What Is It Known For?
Founded in 1971, the Northwest Career & Technical Center (NCTC) is a regional technical center serving high school students and adult learners in northwestern Vermont. The school enrolls approximately 400 students per year and provides career-focused education in 10 hands-on technical programs. NCTC is affiliated with Bellows Free Academy (Saint Albans), Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Bellows Free Academy (Fairfax), and the regional homeschool population.
The center is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and aligns with Vermont’s Flexible Pathways Initiative, allowing students to earn college credits through dual enrollment programs.
Degrees & Certifications
NCTC offers certificate programs in Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Digital Media Studies, Engineering Technologies, Human Services, Medical Professions, Outdoor Technology, and Public Safety & Fire Services. Most programs span two years, with students attending two to three periods per day. Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 10, ServSafe, Licensed Nurse Assistant (LNA), CPR/AED, Firefighter I, and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications.
Class Schedules & Training
NCTC classes operate on a half-day schedule, with morning and afternoon sessions. The Adult Technical Education Division provides evening courses and online learning options through Ed2Go. Some healthcare and public safety programs include clinical training and hands-on work experiences with local hospitals and fire departments.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition varies by program. For example, the Licensed Nurse Assistant program costs $685, while welding courses range from $640 to $840. Some grant-funded courses, like Phlebotomy Training, are free. Financial aid is available through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and other funding sources.
Programs & Courses
Criminal Justice & Law
- Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Healthcare
- Medical Professions
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Building Trades
- Electrical Trades
Campus Locations
Albans 71 South Main St. St. Albans, VT 05478
Reviews
Based on Google reviews for the Northwest Technical Center in St Albans City, the overall rating is low, and the available detailed feedback is extremely limited, consisting primarily of one highly negative comment regarding one of its student-run programs.
Overall Score: 3.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
No Student-Derived Praise Available: There are no available detailed positive reviews from students to highlight common areas of praise. The low number of public reviews prevents identifying common positive themes.
Contextual Strengths (Based on School’s Mission): External sources indicate the Northwest Technical Center (NCTC) is a well-established, accredited career center serving high school students and adult learners in northwestern Vermont. It provides career-focused education in various fields like Skilled Trades, Healthcare, and Professional Services, and is known to offer flexible learning options and dual enrollment opportunities.
Common Criticisms
Severe Negative Experience in Cosmetology: The only detailed negative review available is a strong complaint regarding the school’s Cosmetology program. The reviewer, who was a returning customer and usually understanding of typical student errors (like uneven cuts or color mistakes), stated that this particular experience “tops” all others, implying a severe failure that goes beyond acceptable student learning mistakes.
Momentum
The very few reviews available are approximately one year old, making it impossible to determine any current positive or negative momentum. The low overall rating of 3.0/5 suggests that, despite its valuable mission in the community, the school may be struggling with inconsistent student experiences.