Illinois Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Illinois Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Illinois
Average Cost of Trade School in Illinois
Trade school costs in Illinois can vary depending on whether training is tied to union programs or open-shop employers. Program length, required coursework, and licensing-related fees can all affect total out-of-pocket expenses. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $7,898 higher than in-state on average.
| Illinois Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,730 |
|---|---|
| Illinois Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $12,628 |
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Illinois
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.
Paying for Trade School in Illinois
Not all trade programs are funded the same way, so many students look beyond apprenticeships alone. Scholarships, workforce assistance, and employer tuition support are frequently used to close the gap. Availability depends on trade and location. Illinois scholarships
Before taking on a private education loan, it helps to compare lenders and repayment structures: Compare private student loan rates
Illinois Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Illinois trade paths often include 6–24 months of training for entry-level roles, and 3–5 year apprenticeships for many skilled trades with required hours and milestones.
- Licensing varies by trade and jurisdiction. Some regulated trades and contractor-level work may require licensing, documented experience, and exams, with local permits/inspections also common—confirm with Illinois and local authorities.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Want to see what trades pay in Illinois?
View the Illinois skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.
View Illinois Salaries & Job OutlookVerified Illinois Programs & Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Illinois.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Top Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Illinois.
Ameren Illinois is seeking an Apprentice Lineman to join its electric transmission and distribution team serving over 1.2 million customers across central and southern Illinois.
C-TEC is seeking a dependable and motivated Installation Apprentice to join its trash and linen chute installation team.
The Chicago Roofers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program is a long-standing, union-sponsored apprenticeship that prepares individuals for careers as professional roofers and waterproofers across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
The Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) Local 18 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund (JATF) offers paid, union-sponsored apprenticeship programs for individuals pursuing careers as Cement Masons and Plasterers.
Operating Engineers Local 150 offers one of the most respected and advanced apprenticeship programs for individuals seeking a career in heavy equipment operation.
Leading Automotive Programs in Illinois
Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Illinois.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Glendale Heights provides hands-on, career-focused technical training for individuals pursuing careers in the automotive, diesel, and welding industries.
Top Carpentry Programs in Illinois
Explore the most trusted Carpentry programs available in Illinois.
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) offers multiple campuses and training sites across Belleville, Granite City, and Red Bud, providing career-technical education in high-demand trades.
Top CNC Machining Programs in Illinois
Explore the most trusted CNC Machining programs available in Illinois.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Lisle offers an industry-focused CNC Machining Technology program designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.
Top Commercial Driving (CDL) Programs in Illinois
Explore the most trusted Commercial Driving (CDL) programs available in Illinois.
Rockford CDL Training provides comprehensive instruction for individuals seeking to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and start a professional trucking career.
CDL Training of Illinois provides a comprehensive and hands-on Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program designed to prepare students for successful trucking careers.
Best Plumbing Programs in Illinois
Browse accredited and verified Plumbing programs across Illinois.
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) in Springfield, Illinois, provides a focused Plumbing Technician program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the plumbing trade.