Hancock County Technical Center

Hancock County Technical Center (HCTC) offers engaging vocational programs that can inspire students to pursue employment in a trade.

HCTC offers some online classes for students who wish to continue their learning in a flexible format.

The center seeks to provide a safe and positive environment for students to learn valuable skills that will benefit them over the course of their lives.

HCTC values community participation and seeks to enrich the lives of both its students and the communities their skills will serve.

9. Somerset Career & Technical Center

Students looking to gain qualifications in high-demand areas of employment should consider Somerset Career & Technical Center (SCTC).

The center offers training programs in culinary arts, graphic design, pre-engineering, welding, computer science, and early childhood education.

The center has placement arrangements with many local businesses to give students practical job experience as they build a professional resume.

10. Westbrook Regional Vocational Center

Westbrook Regional Vocational Center (WRVC) is a great source of practical career training for students located in Maine.

WRVC is an accredited trade school that offers 15 career-based education programs ranging from culinary arts to criminal justice.

Employers often seek out WRVC graduates due to the high level of career readiness provided by the comprehensive programs.

Common Trade Jobs in Maine

Maine is a great place to begin a trade career. Here are some popular trades in Maine:

How Much Does Trade School Cost in Maine?

Trade schools in Maine are an affordable way to gain new professional skills.

The average cost for public trade schools is between $7,000 and $9,000 for an entire program.

Private trade schools in Maine typically charge between $19,000 and $36,000.

Many trade schools still qualify students for financial aid programs like the Pell Grant.

Filling out the FAFSA form can determine your eligibility for need-based forms of aid.

Are There Online Trade Schools in Maine?

While some online classes in trade-related areas of study may be available, trade schools typically require in-person instruction.

Many trades involve specific tools, machines, or technology that require hands-on training for safe and effective use.

Explore Trade Schools Today

Trade schools in Maine can help you learn valuable skills and gain confidence as a skilled tradesperson.

Find a training program in your area of interest and start working towards career success today.