What Is It Known For?
The School of Skilled Trades, located in Durham, NC, is a non-profit institution founded in February 2020 by Neil Devlin and Matthew Vanderwalker, two experienced plumbers passionate about hands-on education. The school was created to support students with mechanical aptitude and spatial thinking who may not have thrived in traditional classroom settings. By focusing on real-world plumbing skills, it offers a practical learning environment where students can excel and build a strong foundation for their careers.
While exact enrollment numbers aren’t publicly available, the school maintains small class sizes to provide personalized attention. Typically, lecture classes have fewer than 30 students per instructor, while labs and workshops keep ratios even lower, at around 20 students per instructor.
Degrees & Certifications
The School of Skilled Trades offers a focused six-month plumbing program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the trade. This course leads to a certificate and is tailored specifically for those looking to build a career in plumbing.
Throughout the program, students will progress through a structured curriculum that covers:
- Basic Plumbing
- Essentials of Plumbing
- Intermediate Plumbing
- Advanced Plumbing
- Class Schedules
Classes at the School of Skilled Trades run Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, with the school closed on weekends. Since the program focuses heavily on hands-on training, it’s unlikely that online classes are offered. The in-person format allows students to gain the practical experience needed to succeed in the plumbing trade.
While there’s no specific mention of externships or clinical experience, the program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions right after graduation. Graduates will also have the foundational knowledge to pursue their own plumbing licenses, setting them up for long-term success in the field.
Is It Legit?
Yes, the School of Skilled Trades is fully licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The school does not publicly share its acceptance rate. However, its focus on hands-on training and small class sizes suggests a personalized approach to admissions, aiming to support students who are serious about pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The plumbing program costs $10,000, which covers tuition, supplies, and uniforms for students, as well as the school’s operational expenses. Since the school does not provide a net price calculator, it’s best to contact them directly for a detailed breakdown of costs and any available financial aid options.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Communication / Project Management
Skilled Trades
- Plumbing Technician
Campus Locations
Durham 2800 Meridian Parkway #125 Durham, NC 27713
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the School of Skilled Trades is highly recommended for individuals looking to start a career in the trades, distinguished by the high quality of its owners and instructors who are deeply invested in student success and career placement.
Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Owners and Instructors: Both reviews praise the owners and instructors for being “absolutely fantastic” and “excellent teachers.” They are credited with being qualified, experienced, and genuinely invested in helping students build new careers.
Strong Career Support and Placement: The school is praised for actively supporting students “in all areas as they build new careers for themselves.” Reviewers note that the “professional instruction and great communication” have helped tradesmen find fulfilling work in a competitive job market.
Effective and Phenomenal Learning Experience: Students describe the program as a “phenomenal experience” that helped them “excel” in their new careers, such as a service plumbing technician.
High-Quality Student Body: The school owners specifically noted that the students are “hard-working and dedicated to developing their trade skills to have a personally and financially rewarding career.”
Momentum
The reviews, while few, are highly positive and separated by four years, suggesting that the core elements of high-quality instruction and owner commitment have been consistent over time. The most recent review reinforces the excellent instruction and strong career support, demonstrating positive sustained momentum.