What are the Trades?

• The trades or skilled trades are hands-on work in a variety of different careers

• Examples include:

  • Automotive

  • Manufacturing

  • Electrical

  • Information Technology

  • Construction (click here for a full list with descriptions)

  • Cosmetology

  • Culinary Arts

  • Medical Imaging

Check these links for valuable information!     

Trade School vs. College Is Trade School Right For You? 

                    Explore Illinois Careers Guide  Trades Occupations

Apprenticeships

• • Employers hire you, pay you a salary with benefits, plus pay for your education at participating schools or training facilities

  • You usually spend 1.5-2 years minimum working for that company after your education is complete

  • Some employers will pay for your bachelor’s degree afterwards

  • Sample career fields:

    • Banking and Finance

    • Bulldozer and Grader Operators

    • Insurance

    • CNC Precision Machining

    • Cybersecurity/Networking

    • Carpenters

    • Marketing and Sales Management

    • Roofers

    • Graphic Arts Print Production

    • Supply Chain Management

    • Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

• Resources for finding apprenticeships:

  • Illinois Department of Employment Security

  • Harper College Apprenticeship Program

  • Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO)

  • Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT)

  • Hire360 (program to help mentor you as you find an apprenticeship)

Planning / Next Steps

1. Determine the type of training needed

• • • • Research your future career online (click here for career exploration resources)

      • Talk to a counselor, career advisor, postsecondary counselor or college representative

2. Ask your counselor about career pathway courses, workplace learning experiences (internship) and industry certifications you may be able to obtain while still in high school

• Apply for a certificate program, apprenticeship or job

Each will have different requirements and deadlines so make sure you keep track

• Start training and potentially getting paid for it!

Certificate Programs

• Can be a great way to get additional training in a specific area

• Can be completed at a community college or four year college

• Generally can be completed in 6-18 months and require no General Education classes (e.g. math, English, etc.)

• Many can be “stacked” on top of previous certificates to make yourself more marketable when applying for jobs or moving up in your company

• Harper College offers over 40 certificates, but also have tuition agreements with other community colleges for programs not offered

Examples:

• • Early Childhood Education

  • Pastry Arts

  • Basic Welding

  • Cosmetology

  • Health Insurance Specialist

  • Phlebotomy

  • Paramedic

  • Web Development