Rhode Island Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Rhode Island Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Rhode Island

Average Cost of Trade School in Rhode Island

Trade school costs in Rhode Island are shaped by limited program availability and small geographic coverage. Students may face higher competition for spots and added costs related to tools or required certifications. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $9,103 higher than in-state on average.

Rhode Island Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) $5,596
Rhode Island Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) $14,699

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.

What this includes: Tuition baseline for public 2-year institutions. What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.

Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Rhode Island

Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.

Paying for Trade School in Rhode Island

Not all trade programs are funded the same way, so many students look beyond apprenticeships alone. Scholarships, workforce assistance, and employer tuition support are frequently used to close the gap. Availability depends on trade and location. Rhode Island scholarships

Before taking on a private education loan, it helps to compare lenders and repayment structures: Compare private student loan rates

Rhode Island Timeline, Pay & Licensing

  • Rhode Island trade training often involves 6–24 months for entry roles, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years with defined training hours and progression steps.
  • Licensing can be trade-specific and may involve documented hours and exams for regulated work. Local permitting/inspection may also apply—verify requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities and your municipality.
  • 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, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.

Want to see what trades pay in Rhode Island?

View the Rhode Island skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.

View Rhode Island Salaries & Job Outlook

Verified Rhode Island Programs & Apprenticeships

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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Rhode Island.

We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.

Top Apprenticeship Programs in Rhode Island

Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Rhode Island.

The Apprentice Pipefitter / Boiler Apprentice position at SOS Plumbing, LLC is a field-based apprenticeship opportunity focused on hydronic piping and boiler systems.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Plumbing

IUOE Local 57 offers a comprehensive Apprenticeship & Skill Improvement Program designed to train individuals in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment used in the construction industry.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment

Iron Workers Local Union No.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Ironwork Welding

LIUNA Local 271 offers a comprehensive Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship Program through the New England Laborers’ Training Academy (NELTA).

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Concrete Construction Plumbing

Residential Construction Workforce Partnership (RCWP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing tuition-free training programs in residential construction trades.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Carpentry Electrician

Building Futures is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting employer needs for skilled workers through Registered Apprenticeship, creating equitable paths to family-sustaining careers for Rhode Islanders.

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Carpentry Construction Marine

IBEW Local 99 offers a comprehensive apprenticeship program through its Joint Apprenticeship Training Center (JATC).

All Programs Available:

Apprenticeship Electrician

Apprenticeship Exploration School (AES) is a public charter high school offering students the necessary credits to achieve a high school diploma while providing them with a gateway into the New England Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program.

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Apprenticeship Construction Welding

Leading Automotive Programs in Rhode Island

Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Rhode Island.

Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the largest public institution of higher education in Rhode Island and the only community college in the state.

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Automotive Construction

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders with meaningful employment opportunities.

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Automotive Welding

Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) is a public high school offering a blend of rigorous academics and hands-on technical training.

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Automotive Carpentry Construction Electrician HVAC Marine Plumbing Welding

Rhode Island Construction Training Academy (RICTA) is a state-approved apprenticeship program that has been training apprentices in Rhode Island since 1992.

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Automotive Carpentry Construction Electrician HVAC Plumbing Sheet Metal Welding

Lincoln Technical Institute in Lincoln, Rhode Island, offers a variety of career-focused training programs designed to prepare students for entry into the workforce.

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Automotive Carpentry Commercial Driving (CDL) Construction Electrician HVAC Plumbing Welding

IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a nonprofit, ACCSC-accredited institution offering immersive, hands-on training programs in marine trades and modern manufacturing.

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Automotive Carpentry Diesel Mechanic Heavy Equipment Marine

Leading Welding Programs in Rhode Island

Discover top-rated Welding training options available in Rhode Island.

New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) offers an advanced Welding Engineering and Technology program designed to prepare students for a variety of welding and metal fabrication careers.

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Welding