Skilled trades are occupations that require special skills and on-the-job training or formal vocational education, but not a four-year college degree. If you are interested in hands-on work, a career in the trades might be right for you!
Today’s jobs in the trades are in HIGH DEMAND. They call for highly skilled workers; many offer substantial salaries; and entering the trades can be highly competitive.
Trades commonly fall into one of these main fields: Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, and Manufacturing. Trades are also found in the areas of Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, and Law Enforcement. Occupations in the trades include:
aircraft technician
auto mechanic
carpenter
computer technician
dental hygienist
electrician
esthetician
landscape designer
medical imaging specialist
plumber
radiation therapist
steel worker
stonemason
web developer
and many more!
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships provide paid training for specific skills, typically in association with a trade union. Most unions require people to apply in person and provide an application, driver's license, U.S. birth certificate or passport, SSN or permanent resident card, academic records, and an application fee. To gain acceptance, you may have to pass an aptitude test, drug screening, and other requirements.
Apprenticeship Guide for Northeastern Illinois
Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Finder
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Pre-apprenticeships programs focus on basic skills and hands-on training to help people get into apprenticeship programs.
HACIA Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
OCCUPATION-SPECIFIC CERTIFICATIONS
High-demand occupations in Illinois include health care, logistics, and information technology, among others. Eligible students can be prepared for these careers through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) training programs, approved regionally or statewide by Local Workforce Innovation Boards.
DIRECTORY OF CAREER TRAINING & WORKFORCE PATHWAYS
This directory highlights career training opportunities for high growth fields that require less than a 4-year degree
Chicagoland Career Pathways Directory