IL School Directory
Browse 13 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs in Illinois
13
Schools
9
Cities
14
Trade Programs
Illinois has one of the largest community college systems in the country (48 colleges) and a deep union apprenticeship base in Chicago. The state's trade education runs from City Colleges of Chicago (Wright, Kennedy-King, Olive-Harvey) to suburban districts like College of DuPage and Triton College, supplemented by private institutes like Coyne College, Universal Technical Institute (Lisle), and Midwest Technical Institute.
Chicago's union construction sector — IBEW Local 134, Plumbers Local 130, Pipefitters Local 597 — is one of the strongest trade pipelines in the U.S., with apprenticeships that pay competitive wages from day one. Outside Chicago, manufacturing along the I-55 and I-39 corridors and downstate ag-equipment work drive welding and diesel demand. Healthcare hiring around Northwestern, Rush, and University of Chicago keeps medical assistant programs full.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in IL.
IBEW Local 134 (Chicago) is one of the largest and best-paying electrician locals in the U.S.
Plumbers Local 130 apprenticeship pays you to learn and leads to top-tier wages
Chicago is the largest U.S. inland freight hub; strong demand for OTR and intermodal drivers
Manufacturing belt across central Illinois plus Chicago industrial work
Northwestern Medicine, Rush, and Advocate Health System hiring across Chicagoland
Typical range
$4,500–$20,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$13,554
Across 13 schools
Schools listed
13
In 9 cities
See our full trade school cost guide for state-by-state breakdowns and a deeper look at how to fund your training.
Trade licensing in IL varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | IL Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | No statewide license — Chicago requires Supervising Electrician registration; suburbs and downstate cities license at the municipal level |
| Plumber | Illinois Department of Public Health state plumber license (Apprentice → Journeyman); contractor license required statewide |
| HVAC Technician | No statewide HVAC license, but Chicago requires Refrigeration license; EPA 608 federally required |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by Illinois SOS; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours + Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation exam |
In-district community college tuition in Illinois averages $130-$170 per credit hour, putting most trade diplomas in the $4,500-$10,000 range. Private trade schools run $13,000-$20,000. The Illinois MAP Grant provides need-based aid for residents at participating schools.
For electrical work in Chicago, IBEW Local 134's apprenticeship is widely considered the strongest training and career pathway — you earn while you learn over 5 years and graduate as a journeyman with no debt. It's competitive to enter. Trade school is a faster path that gets you working sooner as a helper or non-union electrician.
Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. Chicago requires Supervising Electrician registration. Suburban municipalities and downstate cities each have their own licensing. Plumbers, by contrast, are licensed statewide by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Coyne College, City Colleges of Chicago (especially Wright and Daley), and the suburban community colleges (College of DuPage, Triton, Harper) all run respected HVAC programs. The Chicago Refrigeration license adds an extra credential layer that smaller programs may not prepare you for.
3711 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609
$16,520
221 students
1 North State Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
$16,641
531 students
6301 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60621
$5,500
4,500 students
7500 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60652
$5,500
7,000 students
4300 North Narragansett Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
$5,500
11,000 students
With 13 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in IL: