Best Vocational Schools in North Carolina

Over 10 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in North Carolina along with other top employers. These companies offer positions in the state’s key industries, including automotive, trucking, and heavy machinery plus biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Individuals interested in technical jobs can explore top trade schools in North Carolina.

The best trade schools in North Carolina feature career-focused programs in different disciplines, including automotive repair, healthcare, and business. Others focus on a single profession, such as cosmetology. All trade schools help students train for a new job in 1-2 years.

Trade schools in North Carolina feature many benefits compared to traditional four-year schools, including affordable tuition and programs aligned with the state’s fastest-growing industries.

Each program on the list will meet our criteria, being:

The best trade schools in North Carolina feature programs preparing students for high-paying or in-demand careers, such as air traffic controller, CDL driver, and lab technician. Recent graduates may make less than the median salary figures reported below.

Skilled trades refer to jobs requiring specialized training from trade or vocational schools. Job opportunities exist in different career fields, such as industry, construction, and service. Some skilled trades like welding offer a median salary exceeding what the typical U.S. worker makes.

North Carolina provides residents with dozens of trade schools and unique programs, including one dedicated to the maintenance and repair of NASCAR racing cars offered by the Universal Technical Institute.

Prospective students must consider the cost and return on investment (ROI) when comparing trade schools in North Carolina. For example, in-state students at Forsyth Tech pay only $76 per credit as of June 2022. Out-of-state learners pay over three times as much.

Compare these figures to the tuition students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pay for a bachelor’s degree. In-state undergraduates spend $223 per credit, and out-of-state learners pay $890. Trade school students save significantly on their education compared to undergraduate students.

Trade school students may spend less tuition, but they should still compare the ROI of a trade school education to a bachelor’s degree. According to the BLS, the average worker with a bachelor’s degree in 2019 earned $64,896. The average professional in the trades made only $44,030, reports Ziprecruiter.

Trade schools in North Carolina help students access private and federal financial aid options. Learners who work should also explore whether their employer sponsors a tuition reimbursement incentive program.

Find out whether the trade schools on your shortlist hold accreditation from relevant organizations, such as the state board of education and accreditation agencies. Schools without accreditation may not provide learners with a quality educational experience. Other downsides of attending one of these institutions include not qualifying for a job or licensing exams.

Start researching the best trade schools in North Carolina by reviewing these top accrediting bodies:

Some workers prepare for a career by completing an apprenticeship. North Carolina community colleges provide the hands-on training learners need to start one. Graduates enter an apprenticeship and work under journeymen and masters.

North Carolina’s vocational high schools provide rigorous career and technical education. This education helps learners excel in a trade school or apprenticeship. Earning a high school diploma lets graduates apply to an associate or bachelor’s program.

North Carolina hosts 71 trade schools featuring 77 campuses throughout the state. Residents don’t have to travel far to attend one, as 67 cities feature a trade school. Some of these schools offer online and hybrid programs, an attractive option for prospective learners living in rural areas.

The large number of trade schools in North Carolina means applicants must weigh their options carefully. Pay close attention to a school’s tuition, offered programs, graduate outcomes, and student support services.

Other ways to narrow a search include considering personal preferences and career goals. Prospective learners interested in healthcare jobs benefit from many trade schools dedicated solely to this career field.

Different trade schools exist, so learners interested in a high-paying career should research their state’s top-paying trade professions. As of June 2022, power plant operators, elevator mechanics, electric linemen, and construction managers make an average yearly salary ranging from $73,500-$103,000. People working toward one of these careers enroll in a trade school with many STEM-related programs.

According to Ziprecruiter, North Carolina ranks last in a nationwide ranking of trade salaries. Experienced professionals find the best-paying jobs by relocating to Raleigh, Concord, Jacksonville, or another large metropolitan area. Other options include moving out of state or returning to school to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Many workers 40 years of age and above can relaunch their career by learning a trade. Top options include HVAC technician, solar photovoltaic installer, and welder. These fast-growing careers typically provide workers with on-the-job training and a good salary.

Review financial and family obligations before starting a career in the trades. While apprenticeship programs pay a salary, it may not be enough to pay a mortgage and raise a family.

Consider your physical health before selecting a trade. HVAC and welding jobs may not appeal to workers with joint problems or other medical conditions.