Connecticut Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Connecticut.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Connecticut
Average Cost of Trade School in Connecticut
Most trade programs in Connecticut are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Connecticut, dense commuting regions and older building stock can increase demand for maintenance-focused trades and retrofit work.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $10,187 higher than in-state on average.
| Connecticut Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $5,214 |
|---|---|
| Connecticut Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $15,401 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Connecticut
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Connecticut Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Connecticut trades often follow formal apprenticeship structures. Entry-level schooling may take 6–24 months, while many apprenticeships run 3–5 years based on required hours and progression benchmarks.
- Connecticut licensing can be structured and trade-specific, often involving documented hours and exams for regulated trades. Requirements may also depend on job scope and local permitting—confirm with the appropriate Connecticut licensing authorities.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Connecticut
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Connecticut. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.49 | $1,020 | $4,420 | $53,025 |
| AV Technician | $31.70 | $1,268 | $5,495 | $65,936 |
| Carpenter | $24.83 | $993 | $4,304 | $51,646 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.20 | $1,367 | $5,921 | $71,056 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.49 | $939 | $4,072 | $48,859 |
| Construction | $24.93 | $997 | $4,321 | $51,854 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.33 | $1,093 | $4,737 | $56,846 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.39 | $1,136 | $4,921 | $59,051 |
| Electrician | $30.08 | $1,203 | $5,215 | $62,581 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.56 | $955 | $4,132 | $49,580 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.63 | $1,107 | $4,798 | $57,573 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.31 | $1,093 | $4,734 | $56,812 |
| Ironworker | $26.02 | $1,040 | $4,506 | $54,072 |
| Lineworker | $40.74 | $1,630 | $7,061 | $84,735 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.25 | $1,130 | $4,896 | $58,721 |
| Mason | $26.55 | $1,062 | $4,602 | $55,224 |
| Plumber | $31.91 | $1,238 | $5,358 | $64,296 |
| Roofer | $23.93 | $957 | $4,148 | $49,774 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.32 | $975 | $4,226 | $50,710 |
| Welder | $24.18 | $969 | $4,197 | $50,362 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
How Easy It Is to Find Trade Jobs in Connecticut
Entry difficulty: More competitive, with higher licensing requirements. Connecticut offers steady trade job availability, but entry can be more challenging due to statewide licensing, a strong union presence in certain trades, and higher competition in densely populated areas. Workers who meet credential requirements often find consistent long-term employment.
Unlike states where trade demand is driven primarily by new construction or industrial expansion, Connecticut’s workforce needs are tied to maintaining and upgrading aging buildings, utilities, and transportation systems. Much of the demand centers on electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical trades supporting residential, commercial, and institutional facilities.
The state’s older housing stock and infrastructure create continuous work, but pathways into the trades often require formal apprenticeships, classroom instruction, and licensing before independent employment.
What Actually Drives Trade Hiring in Connecticut
- Aging residential and commercial buildings: Renovation, repair, and system upgrades sustain demand for licensed trades.
- Utilities and infrastructure maintenance: Power, water, and transportation systems require ongoing skilled labor.
- Healthcare and institutional facilities: Hospitals, schools, and public buildings rely on full-time maintenance trades.
- Code and compliance requirements: Strict standards increase demand for credentialed electrical and mechanical workers.
Where Trade Jobs Are Concentrated — and Why
- Hartford metro area: Government facilities, healthcare systems, and commercial buildings drive steady trade demand.
- New Haven and coastal cities: Dense housing and institutional facilities support electrical, plumbing, and HVAC roles.
- Suburban corridors: Ongoing renovation and utility work sustain local contractor hiring.
Infrastructure, Facilities, and Compliance Anchors
Connecticut’s trade workforce is supported by continuous maintenance and modernization needs rather than rapid growth cycles:
- Residential and commercial renovations — System upgrades and repairs tied to older building stock.
- Utilities and transportation infrastructure — Long-term roles maintaining essential public systems.
- Healthcare and public institutions — Skilled trades support complex facilities with strict compliance needs.
How Trade Workers Actually Get Hired in Connecticut
Trade jobs in Connecticut are commonly accessed through formal training and licensing pipelines rather than informal entry routes:
- State-licensed apprenticeships: Required for many electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades.
- Trade schools and community colleges: Classroom instruction supports exam and licensing requirements.
- Contractor hiring: Employers typically require documented credentials before independent work.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Opportunities in Connecticut
Connecticut has a strong union presence in many skilled trades, particularly on public, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Non-union opportunities exist in residential and small commercial work, but licensing and regulatory requirements apply across both pathways.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom instruction and on-the-job training | Primarily on-the-job training; structure varies by employer |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scale with scheduled raises | Pay increases based on performance, experience, or employer policy |
| Benefits | Typically includes health insurance, pension, and retirement plans | Benefits depend on employer; may be limited or optional |
| Job Mobility | Dispatch-based work; access to prevailing-wage public projects | Direct hiring; project-based mobility varies by contractor |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking structured training and long-term stability | Those prioritizing flexibility and residential/service work |