Over 100 graduates crossed the stage on November 1, 2025, at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, ready to start real careers. This year’s North American Trade Schools (NATS) graduation was especially meaningful: it was the first ceremony since moving to the brand-new Baltimore campus. Nearly 500 family members, friends, and supporters came to celebrate this milestone moment.
What Makes This Graduation Special
Graduates completed hands-on training programs in:
- Combination Welding
- Building Technology
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Electrical Technology
- Diesel Technician
- HVAC/R Technology
What stood out most? Many of those celebrated were recent high school graduates, a shift that mirrors a national trend toward skilled trades.
We’re incredibly proud of this group of graduates, not just for their technical skills, but for their resilience. These students started training at our old campus and stuck with it through our move to the new facility. That takes real dedication.
-Matt Daly, NATS Campus President
One graduate called the experience “life-changing”: a chance to gain both confidence and a career-ready skill set. Many have already been hired in their fields, helping fill Maryland’s critical need for skilled labor.
Why the Next Generation is Choosing Trade School
For decades, most NATS students were career changers in their late 20s to early 40s. But that’s changing. In 2025, the school saw its largest-ever group of graduates aged 18 to 24 years old. This reflects the nationwide shift toward faster and more practical educational paths.
Here’s why trade school is appealing to today’s students:
- Faster path to work: Programs are completed in less than four years
- Lower cost: No massive student debt
- Immediate job opportunities: Employers recruit graduates before graduation
- Strong pay and stability: Skilled trades offer stable, well-paying careers
- Hands-on learning: Students build real skills from day one
As Maryland faces growing demand for qualified technicians, electricians, and builders, these graduates are stepping up to keep industries moving.
NATS Baltimore: A Better Place to Learn
The new NATS Baltimore campus, located at 5760 Wabash Ave., opened earlier this year, offering larger classrooms, modern training labs, and upgraded equipment. These improvements ensure students learn with the same tools used by today’s employers.
“Seeing our students cross the stage is always inspiring,” said Sherry Erney, Director of Education. “Each of them worked hard to develop their skills and prepare for their careers.”
Since the founding in 1971, NATS has helped thousands of graduates build stable, well-paying careers that support their families and communities. The new campus and the success of this graduating class show NATS’ ongoing commitment to accessible, industry-aligned training.
Ready to Build a Successful Trade Career?
If you’re considering a hands-on career in welding, electrical work, HVAC, diesel technology, truck driving, or building technology, North American Trade Schools can help you get started.
Complete the form on this page to learn more about our training programs, enrollment options, and upcoming class dates.
Photos and highlights from the 2025 graduation ceremony will be shared soon on our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.