What Is It Known For?
North American Trade Schools, founded in 1971, has been a mainstay in Baltimore’s vocational education scene for over five decades. What started as a diesel technician training school has expanded into a comprehensive career training center offering seven trade programs. Though not part of a larger state community college network, it stands as one of Baltimore’s oldest and most respected skilled trades training institutions.
The school’s popularity is evident in its enrollment numbers. In 2022, North American Trade Schools welcomed 612 students, a figure that’s likely similar today. North American Trade Schools prepares students for entry-level jobs in various fields, including transportation, HVAC, construction, and welding. This focus on practical skills has made it a go-to choice for those looking to start careers in the trades.
Degrees & Certifications
North American Trade Schools offers students a comprehensive learning experience that combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training in well-equipped labs.
The school currently offers the following programs:
- Building Technology
- Combination Welding
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Diesel Technology
- Diesel Technology with CDL
- Electrical Technology
- HRVAC Technology
Class Schedules
North American Trade Schools offers in-person, hands-on training for all classes. Students can choose from morning, evening, or weekend sessions for most programs, allowing them to fit education around their schedules. The school catalog provides detailed class timings.
Many programs include externships, giving students industry experience before graduation. This blend of classroom and practical learning prepares students for their future trades.
Is North American Trade Schools Legit?
Yes. NATS is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Acceptance Rate
North American Trade Schools follows an open admission policy. This means that the school has an acceptance rate of 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
North American Trade Schools (NATS) offers a range of programs with varying tuition fees. The Commercial Truck Driving program is the most affordable at $5,500. Most technical programs, including Combination Welding, Building Construction, HVAC, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and Diesel Technology, have tuition costs of $15,575 to $19,525.
Keep in mind that these are base prices. Your actual costs may be lower if you qualify for financial aid. For a more accurate estimate, prospective students can use the school’s net price calculator or contact NATS directly.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Building Technology
- Combination Welding
- CDL Training Programs
- Diesel Technology
- Diesel Tech with CDL
- Electrical Technology
- HRVAC Technology
Campus Locations
Baltimore 5760 Wabash Avenue, Suite B Baltimore, MD 21215
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, North American Trade Schools (NATS) in Baltimore, MD, has a strong reputation for providing effective, hands-on training, particularly for its CDL program, but it faces isolated complaints regarding equipment and administrative follow-through. The experience is heavily dependent on individual instructors and the specific program.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Engaging Instructors: The most consistent and enthusiastic praise is directed at the quality and dedication of the instructors, especially in the CDL program. Instructors are described as “seasoned,” “very good,” and genuinely committed to helping students reach their career goals. Specific staff members are frequently mentioned and credited with making pre-trip and in-class instruction phenomenal and worth the investment.
Life-Changing Career Path and Support: Graduates from programs like CDL and Diesel Mechanics often state that attending NATS was the “best decision” that changed their life for the better, providing them with a valuable, usable skill and a new career field. The career services department is praised for being “outstanding” and helping graduates find immediate employment.
Effective, Hands-On Learning Environment: Students appreciate the “clean and friendly environment” and the hands-on practice, with many feeling confident in their knowledge early in the program, reinforcing the school’s trade focus.
Common Criticisms
Equipment and Staffing Shortages (CDL Program): The most significant recent complaint involves the CDL driving class being poorly organized due to a lack of resources. One reviewer cited unreliable trucks and not enough instructors, which led to students sitting idle for long periods during range time.
Administrative and Financial Issues: Two detailed, negative reviews concern administrative problems: one reviewer claimed the school gave the “run arounds” regarding a refund after an emergency withdrawal, and another student was withdrawn for falling behind on tuition, leading to a public dispute about the institution’s professionalism.
Poor Value/Self-Study (Specific Programs): A reviewer in the night-school Diesel Mechanic program called the experience a “complete waste of time and money,” claiming most of the learning was prolonged and solely from a book, suggesting they could have done the work virtually for less cost.
Momentum
The overall momentum is stable but with a recent split in feedback. The positive reviews remain centered on the excellence of individual instructors and the school’s core mission. The negative reviews are becoming more critical, focusing on logistical and resource shortcomings (trucks, staffing) and poor administrative follow-through on financial and re-entry issues. The owner’s public, detailed, and sometimes defensive responses to negative reviews indicate a high level of engagement but also confirm that students are experiencing specific administrative friction.