New Castle School of Trades (NCST) History and Academics

History

In 1944, New Castle School of Trades was founded to train students in various skilled trades for students in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 1954, the school moved to its current location in Pulaski, Pennsylvania. The Accrediting Commission of the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools (NATT) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology both accredit New Caste School of trades.

The U.S. Department of Education granted the school approval to award the Associate in Specialized Technology in the electronic technology field. Other programs earned the same distinction shortly after. The EFC Trade Inc. acquired the New Castle School of Trades in 1988. New Castle School of Trades continues to grow and offer students the wide selection of diploma programs.

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Information Summary

Ranks 129th in Pennsylvania and 1379th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	74.9
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	11 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	77% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	454

Academics

New Castle School of Trades offers hands-on training programs in areas such as Building Technology, Electrician Training, Heavy Equipment Operations, Training with Commercial Truck Driving, CNC Machinist Training, HVAC & Refrigeration Training, Commercial Truck Driving, and Commercial & Industrial Maintenance.

Students can earn associate degrees in a number of areas. New Castle School of Trades offers 9 training programs to help students begin working quickly. Here is an overview of the programs:

Automotive Technology

Students learn to maintain, service, and diagnose consumer-level autos and secure an entry-level job. The program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the automotive industry. Students gain access to the most up to date automotive equipment—such as computer scanners, computerized wheel balancer, brake lathe, exhaust gas analyzer, four-wheel computerized alignment machine, and articulating arm tire machine—in this program. The automotive program lasts for 60-weeks, and students earn an Associate in Specialized Technology degree. Graduates are prepared to start earning money immediately.

Building Technology

This is the program for students who want a comprehensive remodeling and construction program with emphasis on millwork, exterior finishes, roofing, carpentry, and interior wall framing. The schools hands-on training program allows students to work with equipment such as mitre and radial saws, pipe threaders, pneumatic nailers, routers, drill presses, and disk sanders. The 60-week program results in an Associate in Specialized Technology degree and great job marketability so that students can fast track a new career.

Combination Welding

This diploma program offers the quickest way for students to enter the welding industry. New Castle Trade School’s Combination Welding program offers comprehensive courses that equip students with a diverse background in welding bases on AWS and ASME specifications. Students use professional equipment—such as reciprocating saw, electric arc welders, flux core arc welders, hydraulic shears, and hand-operated grinders—while receiving training in the program. The program lasts for 40-weeks and the students earn a welding certificate at the end of the program.

Commercial & Industrial Maintenance

Students who wish to become commercial building managers or commercial building maintenance technicians should enroll in this program. This 35-week program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to train students for careers in HVAC, hydraulics, electrical, pneumatics, and pumps, valves, and plumbing. In less than one year, students can begin earning wages and building a career future.

Commercial Truck Driving

Entry-level positions driving vehicles local and long distance are waiting for students who complete the Commercial Truck Driving program. Students learn the basics of the truck driving industry and the fundamental of tractor-trailer and truck operating. Students must meet certain requirements before entering the program. Graduates of the program gain skills in dump truck driving, van driving, delivery truck driving, tractor-trailer driving, and various other transportation industry vehicles. Classes are held Monday through Friday, and students earn a diploma in as little as six weeks for full-time students and 15 weeks for part-time students. Companies such as Reed Oil, JB Hunt, Transport America, Swift, Transport national, and Menichino Paving hire graduates from the program.

Electrical Technology

This program is for anyone who wants to enter the electronic and electrical service areas. Students can begin working immediately after graduation in positions such as construction electricians, panel builder and tester, electronic technician, and utility maintenance mechanic. The 60-week course results in an Associate of Specialized technology degree. Students work with such equipment as meters, oscilloscopes, breadboards, digital power supplies, and motor control equipment.

Heavy Equipment Operations

Students receive training in operating light and heavy equipment used in transportation and construction industries. The program consists of hands-on training and course material. Additionally, student train to drive tractor-trailers in order to receive a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Students learn to operate a fork truck, backhoe, light rigging, front ladder, tractor, and dump truck. This 26-week diploma program qualifies students for positions as grade helpers, dump truck drivers, forklift operators, heavy equipment operators, and tractor-trailer drivers.

Machinist Technology

The program combines hands-on experience and classroom theory to teach students the necessary skills to work in this field. Students learn various procedures for operating standard machinery. The 60-week program teaches students the basic skills of tool programmers, CAD operators, and CNC operators. The labs train students to work with drill presses, shapers, horizontal band saws, milling machines, fixturing jigs, and hydraulic presses. Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Specialized Technology degree.

Refrigeration/AC Technology

This program teaches students about the requirements for ductwork, installation, power sources and circuits, fabrication, and RHVAC equipment and systems. Students work in the HVAC lab using such equipment as heating pumps, ice making machines, commercial reach in cooler and freezers, 2 stage and modulating furnaces, oil and electrical furnaces, and sheet metal brakes, shears, and roll formers. The 60-week program trains students for positions as building maintenance technicians, sheet metal installers, air conditioning and heating salesman, and refrigeration technician.

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Admissions

Admissions representatives make a strong effort to meet students in person to make a personal assessment for each student. Decisions are based on test results, qualification forms, and recommendations from admissions representatives.

Students must have a completed application on file to begin the admissions process. All applicants must have a GED with a passing score on the entrance exam or a high school diploma. Students who do not hold a GED or high school diploma and are beyond the age of school attendance may be granted admission into the diploma programs if the admission officials belief that they may benefit from the training. Personal interviews may play a significant role in this decision as well as a passing score on the entrance exam administered by a third party. Applicants for admission into the Heavy Equipment Operations with Commercial Truck Driving program and Commercial Truck Driving program must have a current driver’s license, an acceptable driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Learner’s Permit.

Transfer credits are accepted based on the applicability of the selected area of study. Students with credits from other post secondary institutions may challenge up to 50 percent of the required courses for graduation within a particular program. Students must have all official transcripts of college courses sent directly to New Castle School of Trades. Students must have at least a “C” or equivalent in all classes students want considered for transfer credit. Students must submit an application for admission into New Castle School of Trades and include a list of the courses that students wish to have considered for transfer. All transferred credits will display of the students academic transfer, but the credits will not factor into the student’s GPA.

Financial Aid

First, students must submit the FAFSA application to qualify for financial assistance. Financial aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students qualify for each of these financial assistance types based on the financial need. New Castle School of Trades offer several grants to finance an education, including Federal Pell Grant, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agent Grant (PHEAA), and Federal supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

Various loans are available to students that include Unsubsidized Federal Loan (UFSL), Federal Plus Loan (PLUS), and Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan (FSL). There is also an Alternative Loan Program that allows students to finance tuition. Military veterans may qualify for Post 911 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or Military Tuition Assistance programs. The New Castle School of Trades Scholarship Program is designed to help students achieve academic goals without worrying about financial assistance. Students interested in receiving funding must complete the form on the New Castle School of Trades’ website or contact the admissions office for more information.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3664th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Students at new Castle School of Trades have excellent career services and job placement assistance through career services. This school does everything possible to help students succeed. Students have access to the most comprehensive job placement program of all trade schools in the Pennsylvania and Ohio area. Students receive professional development advising, which assistance with resumes, interview skills, and setting career goals. Staff members invite prospective employers to the campus to interview graduates, offer applications to graduates, and present tests and employment opportunities to students. Career services representatives also contact regional employers in reference to new employment opportunities for graduates. New Castle School of Trades considers it a priority to identify employment needs for qualified graduates and employers.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Bibliography

New Castle School of Trades. 29 April 2011. Web. 29 April 2011.
Peterson’s. Two-Year Colleges. Valencia: Peterson’s, 2005. Print
Sumichrast, Michael. Opportunities in Building Careers. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999. Print.

New Castle School of Trades