The History of Apex Technical School

The year 1961 saw many firsts: the first human to fly in space, the first live broadcast of a presidential news conference, and the first Beatles performance. In the summer of 1961, Apex Technical School opened its doors and began offering courses in Refrigeration and Stationary Engineering. In 1964, we added courses in Air Conditioning.

Apex was the vision of John R. Cann, a chief engineer who served in the U.S. Navy and a WWII veteran. In 1961, Mr. Cann started his school using his knowledge of Navy training techniques and the many trade skills he learned on the way to becoming a chief engineer. The first class had just two students. Today, Apex has trained tens of thousands of students in its nearly 60 years of operation.

Apex developed additional trade school programs with hands-on shop training. In May 1977, students began enrolling in automotive courses to turn their love of cars into a career. By October 1979, students could enroll in welding courses focused on gas and electric welding processes.

Welders work across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, specialty contracting, repair and maintenance and wholesale. Some welders even work in the field of automotive welding completing structural repairs on vehicles!

Since 1994, students have been able to enroll in our Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Appliance/Controls program. Students are taught about the shop environment, equipment and basic skills required of HVAC technicians to service refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.

Did you know? Refrigerant is used in many types of cooling and heating units to help transfer heat. Students are taught about refrigerant as well as temperature, humidity, heat flow, heat transfer, pressure and refrigeration cycles.

Apex began offering auto body repair training in 2002 to teach students about restoring old or damaged vehicles and revitalizing their cosmetic flaws. With the help of computerized systems, individuals in the auto body trade create custom car paint colors to match any original shade.

Did you know? Our auto body repair students not only learn to improve a vehicle’s appearance but also work on windshields and window glass, use welding techniques, and fix dented doors and bumpers.

Our Electrical and Advanced Electrical program began in 2007. The program prepares students

to perform a variety of electrical tasks—from reading circuit diagrams and installing wiring for lighting to performing splices and installing security systems, fire alarms and intercoms.

Training in an electrical school involves knowledge of industry tools and equipment. Students are taught how to use a variety of tools to complete tasks, such as digital multimeters, tape measures, conduit benders and screwdrivers.

We began offering the Construction and Building Skills program in June 2008. It teaches six exciting segments. Students attend carpentry classes where they get a general introduction to the construction trade. Students also attend electrical classes and segments on plumbing, as well as kitchen and bath remodeling.

Our classes give students the opportunity to learn techniques that can be used in a variety of construction projects. As they progress, students are taught framing for floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors and roofs. They also learn about conductors, circuit breakers and electrical blueprints.

Fifty years ago, Mr. Cann dreamed of helping individuals learn skilled trades. His mission was simple: Teach people a trade to give them a better life. In 2011, Apex celebrated five decades of leading the New York community forward in education for hands-on training. We commemorated the occasion with a variety of events and celebrations.

A passion for hands-on training doesn’t fall far from the family tree! Some of our students have family members who graduated from Apex, such as a father, uncle, cousin or sibling. We are proud that an Apex education has become a family tradition for students and their loved ones over the years.

In 2012, we said goodbye to our long-time location in Manhattan and moved to a spacious 75,000-square-foot building in Long Island City, Queens.

Students may look out a window at Apex Technical School and see New York’s Queensboro Bridge, also called the 59th Street Bridge. It connects the boroughs of Queens and Manhattan. The iconic bridge is featured in several movies, including The Dark Knight Rises, The Great Gatsby and Spiderman 2002.

In October 2012, we added our most recent trade program, Plumbing and Pipefitting, with the vision of offering quality, hands-on plumbing training to trade students in New York City.

Did you know? Individuals in the plumbing trade may play a role in commercial or residential installations. Some plumbers install toilets and faucets, while others may install gas ovens in restaurant kitchens, as well as the oxygen patients receive in operating rooms and dental chairs.

With nearly 60 years of technical education and shop training under our belt, Apex is one of the top trade schools in New York City. We look forward to helping students meet their goals for years to come. Classes are starting soon! Call us at 212-645-3300 to find out more.

Most of our classes are available in day or evening options to fit students’ needs. Students can choose from seven 900-hour certificate courses designed to focus on basic trade and labor skills for an entry-level position.