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Skilled Trades Education
Build Your Future at Ƶ
Skilled trades aren’t just jobs—they’re well-respected careers that form the backbone of society.
Trades men and women are essential to every community, keeping our homes safe and our infrastructure running. And the demand for this expertise has never been greater, opening the door to high-paying, stable careers for the next generation of skilled professionals.
A career in the skilled trades demands intelligence, expertise, and precision. That’s why we’ve been committed to trades education since 1940 — and why we’ve reduced tuition costs by nearly half across a variety of these programs.
In just 18 months, you can earn a degree that equips you with the confidence and certifications needed to step into a rewarding career path and set yourself up for a lifetime of success.
Let’s Get to Work.
Spring Term begins March 24th.
Fall Term begins September 29th.
Ƶ Reduces Skilled Trades Tuition by Nearly Half
Discover Career Paths
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Skilled Trades >
Always in high demand, building technologies encompass construction, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, electrical technology and more.
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Automotive & Marine Tech >
Whether you’re interested in the latest automotive and high performance technologies, automotive collision repair, or marine technology, we have the experts to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why did New England Institute of Technology announce a price reduction for their Skilled Trades degrees?
Ƶ announced a 47% reduction in tuition across a variety of degree programs within the skilled trades, establishing a uniform lowered tuition cost lessened from $34,875 to $18,540 per academic year for all programs within this field of study, starting Spring 2025.
With this tuition reduction, New England Tech is affirming its dedication to addressing the urgent demand for skilled professionals and supporting workforce needs across the region. As industries across the nation increasingly depend on highly trained trades professionals to build and maintain critical infrastructure, Ƶ remains steadfast in its mission of equipping students with the practical skills, hands-on experience, and certifications necessary to thrive in these high-demand industries.
Reducing the cost of education allows students from all backgrounds to pursue and excel in these rewarding, sought-after careers.
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What Skilled Trades degree programs does Ƶ offer?
Ƶ offers 18 month accelerated associate degrees in the following skilled trades and transportation technology:
- Building Construction Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Electrical Technology with Renewable Energy
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration Technology
- Plumbing and Heating Technology
- Welding Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Marine Technology
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Which programs have reduced tuition?
All 18-month associate degree programs within skilled trades and transportation technology are now $18,540 per academic year. While many of our associate degree programs in this field were already priced low, the below programs were previously priced at $34,875 and have now been reduced to $18,540 beginning Spring 2025.
- Electrical Technology
- Welding Engineering Technology
- Building Construction
- Marine Technology
- Facilities Management
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Who is eligible for reduced tuition for skilled trades degree programs?
All enrolled students whose entry term is Spring 2025 or later will now be $18,540 per academic year.
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How long does a skilled trade degree take to complete at Ƶ?
An associate degree in one of Ƶ’s skilled trades can be completed in as little as 18 months—6 months faster than most traditional associate degrees, which typically take 2 years to finish. This accelerated path is made possible through our focused, hands-on curriculum that prioritizes practical, industry-relevant skills to ensure students graduate ready to succeed without compromising the quality of their education.
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How can prospective students and their families learn more and apply?
To learn more, a prospective student can:
- Visit neit.edu/trades
- Request a call back at
- Start an application at
- Speak directly with an NEIT Admissions Officer at 401-739-5000
- Email NEIT Admissions at [email protected]
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How will this change impact scholarships and financial aid?
Financial Aid eligibility and Scholarship opportunities will be unaffected by this tuition reduction. We remain committed to making education as affordable as possible. The vast majority of our students receive both merit-based and need-based university aid, and our Financial Aid office will continue to help students take full advantage of other financial aid resources available through various federal, state and private programs, including Pell Grants and scholarships.
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Why should prospective students consider a degree in a skilled trade?
Skilled trades represent some of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers today. With a significant number of job openings projected in these fields, now is the ideal time to pursue this rewarding career path. Trades professionals with degrees are highly sought after by employers, enjoy higher lifetime earning potential, and have greater opportunities for career advancement and entrepreneurship. Additionally, a degree in the skilled trades costs about a quarter of a traditional four-year degree, offering a high return on investment without compromising salary potential or job security.
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What are the current job outlook projections within skilled trade industries?
The demand for skilled trades workers continues to grow significantly, both locally and nationally:
- The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training classifies the skilled trades as a High Demand Occupation, projecting a need for over 15,000 specialty trade contractors in the state by 2032.
- Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a total increase to 169 million job openings within trades and manufacturing by 2032.
- According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report, skilled trades workers are projected to be the fourth fastest-growing occupation globally by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for qualified professionals.
Accelerating the demand, nearly 40% of the skilled trades workforce is nearing retirement age, creating even more job openings and intensifying the labor shortage. Now is a pivotal time to enter these essential and lucrative fields.
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How long has Ƶ been offering skilled trades education?
Since 1940, Ƶ has been a leader in providing high-quality, hands-on education in the skilled trades. For over 85 years, we have proudly maintained our commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in these essential careers. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to supporting the next generation of professional tradespeople and addressing the growing demand for skilled workers.