We’re proud to share that New Castle School of Trades (NCST) has been named in USA Today’s “America’s Top Vocational Schools” list for 2026! This is the second year in a row we’ve earned a spot in this national ranking, and we’re honored to be recognized for our high-quality training, which continues to prepare students for careers in the skilled trades industries.
A Second Year of National Recognition
USA Today built this ranking in partnership with the research firm Statista to help students sort through the crowded field of trade schools and find those with a track record worth trusting. Schools are evaluated on five main factors:
- Graduation rate
- Graduates’ salary
- Years to pay off net cost
- Social mobility
- Diversity
Data for the ranking comes from public outside sources such as IPEDS and the College Scorecard. Schools that are unaccredited, fail financial responsibility checks, or have high student loan default rates are left out of the running entirely.
“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.”
Rex Spaulding, President of New Castle School of Trades
Why We Keep Making the List
We’ve trained skilled tradespeople since 1945. That history matters to us, but it’s not the reason we keep showing up on national rankings. The reason comes down to our focus on strong graduation rates, high-quality training, and helping graduates find steady employment.
We run two campuses. Our main campus in New Castle, PA, has more than 93,000 square feet of dedicated instructional space and sits about seven miles from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Our satellite campus nearby is home to our Truck Driving, Heavy Equipment, Diesel Technology, Motorcycle & Power Equipment, and Machinist Technology programs. Our East Liverpool, OH, campus focuses on Combination Welding, HVAC/R, and Electrical & Industrial Maintenance.
We work closely with employers across the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, Pittsburgh, Akron, Steubenville, and Weirton regions. Those relationships help shape what our students learn and give our graduates a direct path into local jobs they are prepared for.
“We at Monro Muffler/Brake & Service appreciate the New Castle School of Trades. The graduates we have hired have been very knowledgeable and we look forward to hiring more graduates in the future.”
Keith R. Kockler, Market Manager for Monro Muffler/Brake & Service
Programs Our Students Can Train For
We offer hands-on training in fields where skilled workers are in steady demand, including:
- Automotive Technology
- Building Technology
- Combination Welding
- Commercial Truck Driving (Class A) and Class B CDL Training
- Diesel & Heavy Equipment Repair
- Electrical Technology
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- Industrial Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Machinist & CNC Manufacturing
- Motorcycle & Power Equipment Technology
- Refrigeration & A/C Technology
At our East Liverpool, OH, campus, students can also train in Combination Welding, Electrical & Industrial Maintenance, and Refrigeration & Climate Control.
What This Recognition Means for Our Students
A national ranking is one way to recognize the work we do, but what matters most is the experience we provide our students and the opportunities that follow. For students weighing their options, USA Today’s Top 250 list offers another perspective as they consider a school focused on hands-on training and career preparation.
Faster entry into the workforce. Our programs run shorter than a four-year degree, so graduates can start earning sooner. Our annual Career Fair brings in nearly 100 employers, giving students a chance to connect with hiring companies before they even graduate.
Job security. Skilled trades keep communities running, and that work can’t be outsourced or automated away. Many economists point to the trades as some of the most stable careers for the next 20 years.
Room to grow. Many trades offer a path to supervisory roles or business ownership. Our graduates aren’t locked into a single position for their whole career.
Community impact. Electricians, welders, technicians, and drivers keep the systems people rely on every day running smoothly. We train our students to go out into their community and be part of the workforce that keeps everyone’s life running smoothly.
“NCST offers first-in-class instruction and personalized coursework that allows for each and every one of its students to reach their utmost potential. The career outlets and professional connections that the staff has built over years in the industry ensures that the students have a wide variety of options in front of them upon graduation.”
Jeremy Kerola, PI&I Motor Express Recruiter & Talent Retention Manager
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We accept nearly all applicants and maintain a strong graduation rate. If you’re considering a career change, a first career after high school, or a skill upgrade, we invite you to visit one of our campuses and see our training labs firsthand.
Explore our programs in New Castle, PA or our programs in East Liverpool, OH, schedule a visit or come by and chat with us at any of our locations during operating hours to learn more.