Construction

HACIA offers free carpentry and electrical pre-apprenticeship programs that are designed to prepare you for union apprenticeships and employment opportunities in construction trades.

Timeline: 23-25 weeks, with classes 3 days a week.  

Note: The pre-apprenticeship programs lead to the following certifications: NCCER Carpentry or Electricity, OSHA 10, and First Aid/CPR. HACIA also offers job placement support after the completion of the pre-apprenticeship program.

JARC's Careers in Manufacturing Programs provide free job training and job placement services that can help you find employment in the manufacturing sector with skills in welding, CNC, and press brake.

Timeline: 10-20 weeks, depending on the program.

Revolution Workshop offers free construction training programs that cover carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC skills. Participants receive a transportation stipend, a basic set of tools, and job placement support following program completion.

Timeline: 10-12 weeks. Cohorts start every 3 months.

Note: After completing the program, you'll receive Core Construction and OSHA-10 industry credentials.

The Youth Job Center offers a number of services for individuals between the ages of 16 and 26. In YJC's Career Pathways program, participants can earn industry credentials and complete training programs in a variety of different industries through over 40 WIOA approved programs.  Pathways include construction, IT, nursing, auto mechanics, and so much more!  YJC also offers transportation services, tutoring, and financial coaching.

Offers free training and internships in Management, Sales, Nursing, Manufacturing, and IT, including direct job placement following program completion.

Timeline: Usually 2 years, depends on the program. Cohorts start throughout the year, often between October and January.

Note: The Manufacturing and Management programs include a free Associate's degree. The Rush pathway to nursing has a variety of opportunities for certifications and degrees.

Offers free programs in Nursing and Manufacturing. 

Timeline: Nursing: varied for CNA, LPN, and RN. Manufacturing: 6 months. Cohorts begin in January, May, and September; register on Wednesdays at 10 am & 5 pm and Fridays at 10 am.

Note: Healthcare Pathway includes a CNA certification with an option to continue on to an RN. You do not have to be Latinx to qualify.

Stats: 85% of Instituto participants graduate, 100% employed

Offers apprenticeship programs in business, IT, manufacturing, and graphic arts. You earn a salary during the program and employers fully cover the cost of an Associate's Degree in a related field!

Timeline: Programs range from 2-3 years.  Students attend classes 2 days a week at Harper College, earning a free Associate's Degree, while participating in a paid apprenticeship 3 days a week.

Offers free programs in Health Information Technology and Manufacturing.

Timeline: Health Information Technology: 9 months. Manufacturing: 6 months. Cohorts start in April, September, and November; register on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.

Note: Certifications you earn include Health Information Technology or Advanced Mechanics for Maintenance Technicians.

Stats: 75% of ChiCat graduates employed

A Safe Haven offers free job training programs in the culinary arts and welding. The welding program teaches basic welding skills that lead to a Certificate from the American Welding Society. Graduates also complete the OSHA 10 HR safety course and test to receive OSHA 10 certification. 

Timeline: The welding program is 8 weeks. Classes run on an open enrollment schedule.

Note: Upon graduation, students receive assistance with job placement in the manufacturing and metal fabricating industry.