Best Trade Schools in Illinois
45 schools ranked by programs, certifications, equipment, and accreditations. Real data, no affiliate padding.
#7
National Rank
45
Schools
20
Program Types
17
Certifications
3.6
Avg Programs/School
20
Observed Program Tags
Critical Skills: WeldingHVACPlumbingMachine
How We Rank Schools
Schools are ranked using a transparent composite score (0-100 points) based on verifiable data:
- Program breadth 0-20 pts
- Certification depth 0-15 pts
- Equipment/facilities 0-8 pts
- Accreditation quality 0-12 pts
- Data completeness 0-18 pts
- Outcomes (placement, salary) 0-10 pts
- Financial aid (VA, Pell, WIOA) 0-7 pts
- Partnership readiness 0-10 pts
No school pays for placement. Rankings are updated as new data is verified.
Top 15 Trade Schools in Illinois
1
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL
Welding & FabricationCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & MedicalIT & Networking
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: AWS Welding, CDL, CNA, NCCER, OSHA 10, OSHA 30
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
Fast Facts BoardScholarships Community Next JWCC BoardSitemap Campus Map BoardFast Facts Board
Contact: Josh Welker — jwelker@jwcc.edu
2
City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College
Chicago, IL
Construction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing TechnologyRobotics & AutomationCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA Approved
Certifications: AWS Welding, CDL, CNA, NCCER, OSHA 10, OSHA 30
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
the Higher Learning Commission, meaning you can access federal/state financial aid
and grants while at City Colleges and save thousands of dollars on your
educationExpense Reimbursement Union Contracts Zoom Directories Academic Departments
BoardPass After CCC Find a Job or Internship Prepare to Transfer Request a Transcript
Join the CCC Alumni AssociationFigures About the College Mission Statement Facts and Statistics Accreditation
Disclosures Programs Leadership Board
Contact: Kimberly Hollingsworth —
khollingsworth@ccc.edu
3
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College
Chicago, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
Certifications: NATE, NATEF, Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, HVAC Equipment, Automotive
Diagnostic Equipment
the Higher Learning Commission, meaning you can access federal/state financial aid
and grants while at City Colleges and save thousands of dollars on your
educationthe Higher Learning Commission (HLC)the Higher Learning Commissionthe Higher Learning Commission
Contact: Katonja Webb Walker, —
kwebb8@ccc.edu
4
Illinois Valley Community College
Oglesby, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE, CNA, Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
and Maps Boardand Maps Boardand Maps Boardand Maps Board
Contact: Tracy Morris —
Tracy_Morris@ivcc.edu
5
McHenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA ApprovedPell EligibleWIOATitle IV
Certifications: NATE, Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
GED Court Partnership Programs About MCC At a Glance Boardedu Veteran Education Benefits The Department of Veterans Affairs and Illinois
Student Assistance CommissionGED Court Partnership Programs About MCC At a Glance BoardGED Court Partnership Programs About MCC At a Glance Board
Contact: Clint Gabbard, Ph.D. —
cgabbard@mchenry.edu
6
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL
Welding TechnologyWelding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & Carpentry
Certifications: Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator, Medical
Equipment
the Higher Learning Commission Campus SafetyPrivacy StatementCollege PoliciesSite Map
Contact: General Phone — —
7
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing TechnologyCAD/CAM & Drafting
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: CNA, Phlebotomy
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator
Culture Community Testing Center Continuing Education Giving Sustainability Wheels
of Opportunity Workforce Services About KCC About KCC Home BoardCulture Community Testing Center Continuing Education Giving Sustainability Wheels
of Opportunity Workforce Services About KCC About KCC Home Boardsuch as submitting an assignment or contributing to a discussion boardCulture Community Testing Center Continuing Education Giving Sustainability Wheels
of Opportunity Workforce Services About KCC About KCC Home Board
Contact: Michael Glen Boyd — mboyd@kcc.edu
8
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE, CompTIA A+, Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
a “nationally recognized” accreditor, be authorized/recognized by the state, and
receive approval from the UKeyboardJJC Begins Negotiations for Grundy Expansion The boardOIRE follows the Association
Contact: Clyne Namuo — president@jjc.edu
9
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & Machining
VA Approved
Certifications: NATE, CNA, Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
Staff Request Info Visit Search Search About At a Glance About LLCC Alumni Services
Accreditations BoardVisit Apply Now Search Main navigation About At a Glance About LLCC Alumni Services
Accreditations BoardStaff Request Info Visit Search Search About At a Glance About LLCC Alumni Services
Accreditations BoardVisit Apply Now Search Main navigation About At a Glance About LLCC Alumni Services
Accreditations Board
Contact: Charlotte J. Warren —
Charlotte.Warren@llcc.edu
10
Richland Community College
Decatur, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA Approved
1% placement · 1% graduation
Certifications: NATE, OSHA 10, CCNA, CNA, Phlebotomy
Fees Financial Aid Scholarships Veterans Benefits Student Employment Payment
Options Student Experience Student Experience Student Life Student Leadership
CouncilValues BoardAffiliates Foundation Alumni AssociationRichland Community College Honors Life of Longtime Board
Contact: Cristobal Valdez —
cvaldez@richland.edu
11
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryManufacturing Technology
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: NATE, CNA, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Mill, MIG Welder
the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and are transferable to other two- and
four-year institutionsThe HCC BoardHighland Community College Skip to Content About About Accreditation BoardIllinois Student Assistance Commission
Contact: Vincent Bowhay —
vbowhay@highlandcc.edu
12
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL
Welding & FabricationAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningCAD/CAM & DraftingHealthcare & Medical
VA ApprovedPell EligibleTitle IV
Certifications: Phlebotomy
Equipment: AutoCAD
the Higher Learning Commissionthe Illinois Certification Board/ Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
Professional Certification Association Automotive Technology – Accredited by the
Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation Basic Nursing Assistant Training
– Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health Coding Specialist - Approved
by the American Health Information Management Association Culinary Arts - Accredited
by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Emergency Medical Services
– Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Emergency Medical Technician approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health
Fire Science Management/Operations – Approved by the Office of the Illinois State
Fire Marshal Health Information Technology - Accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programsthe Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Nursing –
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Incthe Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Respiratory
Therapy – Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Sleep
Technology – Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs About Administration Accreditation Board of Trustees Distinctions
Community Engagement Facts Locations and Maps Mission and History Sustainability
Contact Us Contact Us Directory Employment Police Student Consumer Information
Moraine Valley Community College 9000 W
Contact: Pamela Haney —
president@morainevalley.edu
13
ETI School of Skilled Trades
Willowbrook, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA ApprovedPell Eligible
$51,000 avg salary
Certifications: EPA 608, NATE
Equipment: Oxy-Fuel Cutter
the National Association of Trade and Technical Schoolsthe Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)Internet Ad Google Search Facebook Pandora BillboardMemberships Accredited School by the Accrediting Commission
Contact: General Phone — —
14
City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College
Chicago, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyElectrical TechnologyPlumbingConstruction & Carpentry
VA Approved
Certifications: Phlebotomy, Medical Coding
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, HVAC Equipment, Automotive
Diagnostic Equipment
the Higher Learning Commission, meaning you can access federal/state financial aid
and grants while at City Colleges and save thousands of dollars on your
educationExpense Reimbursement Union Contracts Zoom Directories Academic Departments
BoardPass After CCC Find a Job or Internship Prepare to Transfer Request a Transcript
Join the CCC Alumni AssociationFigures About the College Mission Statement Facts and Statistics Accreditation
Disclosures Programs Leadership Board
Contact: Shawn L. Jackson —
sljackson@ccc.edu
15
Black Hawk College
Moline, IL
Welding & FabricationHVAC/RAutomotive TechnologyConstruction & CarpentryCNC & MachiningManufacturing Technology
Certifications: NATE, CompTIA A+, CNA
Equipment: CNC Milling Machine, MIG Welder, Compressor, Truck Simulator, Medical
Equipment
the Higher Learning Commission and participates in the Open Pathway , one of two
pathways leading to reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning
CommissionAbout Us About Us Leadership BoardAbout Us About Us Leadership BoardAbout Us About Us Leadership Board
Contact: Dr. Jeremy Thomas —
thomasj@bhc.edu
All Other Schools
Best IT & Networking Schools in Illinois
Best CAD/CAM & Drafting Schools in Illinois
Best Healthcare & Medical Schools in Illinois
Best Construction & Carpentry Schools in Illinois
Best Welding & Fabrication Schools in Illinois
Best CNC & Machining Schools in Illinois
Best Automotive Technology Schools in Illinois
Best Manufacturing Technology Schools in Illinois
Certifications Available
NATE28 schools
Phlebotomy19 schools
CNA10 schools
Medical Coding9 schools
OSHA 105 schools
OSHA 304 schools
AWS Welding3 schools
CDL3 schools
NCCER3 schools
CompTIA A+3 schools
EPA 6082 schools
NATEF1 schools
CCNA1 schools
I-CAR1 schools
NIMS1 schools
R-410A1 schools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in Illinois?
There are 45 trade schools in Illinois tracked by BOMAtlas, offering programs in 20
different fields.
What is the best trade school in Illinois?
Based on our composite ranking of programs, certifications, equipment, and
accreditations, John Wood Community College ranks #1 in Illinois.
What are the most popular trade programs in Illinois?
The most common programs are IT & Networking, CAD/CAM & Drafting, Healthcare
& Medical. These reflect strong employer demand in the state.
What certifications can I earn at Illinois trade schools?
Schools in Illinois offer 17 different certifications including AWS Welding, CDL, CNA,
NCCER, OSHA 10.
How are trade schools in Illinois ranked?
BOMAtlas ranks schools using a transparent composite score (0-100) based on program
breadth, certifications, equipment, accreditations, outcomes (placement rate, salary),
financial aid availability, and data quality.
How does Illinois compare to other states for trade education?
Illinois ranks #7 nationally with 45 schools and 9 unique program types.
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