Trades

A trade school (also known as a technical school) is a postsecondary educational institution designed to train students for a specific job in a skilled trade career. Most importantly, a trade school offers hands-on training to prepare students for actual work in their chosen field. Trade school programs are concentrated entirely on relevant job training, which is different from  2-year or 4-year colleges that typically require general education courses, such as English or Biology. 

Trade careers are a group of labor jobs that require specific training and technical knowledge. You don’t need a four-year college degree, but you do need to be educated and trained. Jobs in the trades include:

• • Air Traffic Controllers | Federal Aviation Administration 

  • Automotive

  • Construction (click here for a full list with descriptions) Want to learn more about the construction trades as a post-secondary option? The Construction Trades are a pathway to good jobs with wages that are on par with occupations that require a Bachelor’s degree but without years of college or the debt. An ever-growing field in Chicagoland with more than 100,000 trade workers in the region and almost 11,000 new hires expected annually through 2026, the trades are seeing a retirement cliff of older workers making space for younger job-seekers who like hands-on, practical work.  Click here to view the Construction Trades Guidebook.

  • Cosmetology: A cosmetology program is a vocational training program that focuses on the skills and knowledge required for a career in the beauty and personal care industry. This comprehensive program typically covers various aspects of hair, skin, and nail care, along with makeup application. Many states require cosmetologists to be licensed. Therefore, cosmetology programs often prepare students for licensing exams, which may include written and practical components.  

  • Culinary Arts: Culinary arts vocational training programs are designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the culinary industry. These programs, often offered at trade schools, community colleges, or specialized culinary institutions, focus on practical, hands-on training to prepare students for various roles in the food service sector. 

  • Electrical: Upon completion of an electrician vocational training program, individuals are well-prepared to enter the workforce as electricians or pursue apprenticeships to further refine their skills. Electricians may work in various settings, including residential, commercial, or industrial environments, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of electrical systems. 

  • Information Technology: Upon completion of an IT vocational training program, individuals are prepared to pursue entry-level roles in the IT industry, including positions such as IT support specialist, helpdesk technician, network administrator, or junior software developer. Additionally, the foundational knowledge acquired in these programs can serve as a stepping stone for further education and career advancement in specialized IT fields. 

  • Manufacturing: These vocational training programs cover fundamental manufacturing processes, machine operation, and tooling, emphasizing safety and quality control. Students learn to read blueprints, understand materials and metallurgy, and may gain exposure to manufacturing automation and lean principles. The curriculum often includes computer-aided design (CAD) basics and fosters skills in assembly, production techniques, and teamwork. Graduates are equipped for various entry-level roles, such as machine operators, production technicians, or quality control inspectors, contributing to the efficiency and success of manufacturing processes. 

  • Medical Imaging: Upon completion of a medical imaging vocational training program, individuals are prepared to pursue roles as radiologic technologists, MRI technologists, CT technologists, or ultrasound technologists. These professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions through the use of imaging technology, contributing to patient care and treatment planning. 

  • NonDestructive Testing - Nondestructive testing (NDT) is the process of inspecting, testing, or evaluating materials, components or assemblies for discontinuities, or differences in characteristics without destroying the serviceability of the part or system. In other words, when the inspection or test is completed the part can still be used. 

  • Trucking: For example, Trucking industry leaders, Yellow offers the tuition-free Yellow Driving Academy. This dedicated program provides you with the opportunity to:

• Obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

• Join the ranks of skilled and safe drivers.

• Learn from knowledgeable instructors (some of whom have accumulated over a million miles of accident-free driving.)

• Level up your skills and experience through comprehensive training in the classroom, practice yard, and on the road.

You’ll finish your training with the necessary skills to embark on a fulfilling and dynamic career as a Yellow truck driver! It’s both entry-level driver training compliant and fully registered through the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program.

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
Examples: Universal Technical Institute-  Students can meet professionals from a variety of careers and industries, talk with instructors currently teaching classes at UTI, and learn about discounted tuition for continuing education courses.  https://www.uti.edu/workbook

Career and Technical Education is really about high demand, high wage and high skills jobs! Career and Technical Education is no longer the vocational education image of grease under your fingernails and mud on your boots! Discover how you can get your education and get on with your life! Don't just make a living but make a life with your interests and your passions. 

Court Reporting-Officialship Training Program-Court Reporting Services of Illinois is the administrative office which oversees court reporters for the Illinois trial courts under the direction of the Chief Judges.  An Official Court Report captures every word spoken during a court proceeding through the use of stenographis machine and transforms the proceeding into an official court transcript.  This program offers: FREE TRAINING by licensed court reporters, a 2 year employment contract, Licensed Profession, Technology Career, Salary & Benefits.  Learn more at www.ilcrs.com/training

Associated Training Services (ATS), America's oldest and largest heavy equipment operator school would like to help graduates fulfill this objective.  Our family-owned business started in 1959 and we have become one of the most reputable schools in the country offering short term, skills oriented programs in Heavy Equipment Operation, Crane Operation, and Class-A CDL Truck Driving. We offer crane certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Contact us by phone: 1-800-383-7364, email: Admissions@Operator-School.com or visit us online at www.Operator-School.com

• 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

• College of Lake County offers 40 career preparation programs and more than 100 certificate options. 

• Examples:

  1. 1. • Early Childhood Education

        • Pastry Arts

        • Basic Welding

        • Cosmetology

        • Health Insurance Specialist

        • Phlebotomy

        • Paramedic

        • Web Development

What is an Apprenticeship?

The US Department of Labor defines apprenticeships as “an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.” These programs and positions span a wide variety of career fields including manufacturing, cybersecurity, education, healthcare, information technology, and transportation. 

The statistics on professional outcomes for individuals who complete apprenticeships are staggering: 93% of those who complete a registered apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $77,000. In short, apprenticeships are exceptional in propelling student career readiness, persistence, and success and should be considered when considering your postsecondary options.

​It's an employer-driven, 'learn while you earn' model that combines structured on-the-job training (OJT) with job-related instruction in curricula tied to the attainment of industry-recognized skills standards and leads to an industry credential. The on-the-job experience is provided by the employer, who hires the apprentices when the program begins and pays the apprentices during the program. Learn more about apprenticeships at apprenticeship.gov. 

• 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:

• Arts2Work

• Illinois Department of Employment Security

• ICATT Apprenticeship Program : the ICATT Apprenticeship Program. It's a perfect career pathway for students who like hands-on work and learning while they earn money. That's right - ICATT Apprentices receive a fully sponsored AAS degree while working with a company during the 3-year program. 

• CLC Apprenticeship Program

• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center

• 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)

• Plumbers' JAC Local 130, UA will be accepting applications online only for admission to the Plumbing Apprenticeship. Program starting November 13, 2023 through February 16, 2024 OR the first 2,000 submissions, whichever occurs first.  High school seniors are eligible to apply, but there are a variety of requirements - https://plumberslu130ua.com/apprenticeship.aspx 

• Build your Future with a Career in Construction: A guide to Apprenticeship Programs in Northeast Illinois

1. Determine the type of training needed

   • Research your future career online with MaiaLearning 

   • Talk to your school counselor, postsecondary counselor or college representative

   • Ask your counselor about Tech Campus

2. Apply for a certificate program, apprenticeship or job

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

3. Start training and potentially getting paid for it!