Best Trade Schools in Peoria, Illinois (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Peoria. This guide compares accredited programs, shows which trades are hiring, and explains Illinois licensing. If you want a hands-on career, these local options can help you start fast.

Top Trade Schools in Peoria

The schools below are accredited institutions serving the Peoria area. Program lengths are typical ranges; check each school for start dates and schedules. School data verified with the U.S. Department of Education and accreditors¹².

Note: Peoria also has strong union apprenticeship training through IBEW Local 34 (electrical) and UA Local 353 (plumbing/pipefitting). These are paid, registered apprenticeships that combine classroom and on‑the‑job training.

• IBEW Local 34 / Peoria Area Electrical JATC: Inside Wireman and related programs (5 years). Earn while you learn and graduate with journeyman status.
• UA Local 353 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC – East Peoria: 5-year apprenticeship with welding and specialty certifications.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• Steady demand across commercial, industrial, and healthcare projects in Central Illinois. Modern plants and hospitals rely on skilled electricians for installs and maintenance.
• Electricians earn solid wages, with strong overtime potential³. Training options include ICC programs and IBEW Local 34 apprenticeships.
• Learn more: Electrician career guide

HVAC/R Technician

• Heating and cooling techs are needed year-round for installs, service calls, and retrofits. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants.
• Median pay is competitive, and technicians can move into controls or energy management with experience³.
• Learn more: HVAC training and licensing

Welder and Fabricator

• Peoria’s manufacturing and ag equipment base creates ongoing demand for welders. Shops value AWS-ready training and multi-process skills (GMAW, FCAW, SMAW).
• Short-term certificates can get you into entry-level roles fast, with quick skill upgrades³.
• Learn more: Welding careers

Plumber and Pipefitter

• Licensed plumbers are essential for residential, commercial, and industrial work, from service to medical gas systems.
• Illinois licenses plumbers statewide, and union apprenticeships offer paid training and benefits.
• Learn more: Plumbing careers

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Electrician (Illinois)

• Illinois has no statewide electrician license. Licensing is local. In the Peoria area, you must follow city or county requirements for electrical contractor registration, permits, and supervision.
• Typical path:
  • Complete an approved program or apprenticeship (4–5 years combined classroom and OJT).
  • Pass any required municipal exams and register as an electrical contractor if you start a business.
  • Keep liability insurance and bonding per local rules.
• Tip: Confirm requirements with the City of Peoria’s permitting office before you bid work.

HVAC/R (Illinois)

• No statewide HVAC contractor license. Some municipalities require mechanical contractor registration.
• Federal requirement: EPA Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants⁴.
• Typical path:
  • Complete an HVAC/R program (6–12 months certificate or 2-year AAS).
  • Pass EPA 608 exam; add industry certs like NATE for employability.
  • Register locally if required and maintain insurance for contracting.

Plumber (Illinois)

• Statewide licensing by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)⁵.
• Steps:
  • Register as a plumbing apprentice with IDPH under a licensed sponsor.
  • Complete 4–5 years of apprenticeship and required classroom hours.
  • Pass the Illinois plumbing licensing exam and obtain your license from IDPH.
  • To operate a plumbing business, obtain a Plumbing Contractor license from IDPH (bond and insurance required).
  • Complete annual continuing education as set by IDPH⁵.

Welder (Illinois)

• No state license. Employers and unions commonly require AWS certifications aligned to the work (e.g., D1.1 structural).
• Complete a welding program and test to the relevant code. Renew or retest as required by the employer or project.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning at community colleges: ICC, Heartland, Spoon River, and Carl Sandburg offer online general education and some theory courses, with on-campus labs for hands-on skills. This helps you work while training¹.
• Accelerated diplomas: MTI’s short programs focus on lab time so you can start working quickly².
• Evening and weekend schedules: Many Peoria-area programs offer alternate schedules for working adults. Ask admissions about cohort, night, or part-time tracks.
• Certifications you can stack: Add EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NCCER, AWS, or NATE to boost employability. Many local programs include test prep or on-site testing.

How to Choose the Right Program

• Verify accreditation and approvals: Community colleges in this list are regionally accredited; MTI is nationally accredited by ACCSC¹². Apprenticeships should be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Match the credential to your goal: A 6–12 month certificate gets you job-ready fast. An AAS degree can prepare you for advancement or supervisory roles.
• Check employer connections: Ask about co-ops, internships, and placement rates. Programs tied to local employers often lead to faster job offers.
• Plan for licensing: If your trade needs a license (plumbing statewide, electrician locally), pick a program that builds toward those requirements and exam prep.
• Tour the labs: Quality of equipment matters. Look for modern trainers, simulators, and safety practices.

Next Steps

• Compare all trade school options: Visit the Trade School Directory.
• See statewide options and rules: Go to the Illinois Trade School Hub.
• Explore career paths and salaries: Browse the Trades Hub.
• New to skilled trades? Start with our how‑to articles and planning tools in the Guides.

If you already know your path, contact admissions at two or three schools from the list above, ask about upcoming start dates, and tour their labs. Then pick the program that fits your schedule and aligns with Illinois licensing.

Explore Related Topics:

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