Massachusetts Career and Technical Education
Massachusetts provides 40+ career and-technical education (CTE) programs offering hands-on career training combined with academic coursework. Students earn both a high school diploma and a career credential in fields such as agriculture, culinary arts, healthcare, automotive technology, construction, electrical work, information technology, and more.
Program Type: Free public high schools with career and technical training
Who It Serves: High school students (grades 9-12 entry; transfer students in grades 10-11 may apply); open to all Massachusetts residents
Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. No tuition or fees.
How It Works:
- Students apply through their local school district during fall/winter application window (typically October-March)
- Students must meet minimum attendance and behavior standards
- Some schools use selective admission criteria with preference given to resident district students
- After residents are admitted, non-resident seats are filled by lottery
Application Timeline:
- Applications open: October-November (varies by school)
- Application deadline: January-March (varies by school)
- Lottery: February-April
- Admission notifications: Spring (before summer)
What Students Receive:
- High school diploma – Standard diploma meeting all state graduation requirements
- Career credential – Industry-recognized certification in chosen vocational field
- Academic coursework – Math, English, science, social studies, and other core subjects
- Hands-on training – Practical experience in vocational labs and workshops
- Work-based learning – Many programs include internships or cooperative education placements
Career Fields Available:
- Healthcare (nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting)
- Construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
- Automotive technology
- Culinary arts and hospitality
- Information technology and computer science
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Cosmetology and barbering
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Graphic design and media production
- Business and finance
- And many more (program availability varies by school)
Key Points:
- Hands-on vocational training is integrated with traditional academics
- Graduates receive a high school diploma plus a career credential
- Many graduates go on to college – vocational schools prepare students for both college and career
- Not all schools offer all programs; program availability varies by location
- Some schools serve a multi-district region
Examples of Vocational Schools:
- Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
- Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School
- Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School
- Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
- And more across the state
How to Learn More: Contact your school district’s guidance office for information about vocational-technical schools in your area, or visit individual vocational school websites for specific program offerings and application procedures.
Massachusetts DESE – Career & Technical Education Information →