Getting started
How to choose a trade school
Start with the work you want to do, then compare the training routes that can get you there. A familiar school name or a short course is not enough on its own.
Read the guide →Explore a trade family · 02
Manufacturing & industrial technology
Explore precision work, fabrication, automated production and industrial maintenance.
1,250 institutions47 reported subjects67 related occupations
Find the right training subject
Equipment access, practical testing and production skills. Start with a subject below, then compare the specific award, campus and current curriculum.
- Automation Engineer Technology/Technician113 institutions →
- Biomedical Technology/Technician99 institutions →
- Boilermaking/Boilermaker4 institutions →
- Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician9 institutions →
- Composite Materials Technology/Technician10 institutions →
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist194 institutions →
- Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other98 institutions →
- Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician140 institutions →
- Furniture Design and Manufacturing5 institutions →
- Gunsmithing/Gunsmith18 institutions →
- Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician2 institutions →
- Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians, Other11 institutions →
- Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician12 institutions →
- Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician331 institutions →
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other75 institutions →
- Industrial Safety Technology/Technician18 institutions →
- Industrial Technology/Technician142 institutions →
- Instrumentation Technology/Technician88 institutions →
- Ironworking/Ironworker10 institutions →
- Locksmithing and Safe Repair2 institutions →
- Machine Shop Technology/Assistant131 institutions →
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist298 institutions →
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician346 institutions →
- Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician191 institutions →
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician64 institutions →
- Metal Fabricator30 institutions →
- Metallurgical Technology/Technician7 institutions →
- Musical Instrument Fabrication and Repair10 institutions →
- Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician47 institutions →
- Parts and Warehousing Operations and Maintenance Technology/Technician1 institutions →
- Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician40 institutions →
- Precision Metal Working, Other25 institutions →
- Precision Production Trades, General9 institutions →
- Precision Production, Other17 institutions →
- Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other7 institutions →
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians, Other16 institutions →
- Quality Control Technology/Technician55 institutions →
- Robotics Technology/Technician80 institutions →
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician9 institutions →
- Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking35 institutions →
- Tool and Die Technology/Technician49 institutions →
- Upholstery/Upholsterer9 institutions →
- Watchmaking and Jewelrymaking5 institutions →
- Welding Engineering Technology/Technician29 institutions →
- Welding Technology/Welder941 institutions →
- Woodworking, General10 institutions →
- Woodworking, Other3 institutions →
School counts are based on relevant certificate and associate-level records in IPEDS 2024. They do not confirm current course availability.
Questions that matter in this field
- Which machines, welding processes or control systems will you use?
- How much individual time will you get on equipment?
- Does the price include consumables, safety equipment and certification testing?
A school course, an apprenticeship and an industry credential can play different roles. Check the route required for the occupation and state where you intend to work.
Explore the work behind the training
- Automotive Engineering TechniciansCareer guide →
- BoilermakersCareer guide →
- Calibration Technologists and TechniciansCareer guide →
- Camera and Photographic Equipment RepairersCareer guide →
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsCareer guide →
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool ProgrammersCareer guide →
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical DoorCareer guide →
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCareer guide →
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCareer guide →
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and TechniciansCareer guide →
- Electrical and Electronics DraftersCareer guide →
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansCareer guide →
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and RepairersCareer guide →
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All OtherCareer guide →
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and TechniciansCareer guide →
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCareer guide →
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticCareer guide →
- Foundry Mold and CoremakersCareer guide →
Plan your route
Paying for training
What trade school really costs
A useful budget separates tuition, additional training expenses and the cost of living while you study. An annual institution average is a starting point, not a quote for your program.
Read the guide →Make the whole plan
Connect the next steps
Compare routesSchool, apprenticeship and employer options.Read actual course evidenceCurriculum, practical learning and published costs.Explore fundingOriginal grants, awards and workforce routes.Plan attendance supportChildcare, travel, food and accessibility.Prepare for learningOpen resources, terminology and practice.Prepare for workPortfolio, interviews, offers and progression.