The Best Trade Schools in Arlington Heights, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Arlington Heights.
Top Trade Schools in Arlington Heights
ETI School of Skilled Trades
ETI School of Skilled Trades
ETI School of Skilled Trades has been training trades professionals for over five decades and serves the entire Chicago metropolitan region including Arlington Heights. The school offers intensive, hands-on programs focused specifically on skilled trades with strong emphasis on practical, real-world training. ETI maintains excellent industry relationships and job placement rates, with many students receiving job offers before graduation. The curriculum is designed by industry professionals and constantly updated to meet current market demands. Located in nearby Darien, the school is easily accessible to Arlington Heights residents seeking quality trade education.
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Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute is a highly-rated regional trade school serving the greater Chicagoland area including Arlington Heights. With multiple campus locations, MTI offers comprehensive training programs with strong industry connections and job placement assistance. The school provides hands-on training in high-demand trades with modern equipment and experienced instructors. Programs are designed to prepare students for industry certifications and immediate employment, with many graduates securing positions within weeks of completion. The institution maintains strong relationships with local employers throughout the Chicago metropolitan region.
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Coyne College
Coyne College
Coyne College is one of Chicago's oldest and most established trade schools, serving the entire Chicagoland area including Arlington Heights. With over a century of experience in career education, Coyne offers accelerated programs in high-demand skilled trades. The school features small class sizes, hands-on training labs, and comprehensive career services. Their HVAC program is particularly renowned, preparing students for EPA 608 certification and other industry credentials. Located in downtown Chicago, the school is easily accessible to Arlington Heights residents via public transportation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade careers for graduates in the Arlington Heights, IL area?
In the Arlington Heights and greater Chicago area, skilled trades like HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers are consistently in high demand due to ongoing construction, maintenance needs, and an aging workforce. Additionally, healthcare support roles such as Medical Assistants and Pharmacy Technicians see strong hiring from local clinics, hospitals, and retail pharmacies. Graduates from local trade schools often find opportunities with regional contractors, manufacturing firms, and healthcare providers.
Which trade schools in or near Arlington Heights, IL offer hands-on welding programs?
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI), located in nearby Springfield but with a focus on serving Illinois students, offers comprehensive welding programs that include hands-on training. Closer options in the Chicago area include Coyne College and the ETI School of Skilled Trades, both of which provide practical, shop-based welding instruction essential for certifications like AWS. These programs prepare students for work in local manufacturing, construction, and fabrication shops.
Are there any local apprenticeship partnerships for electrical or plumbing trades in Arlington Heights?
Yes, many trade schools in the area, such as Coyne College and ETI School of Skilled Trades, have connections with local unions and contractors to help students secure apprenticeships. For example, the Northern Illinois Electrical Training Center and plumbing unions in the Chicago region often partner with these schools. These apprenticeships provide paid, on-the-job training while you learn, which is crucial for licensing in Illinois.
What certifications can I earn through Arlington Heights-area trade schools for HVAC careers?
Programs at schools like Midwest Technical Institute and Coyne College typically prepare you for EPA Section 608 Certification (required for handling refrigerants) and NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifications. Illinois also requires HVAC contractors to be licensed, and these programs cover the necessary coursework to meet state requirements. Earning these certifications significantly boosts your employability with local HVAC service companies and contractors.
How do trade school programs in Arlington Heights, IL support students seeking careers as Pharmacy Technicians?
Local schools like Midwest Technical Institute offer focused Pharmacy Technician programs that include externships at area pharmacies, preparing you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Given the high concentration of hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies in the Chicago metro area, these programs emphasize practical skills in medication dispensing, inventory, and customer service. Graduates are well-positioned for roles at major chains like Walgreens or CVS, as well as local healthcare facilities.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, 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.