New Castle School of Trades Recognized on USA Today’s Top 250 Vocational Schools List
Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence in Trades Education
We’re thrilled to announce that New Castle School of Trades has been recognized on USA Today’s inaugural “America’s Top Vocational Schools” list for 2025! This prestigious recognition validates what we’ve known for eight decades that quality trades education opens doors to rewarding, in-demand careers. We are proud to offer a variety of skilled trades that are in demand in our communities.
A Shift Toward Skills-Based Education
The recognition comes at a pivotal time in American education. As USA Today reports, there’s been a significant shift in how both politicians and families view post-secondary education options. Education leaders from both parties are now advocating for expanded pathways beyond the traditional four-year college model.
“We have a ‘four years or bust’ mentality in this country, and a stigma around technical education,” former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona noted. “Our kids are missing out if we don’t give them the full range of options.”
This changing perspective is reflected in the numbers. Between 2020 and 2023, trade school enrollment jumped by roughly 5%, and in a recent survey, 33% of adults advocated for high school graduates to enroll in trade schools and more than the 28% who recommended traditional four-year colleges. At the New Castle School of Trades, we have seen strong growth with enrollments from recently graduating Seniors. More men and women than ever before are selecting skilled trades for their career.
“I can’t express how grateful I am for New Castle School of Trades. Despite the uncertainty, I chose to invest in my education with NCST in their Automotive Technology daytime program. From the front office staff to the instructors, I felt welcomed, I felt heard and I felt valued not just as a student, but as a person as well. Just remember- it is what YOU make out of it. If you wish to have a great schooling experience like I did, be open minded and communicate that with the school staff so they can better accommodate you. I’ll never forget my time at NCST.”
Matt Baez
NCST graduate
What Makes NCST Stand Out
USA Today’s ranking methodology focused on five critical metrics that matter most to students and their families:
- Graduation rates
- Graduate salaries
- Years to pay off net cost
- Social mobility opportunities
- Diversity and inclusion
These metrics align perfectly with New Castle School of Trades’ mission: “service with excellence the needs of our community and the needs of our graduates by matching skills.”
80 Years of Proven Success
For eight decades, New Castle School of Trades has been helping residents of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia gain the hands-on expertise needed for exciting careers in the trades. Our longevity isn’t just about time, it’s about results.
“There are very few decisions in your lifetime that are more important than the decision to enhance your skills. Since 1945, New Castle School of Trades has served the needs of our community and the needs of our graduates by matching skills. Emphasis is placed on Attitude, Attendance, Appearance, Academics, and Accountability. These “Five A’s” are the guiding principles that lead to the success of our graduates. Our training programs are designed to enhance your talent and provide the most direct route to your new career. The programs are practical and intense. They result in the attainment of viable measurable skills- skills you can use from the very first day of your career! We invite you to let us show you our commitment to helping you realize your dream,”
Rex Spaulding,
President of New Castle School of Trades
What sets NCST apart:
Strategic Location & Modern Facilities: Our main campus in New Castle, PA features an impressive 93,000 square feet of dedicated instructional space, located just seven miles from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Our New Castle, PA satellite campus (located just blocks away) was designed specifically for our Truck Driving, Heavy Equipment, Diesel Technology, Motorcycle & Power Equipment Technology and Machinist Technology programs.
We are also extremely proud of our Campus East Liverpool, OH. Located in the heart of community at 129 E. 5th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920, our skilled-trades campus stands as an anchor for tri-state revitalization. Our beautiful facility is a modern training center for our Combination Welding, HVAC/R and Electrical & Industrial Maintenance programs.
Industry-Focused Training: We know what employers in the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Pittsburgh, Akron, Steubenville, and Weirton areas are looking for. Our programs are structured around real industry needs, so graduates enter the workforce prepared and confident.
Hands-On Learning: Students work with the same equipment they’ll use in their chosen field, providing a significant advantage during the job application process. One of the top reasons to visit a New Castle School of Trades campus is to see their training labs. Students and their parents are always impressed with our excellent facilities.
Employer Partnerships: New Castle School of Trades has developed strong relationships with some of the area’s finest employers. Employers are a vital component for successful trade schools because they help guide and inform the skills that are required for successful graduates, and they hire these graduates. NCST was recently recognized by Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) for innovations in employer partnerships.
“Apostolakis Honda and Shenango Honda are so appreciative of NCST’s excellent automotive programs because they help groom, grow and give students the opportunity to become trained technicians and service advisors. We love adding these newly trained technicians & service advisors to our teams and giving them a place to develop their skills while continuing to add more training with our Honda programs. We’re proud to be long-standing partners with NCST, and we’re thankful for all they do to help the community by educating the employees of tomorrow!”
John Apostolakis,
Apostolakis Auto Group President
Comprehensive Support: Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. NCST’s job placement assistance services create valuable connections between our skilled graduates and employers seeking qualified technicians.
NCST offers hands-on training in high-demand fields including:
- Electrical Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Combination Welding
- HVAC and Refrigeration
- Building Trades
- Commercial Truck Driving (Class A) & Class B CDL Training
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- Diesel & Heavy Equipment Repair
- Motorcycle & Power Equipment Technology
- Electrical & Industrial Maintenance
- Machinist Technology
With a 100% acceptance rate and a high graduation rate, New Castle School of Trades is committed to helping students succeed in their chosen trades. If you’ve never visited one of the Campuses, and considering a new career, it’s a “must do” step!
The Value of Vocational Education
This USA Today recognition highlights the growing appreciation for vocational education’s value proposition. Our graduates enter careers that offer:
Immediate earning potential: Trade school graduates can start earning competitive wages quickly after graduation. And at New Castle School of Trades, you will have tremendous opportunities to meet with employers even before graduation. Our annual Career Fair draws nearly 100 employers, all eager to meet with our students.
Job security: Skilled trades are essential services that can’t be outsourced or easily replaced with AI or other technologies. Many consider the trades the safest careers to go into during the next 20 years.
Career growth: Many trades offer clear advancement paths and entrepreneurship opportunities. If you’re interested in the potential to own your own business, the skilled trades offer a variety of opportunities.
Community impact: Skilled tradespeople literally build and maintain the infrastructure our communities depend on. We train men and women for these careers every day.
Looking Forward
As Congress has expanded Pell Grants to include career training programs as short as eight weeks (taking effect July 2026), the recognition of vocational education’s value continues to grow at the federal level. This makes quality training programs like those at NCST more accessible than ever.
The USA Today recognition validates our approach to trades education, but more importantly, it highlights the incredible opportunities available to students considering a career in the skilled trades. In a job market where many industries face skills shortages, our graduates are positioned for success.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, looking to change careers, or seeking to upgrade your skills, New Castle School of Trades offers the training, support, and industry connections you need to succeed. Classes are enrolling now for August 19th in East Liverpool and September 25th in New Castle, PA. Contact our admissions department for specific details.