Best Trade Schools in Joliet, Illinois (2025 Guide)

Updated October 9, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Joliet and Will County. This guide lists accredited programs, apprenticeships, and Illinois licensing basics for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers1.

Top Trade Schools in Joliet

Programs serve Joliet and surrounding communities. Verify current offerings and accreditation23.

School Program Length Highlights
Joliet Junior College Certificates 6–12 months; AAS ~2 years HLC accredited. HVACR, Welding, Electrical/Electronics, and Industrial Maintenance. Modern labs and evening options2.
IBEW Local 176 – JATC (Joliet) 3–5 years Registered electrical apprenticeship with paid OJT and classroom instruction. Strong contractor network.
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 422/130 (regional) ~5 years Registered apprenticeship in plumbing/pipefitting/HVACR. Paid training plus classroom hours.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician: Warehousing/logistics and commercial build-outs create steady work. Apprenticeship is the fastest path to journeyperson and contractor roles1.
  • HVAC/R: Four-season service; EPA 608 required for refrigerants4.
  • Welding: Fabrication and structural roles across the I-55 corridor. Multi-process quals improve pay1.
  • Plumbing: New construction and service across Will County.

Licensing in Illinois

Licensing is often local. Verify your city and county rules.

  • Electrical: Local licensing/registration common; contractors may need municipal registration.
  • HVAC: No statewide tech license; EPA 608 required for refrigerants4.
  • Plumbing: Licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Apprentice → Journeyman → exams and licensure.
  • Welding: No state license; employers require performance quals.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs and evening cohorts.
  • Apprenticeship classroom nights while you work.
  • Short credentials (OSHA-10/30, EPA 608) that stack with longer programs.

Next Steps

  • Compare statewide options: /trade-school/illinois/
  • Explore careers and credentials: /trades/
  • National guides and hub: /trade-school/

Visit labs, confirm accreditation, and map training to local licensing and apprenticeship routes.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook (Electricians, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Welding). bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory. accsc.org ↩

  4. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.