What is Apex Technical School Known For?
Founded in 1961, Apex Technical School has established itself as a prominent adult vocational school specializing in training in the skilled trades.
For over 60 years, the school has been a fixture in New York City, graduating thousands of students equipped with the fundamental trade and labor skills necessary to secure entry-level positions in various fields.
Apex is renowned for its hands-on training approach, thoroughly preparing students to succeed in the skilled trades.
Who Owns Apex Technical School?
Apex Technical School is owned by the Fedcap Group, an international nonprofit organization headquartered in New York City. The Fedcap Group is dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being, aiming to empower them through various services and initiatives.
By owning Apex Technical School, the Fedcap Group continues its mission of fostering education and skill development.
Is it Legit?
Apex Technical School is licensed by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Is Apex Technical School Worth It?
Apex Technical School is an excellent choice for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the skilled trades: through its specialization solely in skilled trades, the institution ensures that its curriculum is sharply focused on delivering practical skills and knowledge necessary for specific careers like automotive repair, plumbing, and electrical work.
This specialization leads to more effective learning outcomes and better prepares students for the demands of their chosen fields.
Furthermore, Apex is renowned for its hands-on training approach. The school emphasizes practical experience in shop settings that closely simulate real-world work environments.
This exposure is crucial as it enables students to gain the practical skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers. By providing such direct, applicable training, Apex ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and meet the demands of employers from day one.
This combination of focused education, practical training, and support services, such as job placement assistance, makes Apex Technical School a compelling option for those aiming to start a career in the trades quickly.
Apex Technical School vs. Community College
Unlike community colleges that offer a broader array of academic and vocational programs, Apex Technical School focuses specifically on trade programs. These programs are taught by instructors with field experience, providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences in both classroom and shop settings.
This specialized approach is designed to fast-track students into entry-level positions in trades they are passionate about. Additionally, Apex offers dedicated support through its admissions, financial aid, academic support, and job placement assistance teams, further enhancing the value of its educational offerings.
Acceptance Rate
Apex Technical School has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
The average tuition cost per year at Apex Technical College varies slightly depending on the program, but typically, it ranges around $18,100 for tuition and fees. Apex Technical College additionally offers financial aid opportunities in the form of federal and private loans, grants, and payment installment plans.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog and consumer information can be found here.
School Hours
Apex Technical School’s campus, located in Queens, New York, offers day and evening classes. The institution does not provide specific information on campus availability.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Auto Tech
- Construction
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
Campus Locations
Long Island 11-05 44th Drive Long Island City, NY 11101
New York City 210 East 43rd Street, 2nd Fl New York, NY 10017
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, Apex Technical School has a strong overall reputation, with a high volume of reviews supporting a positive score. However, a closer look reveals a significant polarization in student feedback, with strong praise for its hands-on education but serious and recurring criticisms about administrative and financial issues.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars (from 511 reviews)
Common Praises
Effective, Hands-On Training: This is the most consistent theme in the reviews. Students from various programs, including HVAC, Electrical, and Welding, praise the school’s practical approach. They appreciate the comprehensive curriculum and the opportunity to gain valuable skills through hands-on work and real-world scenarios.
Supportive and Knowledgeable Instructors: Many students report that the instructors are “great,” “knowledgeable,” and patient. They are praised for their willingness to answer questions and their dedication to student success. The teachers are often described as industry veterans who provide a strong foundation for a career.
Career Success and Readiness: For many, the school is seen as an excellent alternative to traditional college. Graduates and current students state that the programs provide all the necessary knowledge to start a career, with some even finding work before they graduated. The school is also recognized as being a great option for veterans using the GI Bill.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Financial Issues: The most severe criticisms concern the school’s administration. Reviews describe the staff as “unprofessional” and “unorganized.” A major complaint is that the school is perceived as a “rip-off” that only cares about money, with some graduates questioning the high cost for the level of training provided.
Lack of Post-Graduation Support: In a direct contradiction to the school’s promises, some reviews claim that the job placement assistance is nonexistent. One parent states that the school did not help her son find a job after he graduated and did not hold a graduation ceremony.
Questionable Review Practices and Lack of Resources: One student alleges that the school takes students out of class to write positive reviews. Another recent review complains that the programs lack adequate tools and materials, a “glaring oversight” for a hands-on trade school.
Momentum
The reviews show a deep polarization with both positive and negative feedback being consistently submitted, indicating no clear trend of improvement or decline. The strong overall score is balanced by recurring, detailed complaints. A notable point is the lack of public responses from the school to any of the reviews, which is a significant factor, especially given the seriousness of some of the criticisms.