The Best Trade Schools in Hillside, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Hillside.
Top Trade Schools in Hillside
Universal Technical Institute - Lisle
Universal Technical Institute
UTI Lisle is one of the premier trade schools in the Chicago metro area, serving Hillside and surrounding communities. With manufacturer-specific training programs and partnerships with major automotive and diesel companies, students receive hands-on training with current industry technology. The campus features modern labs and equipment, and graduates benefit from extensive employer connections and career services. Programs lead to industry certifications and typically have strong job placement rates with major dealerships and repair facilities throughout Illinois.
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Coyne College
Coyne College
Coyne College has been a Chicago institution for over a century, providing high-quality trade education to students throughout the metropolitan area including Hillside. The school specializes in electrical and HVAC programs that prepare students for Illinois state licensing exams. With small class sizes, experienced instructors, and comprehensive career services, Coyne maintains strong relationships with local unions and employers. The downtown Chicago location is easily accessible via public transportation from Hillside, and the school offers flexible scheduling options for working students.
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Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield (serving Chicago area)
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute has built a strong reputation throughout Illinois for its intensive, hands-on trade programs. While based in Springfield, MTI serves students from across the state including the Hillside area, particularly for their welding and electrical lineworker programs. The school focuses on practical skills training with industry-standard equipment and maintains strong placement relationships with Illinois employers. MTI's accelerated programs allow students to complete training quickly and enter the workforce, with many programs including certification preparation and job placement assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Hillside, IL, and what programs do they offer?
The closest major trade schools serving Hillside are Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Lisle and Coyne College in Chicago. UTI specializes in automotive, diesel, and collision repair technology, while Coyne offers programs in HVAC, electrical construction, medical assisting, and welding. Both are easily accessible via I-290 and public transit from Hillside.
Which trade programs in the Hillside area have the strongest local job placement opportunities?
Programs in HVAC-R, electrical construction, and commercial truck driving (CDL) have excellent local job placement due to high demand from Chicagoland construction firms, logistics companies, and maintenance providers. Many graduates find work with union apprenticeships or direct hires at companies operating in Cook County and the surrounding industrial corridors.
Are there any union-affiliated training programs near Hillside for trades like pipefitting or electrical work?
Yes, the Chicago area has strong union apprenticeship programs, such as those offered by Local 597 (pipefitters) and Local 134 (electricians), which often partner with or recommend preparatory courses at schools like Coyne College. These programs combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training and are highly competitive pathways to stable, well-paying careers in the region.
What financial aid or scholarship options are available for Hillside residents attending local trade schools?
Hillside residents can apply for federal aid (FAFSA), Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, and school-specific scholarships at institutions like UTI-Lisle and Coyne College. Additionally, some local unions and trade associations offer scholarships or sponsorship programs for students entering high-demand fields like welding or HVAC in the Chicagoland area.
How do trade school certifications from programs near Hillside, like CNC machining or welding, transfer to local industry jobs?
Certifications from accredited schools like Midwest Technical Institute or UTI are widely recognized by Chicagoland manufacturers, automotive groups, and construction firms. Many programs align their curricula with industry standards (e.g., AWS for welding, NATE for HVAC) and often include job placement assistance, helping graduates secure roles at local companies such as Caterpillar, Rush Truck Centers, or area fabrication shops.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Hillside
Hillside, 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.