Southwestern Illinois College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Illinois / Southwestern Illinois College
Southwestern Illinois College – Belleville / Granite City / Red Bud, IL
Programs Offered
- Carpentry Apprenticeship Certificate
- Construction Trades Training (10-week entry program)
- Welding Technology
- Electrical Technology & Industrial Systems
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Fundamentals
- Diesel Powered Equipment Technology
Program Overview
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. The Carpentry Apprenticeship Certificate trains students in concrete formwork, framing, interior systems, and commercial carpentry with meaningful shop and field internships.
SWIC’s Construction Trades Training program is a fast-track, 10-week course targeted at helping students enter the construction industry through safety certification, tool use, blueprint reading and entry-level trade tasks.
Hands-On Training
Students at SWIC receive practical, shop-based training that aligns with employer needs across the region. Some key areas include:
- Residential and commercial framing, formwork, and finish carpentry
- Welding techniques, fabrication, structural applications
- Electrical systems, motor controls, industrial wiring
- HVAC basics: installation, maintenance and safety
- Diesel equipment and heavy machinery in advanced tracks
Certifications & Career Preparation
- Building Trades Safety Certificate (for entry-level construction)
- Carpentry Apprenticeship credentials and field internships
- Welding and industrial trade credentials facilitating placement in manufacturing and construction
Graduates are prepared to enter careers such as carpenter apprentice, welder, industrial electrician, HVAC technician, or equipment mechanic in the greater Southern Illinois / Metro-St. Louis region.
Program Length
- Construction Trades Training: Approximately 10 weeks (entry-level certificate)
- Carpentry Apprenticeship Certificate: Typically 1 to 2 years depending on progression
- Associate degrees or advanced technical certificates (where offered): 2 years
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent) is recommended
- Basic math and reading comprehension skills
- Commitment to hands-on trade education and safety protocols
Financial Aid & Student Support
SWIC offers federal financial aid, state grants, scholarships, and workforce development scholarships. Students also have access to career services, internships, employer networks, and job-placement assistance to ease the transition into the workforce.
Location
Serving Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud, Illinois, Southwestern Illinois College spans multiple campuses and training centers across the southwest Illinois region, providing accessible trade and technical education to students from the region and beyond.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Southwestern Illinois College (Belleville, IL) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Trade or Technical Training
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Southwestern Illinois College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.