What Is It Known For?
New Castle School of Trades established itself in 1945 and has spent nearly eight decades building its reputation as one of the premier trade schools serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The institution’s growth trajectory became evident early on when demand for their high-quality training programs forced a relocation from New Castle to a larger facility in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, in 1954. This expansion reflected the school’s commitment to meeting growing regional needs for skilled trades education.
The school continued its upward trajectory over the following twenty years, developing into one of the most highly sought-after trade institutions in the region. Both the New Castle and East Liverpool campuses have successfully launched thousands of students into new professional careers, with 623 undergraduate students enrolled in 2023 and similar numbers expected annually.
Degrees & Certifications
Students can pursue specialized training across multiple trade disciplines:
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Building Technology
- Combination Welding
- Electrical Technology
- Class B CDL Training
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel & Heavy Equipment Repair
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
The school focuses primarily on hands-on, in-person vocational training rather than online delivery methods. Students at the New Castle, Pennsylvania campus can access comprehensive evening programs that accommodate working schedules and other commitments.
Programs are structured to provide complete training without requiring externship components, allowing students to gain all necessary skills on campus. Prospective students can contact the school directly for detailed scheduling information and program specifics.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, New Castle School of Trades maintains accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The New Castle School of Trades operates with a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition varies significantly based on program selection, ranging from $5,970 for Commercial Truck Driving to $24,390 for Diesel & Heavy Equipment Repair Technology, with all other programs falling between these two price points.
The school provides a net price calculator to help prospective and current students estimate their total attendance costs and explore available financial aid options.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Building Maintenance
- Welding
- CDL
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Machinist
- Motorcycle Repair
- Refrigeration
Campus Locations
New Castle 4117 Pulaski Road, New Castle, PA, 16101
Pulaski 4164 US-422, Pulaski, PA 16143
East Liverpool 29 East 5th Street, East Liverpool, OH, 43920
Reviews
The New Castle School of Trades (NCST) in New Castle, PA, shows a highly polarized set of employee and student experiences. While many praise the hands-on education and career services, there are serious, recurring complaints regarding program quality, management, and the ethical conduct of some instructors.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Knowledgeable and Encouraging Instructors: Many students highly recommend the program, noting that the instructors are “very knowledgeable,” “caring,” and “always very supportive and eager to help.” They are effective in teaching hands-on skills, such as welding and automotive repair, and are noted for going “above and beyond” to ensure students succeed.
Strong Hands-On and Practical Focus: Students who prefer applied learning often praise NCST. The combination of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on experience is seen as “amazing,” especially for those who struggled in traditional academic settings.
Job Placement and Career Opportunities: Multiple reviews state that the school’s commitment to job placement assistance is excellent, with one reviewer calling Career Services “top notch.” Graduates report landing jobs with competitive offers, with the training opening up “several opportunities” for their families.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The admissions process is described as simple, and the overall environment is called “open, welcoming, warm & encouraging,” with staff often noted for being friendly and helpful.
Common Criticisms
Inconsistent Instruction and Lack of Leadership: A core complaint is that teachers “do not care about their students,” and the school suffers from a lack of effective leadership. One former student, in a highly critical review, said they were “left in debt with no real skills or knowledge” and warned that the school is a “waste of time” unless the student is already proficient in the subject.
CDL/Heavy Equipment Program Issues: There are pointed and serious complaints about the quality of the commercial driving programs, including reports of instructors “constantly infighting and backstabbing each other,” involving students in their disputes, and poor education. Additionally, a student of the Heavy Equipment program complained about “little seat time” on the machines.
Financial and Administrative Concerns: Graduates reported that the “great job placement program” did “ABSOLUTELY NOTHING” to help them find a job, leading to a perception that the education was an “absolute waste of time and money.” Other concerns include poor organization in programs (like the Electrical program) and allegations that the school is “cheaters and liars” who only care about the money.
Momentum
The momentum is mixed and highly polarized. Recent reviews (from the last month to three weeks ago) are extremely positive, praising the simplicity of admissions and the encouraging atmosphere. However, critical reviews alleging poor instruction, lack of leadership, and program disorganization are also relatively recent (within the last seven to three months). The school actively responds to both positive and negative feedback, but the persistent, serious nature of the complaints suggests that the quality of experience at NCST can vary dramatically depending on the program and the specific instructors involved.