The Best Trade Schools in Arlington, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Arlington.
Top Trade Schools in Arlington
Universal Technical Institute - Lisle
Universal Technical Institute
UTI Lisle is a premier technical training institution serving the greater Chicago area including Arlington. The campus offers comprehensive programs with manufacturer-specific training from brands like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Students benefit from hands-on training in modern facilities, industry-standard equipment, and strong industry connections. The school maintains high job placement rates with graduates working at dealerships, repair shops, and manufacturing facilities throughout Illinois. Programs include I-CAR recognized collision repair and AWS-certified welding training.
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Coyne College
Coyne College
Coyne College has been providing quality trade education to the Chicago metropolitan area for over a century, serving students from Arlington and surrounding communities. The institution offers accelerated programs in high-demand trades with day and evening classes available. Their electrical program prepares students for Illinois licensing, while the HVAC program includes EPA 608 certification. Coyne maintains strong industry partnerships and provides career placement assistance, with many graduates finding employment with union contractors, maintenance companies, and service providers throughout the region.
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Midwest Technical Institute - East Peoria
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute's East Peoria campus serves central Illinois including the Arlington area with comprehensive trade programs focused on hands-on skill development. The welding program offers AWS certification preparation, while the HVAC program includes EPA 608 universal certification. MTI emphasizes practical training with industry-current equipment and maintains strong relationships with local employers and unions. The school provides career services support and has established placement networks with construction firms, manufacturing plants, and service companies throughout Illinois. Programs are designed for quick entry into the workforce with most completed in under a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Arlington, IL, and what programs do they offer?
While Arlington itself has limited trade schools, nearby options include Universal Technical Institute in Lisle (about 30 minutes away) offering Automotive, Diesel, and Collision Repair, and Coyne College in Chicago (roughly 45 minutes away) with programs in Electrical, HVAC, and Medical Assisting. Midwest Technical Institute in East Peoria (about 2 hours away) provides training in Welding, HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. Many programs are designed for commuters from surrounding suburbs like Arlington.
What local industries in the Arlington, IL area hire graduates from nearby trade schools?
The greater Chicagoland area, including Arlington's region, has strong demand for skilled tradespeople. Local manufacturing plants, construction firms, automotive dealerships, and healthcare facilities actively recruit graduates. Major employers like Rivian in Normal (for automotive/diesel techs), area hospitals for medical assistants, and unionized construction trades in Chicago provide career pathways for certified graduates from programs at Coyne College or Universal Technical Institute.
Are there any apprenticeship programs or partnerships with trade unions available for Arlington, IL residents?
Yes, many trade unions in the Chicago area offer apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. The Illinois Department of Labor lists opportunities for electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, and welders through local unions. Schools like Coyne College often have connections to these unions, and some programs (like Electrical Construction & Planning) are specifically designed to prepare students for union apprenticeships and licensure exams in Illinois.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for Arlington, IL residents attending trade schools in the area?
Students can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) at accredited schools like Universal Technical Institute and Coyne College. Illinois-specific aid includes the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant for eligible residents. Some trade schools offer their own scholarships, and local organizations (like Arlington-area trade unions or businesses) may provide sponsorships or tuition assistance in exchange for work commitments after graduation.
How do I choose between a program at Universal Technical Institute in Lisle versus Coyne College in Chicago for trades like HVAC or Electrical?
Consider commute time, program focus, and career outcomes. Universal Technical Institute specializes in transportation trades (Automotive/Diesel) with manufacturer-specific training, while Coyne College offers broader construction and healthcare trades with strong Chicago union connections. Visit both campuses, compare graduate employment rates, toolkits included, and whether the program prepares you for Illinois state licensure (e.g., for HVAC or electrical work). Your career goals—working at a dealership versus union construction—will guide your choice.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Arlington
Arlington, Illinois offers a variety of vocational training programs and trade schools for students looking to launch careers in skilled trades. Our comprehensive directory helps you find the best programs based on instructor quality, job placement rates, certifications, and student reviews.
Browse through local trade schools offering programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive, and more. Each school has been evaluated using our rigorous 5-star rating system to help you make the best choice for your career goals.