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.

CWIT's mission is to improve women's economic equity by increasing their participation in high-wage, blue-collar occupations traditionally held by men.

Technical Opportunities and Women Build Illinois are “pre-apprenticeship” programs. These programs prepare individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to enter a registered apprenticeship of their choosing. 

Women in Welding prepares students to become welders. Upon completing the course, they are certified in welding and ready for job placement.

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.

The Woodworkers Training Program is a vocational training program that prepares participants for a wide range of skilled occupations in the wood products and solid surface manufacturing industry.

Timeline: 15 weeks

Note: Program participants will have access to hands-on training on industry state-of-the art equipment in the Woodworking and Solid Surface Manufacturing Training Program’s Advanced Machining Center. Graduates of the program qualify for entry-level, precision woodworking and solid surface fabrication positions.

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 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.

The GSU School of Extended learning offers flexible non-degree certification courses in construction, trades, transportation, and renewable energy.

Timeline: Programs range -- please see each program for specifics.

Note: Programs are WIOA approved, which covers up to $8,000 for career training. The courses prepare participants for a variety of certifications.

A Safe Haven offers free job training programs in welding, custodial engineering, unarmed security, landscaping, warehouse logistics, and commercial painting.

Timeline: The programs range from 3-4 days (unarmed security) to 24 weeks (welding).

Note: These programs have a variety of prerequsites--please consult the website for more information.

This program prepares trainees with a broad base of skills needed to be highly-qualified for entry-level employment in positions such as a shipping & receiving clerk, forklift operator, warehouse associate, material handler, traffic agent, stocker, order picker, or dock worker.

Timeline: 12 weeks

Note: Program participants will have access to hands-on training on industry state-of-the art equipment in the Woodworking and Solid Surface Manufacturing Training Program’s Advanced Machining Center. GWTP partners with employers in the field to hire program graduates.