Best Trade Schools in Chicago, Illinois (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Chicago. This page compares accredited programs, explains Illinois licensing, and points you to the fastest paths into good-paying trades. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in demand across the Chicago metro¹.

Top Trade Schools in Chicago

Below are accredited schools in Chicago and nearby suburbs with strong hands-on programs. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for exact schedules and start dates²³.

Tip: Visit a lab before you enroll. See the equipment, talk to instructors, and ask about placement partners and apprenticeship pipelines.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Chicago’s construction and building retrofit work create steady demand for electricians¹. Apprenticeships combine paid work and classroom learning. Many grads move into low-voltage, residential, or commercial/industrial roles. Median U.S. pay was about 1,590 in 2023¹.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • Chicago’s climate and aging building stock keep HVAC/R work year-round. Employers value EPA 608 certification and experience with system commissioning and controls. Median U.S. pay was about 7,300 in 2023¹.

• Welder

  • Fabrication, infrastructure, rail, and construction contractors in the metro hire welders with current certs. Multi-process proficiency (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW) boosts your options. Median U.S. pay was about 8,940 in 2023¹.

• Plumber

  • Water and gas systems work requires licensed plumbers in Illinois. Union apprenticeships are common in Chicago and lead to strong wages and benefits. Median U.S. pay was about 1,550 in 2023¹.

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Licensing varies by trade. Plan your path before choosing a program.

• Electrician (local licensing)

  • Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. Most licensing is at the city or county level.
  • In Chicago, electrical contractors must be licensed by the Department of Buildings. A supervising electrician is required to pull permits⁴.
  • Typical steps:
  • Enter a 4–5 year apprenticeship (8,000+ hours OJT and ~576 classroom hours).
  • Pass a journeyman or supervising electrician exam if required by your jurisdiction.
  • Apply for an electrical contractor license/registration to contract and pull permits in Chicago⁴.
  • Learn more career paths: Electrician.

• HVAC/R

  • No statewide HVAC license in Illinois. Municipal contractor registrations may apply.
  • Federal law requires EPA Section 608 certification to service or handle refrigerants⁵.
  • Many employers prefer OSHA-10/30 and additional manufacturer or NATE credentials.
  • Explore training and certs: HVAC.

• Plumber (statewide licensing)

  • The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licenses plumbers and apprentices statewide⁶.
  • Typical steps:
  • Register as a plumbing apprentice with IDPH and complete an approved apprenticeship (generally 4–5 years).
  • Complete required classroom hours and OJT under a licensed plumber.
  • Pass the Illinois plumbing exam and obtain your Plumber’s License; plumbing contractors must also register appropriately⁶.
  • Compare routes: Plumbing.

• Welder

  • No Illinois state license for welders. Employers usually require current process qualifications (e.g., plate/pipe in specific positions).
  • Certifications are commonly issued through AWS or performance-based credentials such as NCCER, depending on the employer or project specs⁷.
  • Start here: Welding.

Online & Flexible Options

• Blended learning

  • Many Chicago-area programs deliver technical theory online with required in-person labs for welding, electrical, and HVAC/R. This saves commute time while keeping hands-on practice.

• Evenings and weekends

  • Community colleges and career schools often offer evening or weekend sections. This helps you train while working.

• Accelerated cohorts

  • Schools like ETI, UTI, and Lincoln Tech run accelerated cohorts with frequent start dates. These can shorten time to completion if you can commit to full-time training.

• Apprenticeships

  • Union and employer-sponsored apprenticeships combine paid OJT with classes, often at low or no tuition. Expect 4–5 years to journey-level status in electrical and plumbing. Apply early; spots are competitive.

Tip: Regardless of modality, trades require hands-on skill checks. Plan for lab time and proctored exams like EPA 608.

Next Steps

• Compare programs and visit campuses on the Illinois hub
• See trade career guides with requirements and salaries
• Browse how-to articles and checklists for beginners
• Explore trade schools nationwide

Chicago offers strong public options through City Colleges and focused career schools with fast, hands-on training. Pick a program that aligns with your license path, certification goals, and schedule. Then build experience through labs, internships, and apprenticeships.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Electrician Schools in Illinois
• Best Trade Schools in Peoria, Illinois (2025 Guide)