Trade schools—also known as technical or vocational schools—are a great choice for students who want to begin a career right after high school. These schools offer hands-on training and focused programs that prepare you for jobs in high-demand fields. Many programs can be completed in two years—or even less—so you can start working and earning sooner.

There are many paths to explore beyond construction or manufacturing. Trade schools also offer careers in healthcare, auto repair, technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, hospitality, agriculture, transportation, and more. With a growing demand for skilled workers, these careers often mean strong pay and long-term job stability.

Here are some trade and technical schools in and around Philadelphia:

• Orleans Technical College – Northeast Philadelphia

• Pennco Tech – Bristol, PA

• Philadelphia Technician Training Institute (PTTI) – North Philadelphia

• Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – Lancaster, PA

• Lincoln Tech – Northeast Philadelphia and nearby New Jersey locations

• Williamson College of the Trades – Media, PA (hands‑on training in technical trades and craftsmanship)

• The Beauty Institute – Philadelphia and Ambler

• Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Exton, PA (automotive and diesel training)

Not sure where to start? Talk with your school counselor to explore your options and find the program that fits your goals!

An apprenticeship is a paid training program where you work and learn on the job from day one—and it often leads to a job offer once you finish. You will spend most of your time learning by doing, with some classroom lessons and a mentor guiding you along the way. Apprenticeships typically last 3 to 4 years, and when you are done, you earn recognized credentials—and sometimes even a degree—without student debt.
These programs help you build real skills, paid while you learn, and open the door to a stable, well-paying career.

Apprenticeship Programs in and Near Philadelphia, PA:

• ApprenticeshipPHL Collaborative – A city-wide directory offering paid Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeship programs across multiple industries in Southeastern PA. (apprenticeshipphl.org)

• Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) – Offers multiple pre-apprenticeship pathways including Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, IT Career Readiness, Industrial Welding, Aseptic Technician, Early Childhood Education, and Advanced Manufacturing. (ccp.edu)

• Philadelphia Water Department Apprenticeships – Paid programs for careers like Electrician, HVAC Mechanic, Safety Technician, Science Technician, and Water Treatment Operator. (water.phila.gov)

• Hanwha/Philly Shipyard Apprentice Program – Union-supported registered apprenticeships in shipbuilding trades like welding, machining, and joiner/fitter, typically three years long. (phillyshipyard.com)

• Urban Technology Project / JEVS IT Apprenticeships – Computer Support Specialist and Software Developer Registered Apprenticeships for qualified high school graduates or GED holders; also pre-apprenticeship in IT readiness. (apprenticeshipphl.org)

• Samuel Staten Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program (SSSPAP) – Prepares Philadelphia residents (age 18+) for construction union apprenticeships, with focus on diversity and readiness. (ssspap.org)

Interested in apprenticeships but not sure where to begin? Talk with your school counselor, visit https://apprenticeshipphl.org/# , or check out Community College of Philadelphia’s apprenticeship programs to find the best fit for your future!

Looking for a More Affordable Way to Go to College? Work colleges are a special type of four-year college where students work part-time—usually 10 to 15 hours a week—as part of their college experience. In exchange, students receive help paying for tuition, and in some cases, may even attend tuition-free. These schools give you the full college experience—classes, campus life, and career preparation—without the heavy debt that many students and families face after graduation.

To learn more about work colleges, visit workcolleges.org.

Work Colleges Near Philadelphia, PA:

While there are no official federally recognized work colleges directly in Philadelphia, here are a few within reasonable travel distance:

• Berea College – Berea, Kentucky
  (Tuition-free for all students; students work 10–15 hours/week in campus jobs)

• Warren Wilson College – Asheville, North Carolina
  (Combines academics, work, and community service; generous financial aid)

• Sterling College – Craftsbury Common, Vermont
  (Focus on environmental stewardship; all students participate in campus jobs)

Though these colleges are not local to Philadelphia, many offer strong financial aid and work-study opportunities that can make them affordable options. If staying close to home is important, talk to your school counselor about colleges in Pennsylvania with robust work-study programs or co-op opportunities.

Joining the military is not just a way to serve your country—it is also a great way to launch your career without going to college right away. The military offers training in a wide variety of careers, from technology and engineering to healthcare and logistics. You will earn a steady paycheck, receive free healthcare, have low living expenses, and gain access to education benefits that can help pay for college or advanced training later on.

Military service often includes 30 days of paid vacation each year, opportunities to travel the world, and retirement benefits that many other jobs do not offer—especially right after high school.

To join, you will need to meet certain requirements, like being at least 17 years old with parental consent, being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and passing a physical fitness test. You can speak directly with a recruiter to learn more and see if it is a good fit for you.

Military Recruiting Offices in Philadelphia, PA:

Here are local offices where you can speak to a recruiter and get more information:

• U.S. Army Recruiting Office – Center City
  1015 Chestnut St #102, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  📞 (215) 592-0925

• U.S. Navy Recruiting Office – Northeast Philly
  4640 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19124
  📞 (215) 537-1365

• U.S. Air Force Recruiting Office – South Philly
  2298 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
  📞 (215) 468-1731

• U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Office – South Philly
  2298 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
  📞 (215) 336-8220

• Pennsylvania Army National Guard Recruitment Office
  2700 Southampton Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
  📞 (215) 856-5961

Tip: Reach out to your school counselor first—they can help and support you in exploring all your options.