North American Trade Schools

More young people are skipping four-year college degrees and heading straight into the skilled trades and the numbers show why.

A recent survey found that 6 in 10 Gen Z workers plan to pursue jobs in the skilled trades. Even more striking: roughly half of Gen Zers who already hold a bachelor's degree say they're likely to enter a trade in 2026.

The reasons are straightforward. Trade programs take far less time and cost far less than a four-year degree. Many students finish with little to no debt. And careers in fields like electrical, HVAC, and diesel technology are in high demand right now, with wages to match.

We put together a full breakdown of what's driving this shift, from AI's growing demand for skilled workers to what young electricians in Texas are actually earning. Read the full blog at the link below.

"It's Like the Draft in the Major Leagues": Why Gen Z Is Choosing Trade Schools Over College Young electricians earning $240k debt-free. Mike Rowe says it's "like the draft in the major leagues." Here's why Gen Z is choosing trade school over college.

Students in the HVAC program at North American Trade Schools work directly with furnaces, condensers, refrigerant gauges, and ductwork systems during training. The lab is set up so students can practice diagnosing and servicing equipment the same way they would in the field.

Inside the Electrical Technology lab at North American Trade Schools, students work with real equipment and real wiring setups. From rough-in framing to conduit runs and breaker panels, the hands-on work starts on day one. This is what learning a trade actually looks like.

Today, we honor the men and women who gave everything in service to this country. Their sacrifice is not forgotten.
In observance of Memorial Day, our campus will be closed. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27th.
From all of us at North American Trade Schools, thank you.

The HVAC lab at North American Trade Schools gives students room to work with real equipment from day one. From sheet metal fabrication to hands-on stations stocked with industry tools, the training environment is built to reflect what students will experience on the job.

When the welding shop needs new booth tables, our Combination Welding students build them from scratch!

From layout and design to final assembly, students handled every step of the process on these new tables, putting their real-world skills to work right here on campus. This is hands-on training in action.

Diesel technicians keep freight moving for all of us and North American Trade Schools trains the people who make that happen.

Students in our Diesel Technology program work on real trucks from day one. Engine systems, drivetrain components, cab controls, diagnostics: training covers the full picture of what it takes to keep a commercial truck running.

Enrollment is open. Call (410) 729-6618 or visit https://ow.ly/czlV50YWyYh to get started.

Getting a CDL in Maryland is a step-by-step process, and knowing what to expect makes it a lot easier to get started.

We put together a full breakdown of how it works: the DOT medical exam, the Commercial Learner's Permit, Entry-Level Driver Training, and the three-part skills test. The blog also covers what Class A and Class B licenses qualify drivers to do and what earning potential looks like in Maryland.

If a CDL is on the radar, this is a good place to start. Read it at the link below!

https://ow.ly/2RyS50YWziO

Think you might have what it takes to work on heavy trucks? At North American Trade Schools, we show you exactly what that looks like.

Diesel Technology students at NATS get hands-on time with real equipment from day one. Brake systems, drivetrains, diagnostics – the work is real, and so is the training.

Programs start on a rolling basis. Call (410) 729-6618 or visit https://ow.ly/BNLM50YWx77 to learn more!

It's National Skilled Trades Day!

Skilled tradespeople keep the lights on, move goods across the country, and build the infrastructure everyone depends on. If you've been thinking about a career in the trades, today is a good day to take that first step!

NATS offers programs in CDL Truck Driving, Diesel Technology, Welding, Electrical, HVAC, and Building Technology. Enroll today at https://ow.ly/KyRk50YVi5P or call 410-729-6618.