23 Trade Schools in ILLINOIS (Vocational, Affordable & Innovative)

Having different skill sets gives you the ability to establish yourself in whatever career you want and be a success in anything you do.

Going to a trade school is an excellent option if you want to get into the workforce quickly with specific skills in mind.

These schools offer diploma and certificate that focuses on preparing students with skills that ensure high-paying jobs.

Illinois has so many trade schools, and it can be a lot of work to figure out the right place to earn a skill but reading this article will make it easy to navigate your options. 

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Real Estate Schools in Illinois.

Trade Schools in Chicago, Illinois

1. Chicago Vocational Academy (Diverse Programs)

The Chicago Vocational Academy is a career-oriented school established in 1940 to train individuals with high-earned skills that will lift them to an executive position in a work setting.

Chicago Vocational Academy is a well-known and highly respected trade school in the United States and has a long history of offering many students vocational education and training.

The academy has many vocational programs you can choose from, such as carpentry, culinary arts, cosmetology, horticulture, information technology, and medicals, accompanied by traditional academic courses, including math, science, social studies, and English.

Additionally, the school also offers various extracurricular activities for students, including community service programs and sports clubs.

Over the years, the academy has produced highly recognized and notable alums in their respective career field.

Whether you want to advance your skill sets or start a new career with new skills, this is the right place for you.

Address: 2100 E 87^TH St, Chicago, Illinois 60617, United States

2. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Prestigious Design School)

This institute is one of the most prestigious and well-renowned accredited art and design schools in the United States.

If you want to attend an influential college in the arts industry, this is the perfect place. 

This college has an interdisciplinary and comprehensive curriculum and provides students with the freedom to develop their respective skills.

The school allows students to think extensively and express their knowledge by tackling complex ideas into reasonable forms such as sculptures, performances, paintings, books, buildings, community projects, and many more.

Another exciting thing about the school is its environment; it is located in downtown Chicago, where students can see the city’s most vibrant and architectural parts.

The school provides financial aid and a convenient tuition payment method so students that aspire to be a part of the school don’t miss out.

Address: 36 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

3. Taylor Business Institute (Advanced Learning)

The Taylor Business Institute is a private-profit college in Chicago founded in 1962.

Taylor Business Institute aims to promote advanced learning that empowers the underserved population to acquire professional skills and education.

The school environment is supportive and culturally sensitive to embrace and support students in the institute.

Also, the institute offers various educational, vocational, and career-enhancing programs with certifications.

These programs assist you in expanding your career and motivate you to achieve your career goals in the competitive business world.

In addition, the school also offers continuing education courses and customized training programs for business organizations.

The institute focuses on small class sizes and hands-on training to ensure individual attention to each student so they get the best knowledge and skills.

Visit their website to start your application online!

Address: 29 East Madison St., Suite LL, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

4. Beonair Network (Media School)

Do you want to start a career in Broadcast Media?

Beonair Network is the right place for you!

The network is an America Private Instruction that comprises four media schools in different locations in the United States, and Illinois is home to one of the media schools.

This Illinois media school has various programs that prepare you for the media world, including radio and TV broadcasting, digital media production, media sales and marketing, audio production, sports broadcasting, and Hispanic media broadcasting.

The media schools aim to provide comprehensive and hands-on programs taught by experienced professionals in the media industry.

Also, to support the students, the school offers classes at different times of the day to accommodate any student’s schedule.

The media program at the school is an eight-month program that comes with a certificate in Radio and Television Broadcasting.

Address: 105 W. Adams St., Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

5. HVAC Technical Institute (Minority-Owned School)

This institute is a minority-owned trade school that aims to provide individuals with the skills they need to excel in the HVAC industry.

The meaning of HVAC is Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning.

They provide the electrical industry with skillful individuals to ensure quality service in the workplace.

The technical institute offers a comprehensive certification course for HVAC hands-on workshops that focuses on giving you the skills and knowledge you need to make progress with your career.

At the end of the certification program, students will receive an EPA section 608 universal license and an R-410A safety certification that proves the skills the student has acquired and ensures a successful career.

You are guaranteed to have the professional skills needed to excel in the HVAC industry at the end of the program.

Address: 4532 S. Kolin Avenue, 2^nd floor, Chicago, IL 60632, United States

6. West Chicago Professional Center (Accelerated Training)

The West Chicago Professional Center is a vocational school founded in 2012 that provides HVAC and electrician training to individuals looking to start a career in this field.

This school provides students with an accelerated and complete training program because they understand how time and money can be important to potential students.

Students will gain the experience and knowledge to become HVAC and electrical technician experts in a very short period.

The school’s mission is to provide and combine hands-on training, theory, and certification/licensure for students seeking employment as electrical technicians.

They also provide financial aid and job assistance for students.

With the career department in the school, they ensure that students draft a professional resume and advise them on how to behave in the workplace, ensuring they have a smooth career as electrical technicians.

Address: 245 W. Roosevelt Rd. Building 1, Unit 4 West Chicago, IL 60185, United States

7. Chicago School of Shoemaking and leather arts (Environmentally Friendly)

Do you want to have the skill to create beautiful leather-made wear?

The Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts is a peculiar school founded in 2011 that offers courses and workshops in leather crafting and shoemaking.

By the way, the founder of the school is an expert shoemaker with many years of experience and is also well-known in the industry.

They have a mission to educate students on the traditional techniques of leather crafting and shoemaking, and the school’s courses are available for beginners and students looking to advance their skills.

One special thing about the school is its passion for positively impacting the environment by using environmentally friendly materials and methods to teach students how to make high-quality, durable shoes.

The instructors at the school are very supportive and aim to educate students in a friendly and encouraging environment.

You can take their courses in the comfort of your home by applying online.

Address: 3717 N Ravenswood Ave, #113, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Also see our article on Homeschool Programs in Illinois.

Trade Schools in Aurora, Illinois

1. Waubonsee Community College (Various Industries)

The community college is a vocational school located in Aurora, Illinois.

This school offers courses covering various industries, such as construction management, HVAC/R, welding, and automotive technology.

However, they offer many other programs to explore to know which suits you best!

Plus- the purpose of these programs is to provide you with the experience and academic knowledge to excel in your career. 

Attending this school has many opportunities and benefits, such as accelerated learning and convenient learning that fits your schedule. 

You also get support and advice from the instructors to help you get job placements at the end of the program and counsel you on your career choice path.

With all the modern facilities at the school, you are guaranteed to get the best vocational training and experience from the school.

Address: Western Suburbs, Chicagoland Township, 2060 Ogden Ave, Aurora, IL 60504, United States

2. CDL America (Modern Training Equipment)

CDL America is a highly reputable vocational school that offers Commercial Driver’s License training program.

The school has always been committed to offering the best education and training to people wanting to start a trucking career.

Interestingly, the school’s founder is a truck driver with 25 years of experience and a passion for teaching people the skills they need to be good truck drivers.

The school’s management equips the school with present-day training equipment and technology to ensure that students are given hands-on training experience before going into the workforce.

Most importantly, the school also pays attention to students and ensures they fully understand the truck industry, such as driving methods, safety rules and regulations, and vehicle inspection.

The school is an excellent choice if you want to become a great truck driver and advance your skills as a truck driver.

Address: 851 Sard Ave, Aurora, IL 60506, United States

3. America Business College (Flexible Schedules)

This college is a career-focused institution that provides different certificates and degree programs in business, technology, and healthcare.

The school is determined to provide students with the tutoring and training necessary to be experts in their respective fields in the job market.

Over the years, the school has successfully maintained the image of being a leader in the education institution of training successful graduates.

Some degree programs they offer include Associate of Applied Science degrees in Business administration, accounting assistant, Human resource assistant, HVAC Maintenance, Structural welding, and Residential and commercial electrician certification.

They also offer flexible schedules and student services that assist you in having a smooth learning experience, and at the end of your program, you get job placement assistance with counseling and resume reviews.

You can pick any degree program, earn a certificate, and start a successful career.

Address: 1731 N Farnsworth Ave, Aurora, IL 60505, United States

4. Champions Beauty-Barber University (Beauty Programs)

If you want to start a barbering and beauty industry career, this is the right place for you.

The Champions Beauty-Barber University offers programs in beauty, such as barbering, nail styling, cosmetology, and many more. 

These program programs are designed to give you the knowledge and expertise you need to be a success in the beauty industry.

The instructors at the university are experienced and professional and aim to support and nurture you with extensive knowledge to become an expert.

Also, you will be given practical training with customized instructions that suit your knowledge requirements and assist you in developing your skill sets and becoming a beauty professional.  

You will learn some interesting things: chemical treatments, skincare, nail care, hair coloring, hair cutting, and styling.

Address: 4374 E New York St, Aurora, IL 60504, United States

Also see our article on Truck Driving Schools in Illinois.

Trade Schools in Kankakee, Illinois

1. Kankakee Community College (Public Community College)

This College is a prestigious public community college founded in 1966 that offers educational and vocational programs in different areas, including air conditioning, automotive technology, business, electrical engineering technology, diesel technology, law enforcement, and welding.

All academic programs are available in online classes, but you will have a compulsory physical experimental class when necessary.

The school allows students to develop their skills by engaging in extracurricular activities.

They offer a small class size and support from instructors to ensure that you get the best learning experience and be successful in your career path.

Kankakee community college is cheaper than any four-year college, so if you want to save and get a quality education, apply to gain your knowledge there.

The college also offers financial aid and a flexible and convenient student payment schedule.

Address: 100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901, United States

2. Elite Flight Training and Aircraft Management (Professional Pilot Training)

Have you always had the dream of flying around the world?

Then you can start a career as a pilot by applying to this aviation school. 

This school specializes in providing important flight instruction and education to those who want to become professional pilots and earn a license.

The school offers an accelerated program to earn a pilot license by putting you through the necessary information you need to pass the license exam, but you must have prior aviation knowledge and also have a commercial pilot certificate before applying for any of the programs.

Elite flight training school was established in 2014, and the founders had the vision to bring flight schools to the suburbs of Illinois.

The tuition is quite convenient as you can pay for the training service you get per hour and pay upfront.

Address: 809 E 4000 S Rd, Kankakee, IL 60901, United States

3. Kankakee Area Career Center (Vocational Programs)

This career center is a well-known vocational school in the Kankakee area of Illinois. 

The school has always been dedicated to offering high-school students and adults vocational and educational programs in different career fields.

They offer a variety of programs such as construction trades, cosmetology, welding, culinary arts, health occupations, and many more programs to have a successful career.

With inclusion as an important aim of the school, they pay attention to all students from different backgrounds and offer them the best education and knowledge requirements for a smooth career.

The school offers many student services that assist students in reaching their career goals, including job placement assistance, counseling, internship placements, and networking opportunities.

You have many opportunities when you apply for their programs, and rest assured that you are getting the best learning experience.

Address: 4083 N 1000w Rd, Bourbonnais area, Kankakee, IL 60914, United States

Also see our article on Medical Schools in Illinois.

Trade Schools in Joliet, Illinois

1. Joliet Junior College (First Community College)

Joliet Junior College is the first community college in the United States and is highly recognized in the country.

They have maintained their status as the most renowned college by providing affordable and quality education to students.

Students are given many opportunities through the school’s academic and vocational programs, such as agricultural sciences, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, liberal and fine arts, business and information technology, social and behavioral sciences, and STEM education.

They offer a transfer from the college to any school of your choice with the assistance of the school advisors that guide you in picking the right classes to get a good grade to transfer.

Also, the school offers many student services that enhance students’ performances through engaging activities and instructor support.

They also provide job placement opportunities and continuing education if you want to advance your career.

You can start your career pathway by applying for a program on their website.

Address: 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431-8938, United States

2. Professional’s Choice Hairdressing Academy (Professional Hairstyling)

Be a professional hair stylist!

You can start a career as a hairstylist by applying to this beauty school’s program.

They have a mission to always be up-to-date on the changing trends and teach students how to stay on track in the hair styling industry.

The Academy shows students how important it is to be outstanding in the beauty career field.

Luckily, they have different locations for classes around Illinois, which you can choose from for your convenience.

You will get to learn many things related to hair styling and get hands-on training with supervisors who are professional and experienced stylists.

In addition, the program is affordable, and you also receive materials needed throughout the course of learning.

They have two types of beauty curricula: the cosmetologist and instructor curricula, and both have different hours and learning experiences.

Address: 2719 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, United States

3. Larry’s Barber College (Barber Training)

The barber college is located in different areas of Illinois and started expanding in 2006 after the first barber college was opened.

This college aims to provide individuals in the community with a supportive, positive, and professional environment for barber training.

Larry’s barber college offers different barber programs, including the history of barbering, anatomy, chemistry, professional image, continuing education, and practicals for barbers looking to advance their skills.

Plus- you get to experience hands-on experiments of what you have learned and see firsthand how some types of equipment can be used.

They also offer financial aid to students that qualify for the program.

Overall, if you want to gain the best experience and have a new professional family at the end of your program, this is the right place for you.

Address: 929 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, United States

4. Advantage Driver Training (Job Placement Assistance)

Advantage driver training is a driving school committed to producing professional and well-rounded drivers to join the truck driving industry.

The driving school is licensed and has 100 years of experience giving instructions.

They ensure you get a stable career after the end of the program by providing job placement assistance and advanced learning to improve your skills.

Some programs they provide include commercial driver’s license training and commercial driver’s license written exams.

You can take the night classes and gain a great learning experience if you have a busy schedule.

In addition, they offer hands-on training with trucks and modern equipment to ensure the best and most beneficial learning experience.

Also, they offer license upgrades with programs that fit your knowledge requirement.

Apply for their program if you want to become a professional driver.

Address: 200 McDonald Ave, Joliet, IL 60431, United States

Also see our article on Military Schools in Illinois.

Trade School in Bloomington, Illinois

1. HairMasters Institute of Cosmetology (Comprehensive Curriculum)

This institute has 75 years of experience producing beauty experts in the beauty industry.

The beauty school offers programs that help students achieve their career goals and become successful.

They provide a supportive and fun environment for students to develop professional skills and be enlightened with the code of ethics in relationships with customers and employers.

The fun environment guarantees the best learning experience, and the instructor assists with your intellectual needs.

They have a comprehensive curriculum that is relevant and intensive to prepare students with the skills and knowledge standards needed to be successful in the competitive field.

The beauty school offers daytime and nighttime programs where you get theoretical and experimental experience to gain knowledge in all the aspects of cosmetology and have the skills to work in a professional setting.

Address: 506 S Mc Clun St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States

2. Illinois Wesleyan University (Prestigious University)

Illinois Wesleyan University is an outstanding and prestigious university in Illinois and was founded in 1850.

The school’s founders are from different educational backgrounds and cultural groups, which ensures the prioritization of inclusion in the school.

They aim to provide students with the intelligence to open their minds and have career breakthroughs.

The school offers many academic programs that give students the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their desired career choice or seek admission to advanced schools.

Some programs include arts, sciences, engineering, mathematics, accounting, etc.

Students also get the opportunity to continue a four-year course in the university after taking minor courses.

The school has a warm and supportive environment that guarantees the best learning experience for students.

Address: 1312 Park Street Bloomington, IL 61701, United States

Also see our article on Dental Schools in Illinois.

Trade Schools in Cicero, Illinois

1. Bell Mar Beauty College (Private Beauty School)

Bell Mar beauty college is a private beauty school established in 1970.

The school offers programs that guarantee high employment rates, such as cosmetology, scalp treatments, nail extension, permanent waving, chemical hair relaxing, facials, bacteriology chemistry, hair extensions, trichology, pedicures, manicures, and osteology.

All programs come with practical experience to ensure students are prepared for their beauty industry careers. 

This beauty school is accredited by the national accrediting commission of career arts, which guarantees that you are getting a quality education approved by the state.

Bell Mar Beauty College has experienced and encouraging instructors committed to providing you with quality education and experience with adequate attention that ensures you become successful and have the skills needed for the beauty industry.

Additionally, the school has modern facilities where students can practice their skills with the customers.

Address: 5717 Cermak Rd, Cicero, IL 60804, United States

2. How to Fade Hair Barber School INC. (Professional Barber Training)

The school is the number one choice in the community, and it is located in Cicero, Illinois.

They have a mission to be committed and dedicated to producing excellent professionals in the beauty industry.

The school aims to provide support and a safe environment for students aspiring to become professional barbers.

You are armed with the confidence, skills, and knowledge you need to attain success in your career field.

The school has online programs where all the details on the materials you need are shared, and you get your practical experience at your own convenience.

They have different programs that suit the knowledge capacity of students enrolled in the school.

Their programs are affordable, with sophisticated facilities available for the best learning experience.

Address: 5933-35 W 35^th St, Cicero, IL 60641, United States

3. Morton College (Community College)

If you are interested in starting a career in the trade of technical field, Morton College is for you.

Morton College is a community college offering various programs to provide students with hands-on training and classroom experience.

The college focuses on vocational programs like automotive technology, welding, nursing, HVAC, business technologies, continuing education, and many more.

They also offer transfer programs for students wanting to further their education in a four-year institution. The programs are designed to guide and provide a solid foundation in general courses and specific coursework in your field of study.

The instructors are highly professional and experienced in their respective fields of study.

Morton College is an excellent choice to gain practical knowledge and skills for the career you intend to pursue.

Address: 3801 S. Central Avenue, Cicero, Illinois 60804, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Private Schools, Real Estate Schools, and Cooking Classes in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best Trade schools in Florida and Texas.