Our History

Berk Trade School was founded more than 80 years ago by Irving Berk, who was both a teacher and the owner of a successful plumbing business. At the end of World War II, Irving Berk was one of the few visionaries who traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with the government. That group convinced lawmakers that the millions of GIs returning home needed to acquire skills — and that the government should help fund that training. That advocacy helped lay the groundwork for the GI Bill.

Berk Trade School opened its doors in Brooklyn in 1945, training returning GIs to become the next generation of plumbers. The school’s reputation grew rapidly as Mr. Berk combined his teaching skills with his Master Plumber knowledge.

Built for New York

Within a few years, Berk Trade School was teaching plumbing, electrical installation, HVAC, automotive repair, and welding. By the 1980s, the school operated several campuses, including locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

In the 1990s, Berk Trade School decided to concentrate on training future plumbers and electricians, as Irving Berk believed these two fields had the most potential for long-term growth.

When a student enrolls in one of Berk Trade School’s programs today, they benefit from the same quality of education that Irving Berk delivered from day one.

Accredited and Recognized

Berk Trade School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and approved by the New York State Education Department. We are approved for federal financial aid, veterans’ education benefits, ACCES-VR, and HRA.

That recognition didn’t happen overnight — it’s the result of more than 80 years of delivering on our promises to students and maintaining standards that regulators and employers trust.