• 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

• Types of training depend on the field and desired job

• Training is usually specific to the field of work and generally requires no General Education classes (e.g. math, English, etc.)

• Examples:

  • Certificate Programs (at a community or four year college)

  • Apprenticeships

  • On-the-job training

• The 8 Benefits of Going to a Trade School

• List of Skilled Trade Labor Unions in Illinois

Want to check out some FREE Trades training to help prepare for a career in the trades? Check out THIS cool resource through Home Depot.

• 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

• 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

  • Construction

    • CISCO Guide to Union Construction Apprenticeships (2024)

  • 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

• ICATT Apprenticeship Program

  • Program Overview

  • ICATT FAQs

• Apprenticeship Illinois

• Local unions that represent the trade in which you are interested

• Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO)

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

• American Line Builders Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program (ALBAT)

• Can you build your own internship? Sure you can! Check out this 1-page document or these quick slides for tips!

• Interested in an Internship through District 214? Visit the D214 Internship website.

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

   • 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

2. Apply for a certificate program, apprenticeship or job

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

   • Check out THIS LIST of some local Trades and Apprenticeship programs!

3. Start training and potentially getting paid for it!