Erie’s trade schools offer exceptional value and career outcomes in northwestern Pennsylvania. Whether you choose the completely free high school programs, quick certification options, or comprehensive degree programs, Erie provides quality career education to match every budget, timeline, and career aspiration.
Top Trade Schools in Erie by Specialty
Healthcare Training
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology – ACCSC accredited with specialized programs in diagnostic medical sonography, dental assisting, and surgical technology
- IMBC – ABHES accredited offering practical nursing, medical assisting with phlebotomy, and veterinary technician programs
- FORTIS College – ABHES/ACCSC accredited with comprehensive healthcare programs including nursing, medical lab tech, and pharmacy technician
- Erie Institute of Technology – ACCSC accredited with phlebotomy technician and medical equipment technician programs
Skilled Trades and Technical Programs
- Erie County Technical School – FREE programs in automotive technology, metal fabrication, precision machining, and construction trades
- Erie Institute of Technology – Welding technology, HVAC/R technology, and CNC/machinist technician programs
- IMBC – Welding technology and commercial truck driving programs
- FORTIS College – HVAC, electrical, welding, and construction management programs
Technology and Computer Programs
- Erie County Technical School – Computer networking, programming, and drafting & design
- Erie Institute of Technology – Web design & social media marketing, IT specialist programs
Business and Professional Services
- IMBC – Business administration, paralegal studies, and medical office administration
- Erie Institute of Technology – Administrative professional program
- FORTIS College – Business administration and networking programs
Beauty and Personal Care
- Erie County Technical School – FREE cosmetology program for high school students
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology – Massage therapist program
Quick Entry Programs for Immediate Career Launch
Erie trade schools offer several fast-track programs for students seeking immediate career entry:
Ultra-Fast Programs (Several months):
- IMBC Commercial Truck Driving: Several months with flexible scheduling
- Erie Institute of Technology Phlebotomy Technician: Short-term hands-on training
Quick Healthcare Entry (6-12 months):
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant programs with externship opportunities
- FORTIS College Fast-paced certificate programs with employer connections
- IMBC Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy program
Technical Skills Fast Track (8-18 months):
- Erie Institute of Technology Welding Technology and HVAC/R programs for job-ready skills
- FORTIS College Accelerated programs with small class sizes and personal attention
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Erie trade schools recognize the needs of working adults and offer extensive flexibility:
Multiple Schedule Options:
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology – Day, evening, and Saturday classes with online and in-person options
- FORTIS College – Flexible class hours for working professionals with 24-hour campus access at many locations
- IMBC – Online programs available with early morning, daytime, or late night study options
Hybrid and Online Learning:
- IMBC – Fully online programs launched in 2017, allowing students nationwide to access quality instruction
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology – Mix of online and in-person classes with externship opportunities
Extended Support:
IMBC – Clinical components integrated with flexible scheduling to accommodate work and family responsibilities
FORTIS College – Instructors available outside class hours for additional support
List of Trade Schools in Erie
Erie County Technical School
Erie County Technical School provides high school sophomores through seniors with in-person training in over 20 technical and trade fields such as cosmetology, health assisting, precision machining, and automotive technology. Students complete 1,485 hours of hands-on instruction over three years, preparing them for employment right after graduation. Programs are offered tuition-free as part of the regular public school curriculum, with only small lab or equipment fees in some cases. Classes run on a half-day schedule, allowing students to attend both their technical training and regular high school. The school is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and serves over 800 students annually.
- 8500 Oliver Road Erie, PA Erie, PA 16509
Erie Institute of Technology
Erie Institute of Technology provides career-focused training in technical, medical, and design fields such as HVAC/R, welding, CNC machining, and web design. Programs range from a few months to two years, with tuition costs between $12,350 and $32,016 depending on the program. Classes are held in person during daytime hours, with no clear online or evening options. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and follows an open enrollment policy, accepting all qualified applicants. Students receive practical, hands-on education aimed at developing job-ready skills in a short timeframe.
- 940 Millcreek Mall Erie, PA 16565
FORTIS College
FORTIS provides people with a quality post-secondary education. The school has locations in 15 states that offer diploma and degree programs. These include accredited tracks in healthcare, business, technology, and other trades. Specific options vary by campus. The college also has online courses. This allows busy students the flexibility to complete their schooling at a pace that works for them. Attendees can earn associate’s degrees in business, human resources, or marketing.
- 5757 West 26th St. Erie, PA 16506
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
Founded in 1965, Great Lakes Institute of Technology in Erie, PA, provides specialized short-term training in various healthcare fields. With flexible day, evening, and Saturday classes available both online and in-person, the school accommodates diverse schedules. Programs such as Dental Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, and Surgical Technologist include hands-on externships for real-world experience. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Great Lakes ensures the quality of its education. Tuition ranges from $10,800 to $45,486, with job placement assistance available for graduates.
- 5100 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
IMBC
IMBC provides certificates and associate degrees in fields such as nursing, medical assisting, paralegal studies, welding, business, and commercial driving. Students can study online or on campus in Pittsburgh or Erie, with scheduling options that accommodate working adults. Programs include real-world training through clinical experiences and lab-based instruction. Tuition averages around $20,595 per year, though costs vary by program and financial aid eligibility. The school is accredited by ABHES and accepts all qualified applicants through its open enrollment policy.
- 5739 W 26th Street Erie, PA 16506
Average Program Duration and Costs
Shortest Programs (Several months – 1 year):
- CDL/Commercial Truck Driving: Several months
- Phlebotomy Technician: 6-12 months
- Medical Assistant: 8-12 months
- Dental Assistant: 10-12 months
Medium-Length Programs (1-2 years):
- Welding Technology: 12-18 months
- HVAC Technology: 12-24 months
- CNC/Machinist Technician: 18-24 months
- Associate Degree Programs: 18-24 months
Longer Programs (2-3 years):
- High School Career Programs: 3 years (sophomore through senior year)
- Advanced Healthcare Programs: 24+ months
- Practical Nursing: 18-24 months
Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rates
Most Erie trade schools maintain 100% acceptance rates, ensuring accessible career training:
- Erie Institute of Technology: 100% acceptance rate with open enrollment
- FORTIS College: 100% acceptance rate
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology: 100% acceptance rate
- IMBC: 100% acceptance rate
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Federal Financial Aid is available at accredited institutions including FORTIS College, IMBC, and Great Lakes Institute of Technology.
Unique Cost-Saving Opportunities:
- Erie County Technical School – Completely tuition-free for eligible high school students
- FORTIS College – Student payment plans and external scholarship acceptance
- All schools offer net price calculators for accurate cost estimates
Military Benefits are accepted at participating schools, with veteran services available.
Career Placement and Job Outlook
Erie trade schools emphasize strong employment outcomes:
- Great Lakes Institute of Technology – Job placement program and externship opportunities in healthcare fields
- FORTIS College – Employer connections and networking opportunities with nearly 13,000 students nationwide
- IMBC – Clinical training components and real-world skill building
- Erie County Technical School – 1,485 hours of hands-on training preparing students for immediate employment
Erie’s diverse economy supports employment opportunities across healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and service industries.
Special Programs and Features
High School Integration
Erie County Technical School offers a unique half-day schedule (8:00-10:45 AM or 12:00-2:45 PM) that works with regular high school classes, allowing students to gain 1,485 hours of training over three years.
Small Class Sizes and Personal Attention
FORTIS College emphasizes small classes with personal instructor attention, including support outside regular class hours.
Real-World Experience
Multiple schools offer externships and clinical components, with Great Lakes Institute of Technology and IMBC providing hands-on training in actual work environments.