Trade Schools in Chester, Illinois

While located in St. Louis, Ranken Technical College serves students from throughout the Metro East region including Chester, with many Illinois residents attending. As one of the top-ranked technical colleges in the nation, Ranken offers exceptional training facilities and industry connections. The college maintains near-100% job placement rates with graduates highly sought by employers. Programs feature extensive hands-on training, industry-standard equipment, and instructor expertise. Financial aid and housing options make this prestigious institution accessible to Chester-area students seeking elite technical education.

Midwest Technical Institute operates a comprehensive trade school facility just 30 minutes from Chester, offering intensive, hands-on training programs. The institution boasts exceptional job placement rates exceeding 85% across all programs. Their welding program includes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW techniques with certification preparation. The HVAC program covers residential and commercial systems with EPA 608 certification. MTI maintains strong industry relationships with local employers throughout Southern Illinois and provides career services support from enrollment through graduation.

Shawnee Community College serves as the primary vocational and technical training institution for Southern Illinois, including Chester. The college offers comprehensive trade programs with strong industry partnerships and job placement assistance. Their welding program is particularly renowned with modern facilities and AWS certification preparation. The automotive technology program features ASE-certified instructors and hands-on training with current diagnostic equipment. With affordable tuition and financial aid options, Shawnee provides accessible career training with proven employment outcomes throughout the region.