Delaware‘s trade and vocational schools prepare students for in-demand careers in the legal profession, the medical field, technology, and skilled trades.
Graduates can work as dental hygienists, plumbers, medical assistants, or paralegals, depending on the program.
A vocational program typically requires 1-2 years to complete. Students finish their coursework and acquire practical experience in their field during that time.
For instance, while occupational therapy assistants gain practical experience in a clinical setting, electricians receive hands-on instruction in electrical systems and wiring.
For students, trade schools have a number of advantages. Vocational programs are shorter than four-year academic programs, allowing graduates to enter the workforce more quickly.
The cost of earning a trade certificate or degree is frequently lower than that of earning a four-year degree. To accommodate busy students’ schedules, many trade schools in Delaware provide self-paced or accelerated options.
For maximum flexibility, prospective students can also think about online vocational programs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, professionals with an occupational credential are more likely to be employed than those with an academic one.
Many people who want to get job-specific training in a skilled trade have the option of attending trade schools in Delaware.
Delaware trade schools provide instruction in a range of academic fields:
Medical assisting, massage therapy, aesthetics, CDL driving, and more
The list that follows also includes pertinent details about each institution, including program length, admissions standards, costs, accreditation, etc.
See Also: Best Trade Schools in New Jersey | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
Are there Trade Schools in Delaware?
The top trade and vocational schools in Delaware are described in this section.
Additionally, it introduces well-known vocational programs, offers trade school students scholarship opportunities, and provides details on the career and salary prospects for graduates.
- Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology
- Smith & Solomon
- The Academy of Massage and Bodywork
- Delaware Skills Center
- Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design
- American Driver Training Academy
- POLYTECH Adult Education
- Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty
- Harris School of Business
- Delaware Technical Community College
- Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington
- Delaware College of Art and Design
- University of Delaware
- Delaware State University
- Wesley College / DSU
How Much Does Trade School Cost in Delaware?
Compared to students who attend four-year institutions, vocational school students frequently spend less on their education.
In Delaware, public universities have annual tuition and fees of around $10,000, whereas private universities have annual tuition and fees of over $15,000.
Delaware’s community colleges are significantly less expensive. For instance, Delaware Technical Community College has annual tuition under $5,000.
Trade school students can apply for financial aid to lower the cost of their education in addition to picking an affordable school.
Delaware residents who attend accredited trade schools may apply for federal financial aid.
To find out if they are eligible for federal loans, grants, and other types of financial aid, applicants must complete the FAFSA.
What are the Requirements for Trade Schools in Delaware?
Candidates must have completed high school and possess a GED or graduated transcript.
A student admission profile must be completed by prospective students, who must also arrange an interview with an admissions representative.
What are the Best Trade Schools in Delaware | 2024?
Delaware’s trade and technical schools offer training that is career-ready.
Professionals can advance their education and increase their earning potential by selecting a top-ranked vocational program.
We’ve ranked Delaware’s top trade schools to make it easier for prospective students to find the program that will help them achieve their career objectives.
1. Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology
The Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology is training students who are committed to learning Cosmetology and its related areas of study.
The school’s campus in Dagsboro consists of over 13,000 square feet of professional learning space.
Course duration varies from 2.5 months to 13 months, depending on the program.
The school is monitoring and upgrading the curriculum constantly according to industry standards.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Teacher Training
- Manicuring
- Advanced Education
2. Smith & Solomon
With a fleet of 140 pieces of equipment, Smith & Solomon is one of the biggest commercial driver training facilities in the nation.
Over 50,000 graduates from the school, which has been providing truck driver training for more than three decades, have all successfully passed rigorous certification exams and are currently operating commercial trucks.
Smith & Solomon also help recent graduates find employment.
The school regularly invites recruiters to their locations and maintains constant communication with recruiters from major trucking companies, updating job lists on a weekly basis.
Smith & Solomon provides students with the knowledge and abilities required to become excellent drivers through flexible schedules and dependable driver training programs.
Courses offered:
- CDL A Training Tractor Trailer Training
- CDL B: Straight Truck Training
- CDL B: With Passenger Endorsement
- Forklift Operator
- Refresher Courses
3. The Academy of Massage and Bodywork
Future estheticians and massage therapists are trained by the Academy of Massage and Bodywork.
The Delaware Department of Education has granted approval to the Academy of Massage and Bodywork.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has also granted the school accreditation.
The Academy is a participant in the Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork National Certification Board.
Every student at the school receives individualized instruction and care.
Students also learn fundamental business skills that will aid them in starting and maintaining a practice for massage therapy or esthetics.
The Academy offers both day and night classes to suit the schedules of its students.
Courses offered:
- Massage Therapist (600 hours)
- Medical SPA Aesthetician (600 hours)
- Massage Technician (300 hours)
4. Delaware Skills Center
Future skilled workers in a variety of industries are being prepared at the Delaware Skills Center, an adult vocational-technical training facility.
Through rigorous coursework that adheres to the most recent trends in teaching and business standards, the school prepares students for their future careers.
The New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District includes The Delaware Center as one of its divisions.
Professionals in their field who are skilled and certified teach the classes.
Courses offered:
- Computer Help Desk Support, Networking, and Mobile Device Support (675 hours)
- Electrical Trades (420 hours)
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (420 hours)
- Multi-Craft Industrial Trades Lattice
- Practical Nursing
- Welding & Fabrication (630 hours)
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5. Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design
People who want to work in the beauty industry can receive training and practical experience at the Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design which is one of the best trade schools in Delaware.
Future barbers and cosmetologists gain knowledge in a student salon created to mimic the atmosphere of a salon while keeping an educational focus.
The courses prepare students to pass the State of Delaware licensing exam and find work in the cosmetology arts, sciences, and related fields.
The Delaware Department of Education has accredited the school, and Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation has granted it a license.
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences has granted national accreditation to the Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design.
Membership in the American Association of Cosmetology Schools is held by the institution.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Nail Technology
- Teacher Training
6. American Driver Training Academy
The school, American Driver Training Academy, is run by professionals in the trucking industry who are passionate about developing the best drivers.
The institution was established in 2002 with the intention of producing safe truck drivers.
The successful family-run American Driver Training Academy treats its students like members of the family throughout their education and career.
The institution provides a full-time CDL-A program that includes both classroom and on-the-road instruction.
The student-to-truck ratio at the school is 5 to 1 for better instruction and drive time.
Since day one, students have had access to driving instruction. By the time they graduate, students will have completed 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
You can complete your CDL-A training in four weeks at American Driver Training Academy.
160 hours of training are provided by the full-time program.
the college also offers part-time options for students who want to keep their “day job” while training for their CDL-A.
Students can take the CDL-A test in one of the tractor-trailers they were trained in accompanied by their personal instructor.
Students at American Driver Training Academy benefit from a simplified TWIC card application process.
The Academy is Delaware’s only on-site enrollment processing facility.
Those who meet the requirements are given a tamper-proof TWIC card with a fingerprint template that directly connects the card to the bearer.
All employees who need to enter regulated facilities and vessels under the Maritime Transportation Safety Act unaccompanied must have a TWIC identification credential, as do all mariners with valid credentials from the Coast Guard.
7. POLYTECH Adult Education
POLYTECH Adult Education is one of the best trade schools in Delaware. The POLYTECH Adult Education is a division of the POLYTECH School District.
For students at different levels and working in various industries, Polytech Adult Education offers a variety of workforce programs.
The institution also provides the ELiNC program, which prepares adult English language learners (ELLs) for employment in fields like technology, healthcare, and construction that are experiencing growth.
Courses available:
POLYTECH provides a range of courses, including:
- Classes in Frontline Management
- Phlebotomy Technician Medical Assistant Medical Insurance Billing Cisco Academy IT Professional Program
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Direct Care Worker, AAPC Certified Professional Coder (ELL)
- Construction Courses Practical Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant
- Maintenance mechanics Electro-Mechanical Technicians
8. Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty
One of the first hair schools in Delaware was established in 1981 and is called Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty.
Both the Cosmetology and Master Barbering programs are available at the school, preparing students for a career as certified professionals.
Educators with experience and certification teach the classes.
Students at the Hair Academy learn theory, hands-on activities, business ideas, license law, and much more. After graduation, they will be fully prepared to ace the state licensing test.
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences has granted accreditation to The Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty.
Courses offered:
- Cosmetology Program
- Master Barbering Program
9. Harris School of Business
Adults seeking career training in allied health have a long history of receiving it from the Harris School of Business.
Technologies used in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and businesses are used to train students.
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training has granted diploma accreditation to the campuses in Wilmington, DE, Linwood, NJ, Danbury, CT, and Cherry Hill, NJ.
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools has granted accreditation to the campuses in Dover, DE, and Voorhees, NJ (ABHES).
Courses offered:
The following courses are offered at the Dover and Wilmington campuses:
- Dental Assistant
- Health Claims Specialist
- Massage Therapy
- Professional Medical Assistant
- Surgical Technology
10. Delaware Technical Community College
Numerous credit programs of study are available at Delaware Technical Community College, including bachelor’s degree programs, associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
Students who enroll in certificates and diploma programs are prepared for a variety of jobs.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Delaware Technical Community College, an open admissions institution.
Courses available:
The following Certificates and Diplomas programs are available at the College’s Dover and Wilmington campuses:
- Dover and Wilmington offer certificates in entrepreneurship, paralegal studies, baking and pastry arts, early childhood education, and entrepreneurship.
- Direct Support Professional Certificate – Dover and Wilmington Instruction, Design, and Technology Certificate Emergency
- MedicalTechnician-Paramedic Certificate Wilmington Practical Nursing Studies Dover Correctional Officer Certificate Dover
- Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling – Dover and Wilmington
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11. Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington
A medical assisting associate degree is an option for students attending Delaware Technical Community College’s Stanton or Wilmington campuses.
The goal of DTCC is to prepare students for successful job placement in the expanding field of medical assisting.
The majority of the credits earned at DTCC can be transferred to other colleges and universities, enabling students to change their location if necessary.
On all four of its campuses, DTCC also offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations, including opportunities for Greek life, athletic clubs, and student government.
12. Delaware College of Art and Design
A collaboration between the Pratt Institute and the Corcoran College of Art and Design resulted in the establishment of the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) in 1997, one of the best trade schools in Delaware.
The goal of DCAD is to develop talented and dedicated students into visual communicators, art creators, and problem solvers who can transform how we view and interact with the world.
Five fields of study are available in the associate of fine arts (AFA) degree program at DCAD: animation, fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and photography.
These include opportunities in publishing, marketing, computer graphics, advertising, packaging, display design, and photography in addition to the traditional fine arts disciplines.
13. University of Delaware
Informally known as Delaware or UD, the University of Delaware is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Newark, Delaware.
The biggest university in Delaware is UD.
Through its eight colleges, it provides three associate’s programs, 148 bachelor’s programs, 121 master’s programs (with 13 joint degrees), and 55 doctoral programs with several vocational programs.
With satellite campuses in Dover, Wilmington, Lewes, and Georgetown, the main campus is located in Newark.
With approximately 18,200 undergraduate and 4,200 graduate students, it is regarded as a large institution.
It is a privately run university that receives public funding as a result of being a state-funded research institution with land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant status.
14. Delaware State University
Public historically black land-grant research university Delaware State University (DSU or Del State) is located in Dover, Delaware.
Additionally, DSU has two satellite campuses—one in Georgetown and one in Wilmington.
The university has four colleges and enrolls both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds.
“Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity” is classified among Delaware State University.
15. Wilmington University
Private university Wilmington University (WilmU) has its main campus in Wilmington Manor, Delaware, with a street address in New Castle.
Dr. Donald E. Ross, a professor, founded Wilmington College in 1968. 20 522 undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled in the university’s nearly 100 degree and certificate programs as well as vocational programs as of 2016.
The university’s main campus in the old town of New Castle, along with six other campuses in Delaware, several partnership locations in New Jersey, and one sole partnership location in northeastern Maryland, all offer programs.
How Much do Traders Make in Delaware?
Graduates of trade schools enjoy the favorable career and financial prospects.
Jobs like HVAC technician, paralegal, and dental hygienist all have projected faster-than-average job growth rates and offer above-average pay.
The pay for jobs obtained through trade school varies by industry, location, and level of experience.
Careers in technical and trade schools typically pay around $55,000 annually. Installation, repair, and maintenance jobs pay about $50,000 annually, while management positions can earn over $96,000.
Technical and healthcare practitioner jobs typically pay around $55,000.
How do I become a Trader in Delaware?
Delaware’s trade and vocational schools provide certificates and degrees in a variety of in-demand fields.
Graduates of trade schools can find employment in industries such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and legal services.
Prospective students can look into programs for careers like HVAC technician, medical assistant, and occupational therapy assistant in addition to the ones listed below.
Best Paying Jobs In Delaware with Salary
- dental hygienists earn a median pay of over $76,000
- Automotive service technicians and mechanics earned a median annual salary of over $42,000
- Medical records and health information technicians earned a median annual salary of over $40,000
- paralegals and legal assistants earned median annual pay of over $51,000
- EMTs and paramedics earned a median annual salary of over $35,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Career-focused education is offered by trade schools in fields like skilled trades, healthcare, and legal services.
Yes. Scholarships and grants are among the financial aid options available to trade school students. Federal financial aid is available to students in Delaware attending accredited vocational schools.
Yes. Scholarships for vocational students are available to help pay for their education. Numerous scholarships are available to students pursuing particular trades.
Numerous trade schools provide rolling admissions and welcome new students all year long. Admitted students frequently have a choice of several start dates each year for their programs.
Conclusion
This list’s information is intended to support people who want to pursue careers in skilled trades.
The first step only involves choosing the profession you want to pursue.
Another crucial choice you will need to make is which school to attend.
When selecting the best trade school, a number of factors should be taken into account, including course length, cost, completion rate, accreditation, etc.
Therefore, before selecting the trade school that will help you prepare for your future career, be sure to do your research.
References
- Accreditedschoolsonline.com – Best trade schools in Delaware
- Unmudl.com – Best Trade Jobs in Delaware with Salaries
- Bestcolleges.com – Trade Schools in Delaware state
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