Trade Schools in Kankakee, Illinois

The Kankakee Area Career Center is a premier public career and technical education institution serving the greater Kankakee region for over four decades. As part of Kankakee School District, this state-funded center offers comprehensive trade programs with industry-standard equipment and certified instructors. The welding program features AWS certification preparation, while the automotive technology program includes ASE certification pathways. With strong partnerships with local employers like CSL Behring and Bunge, the center maintains exceptional job placement rates exceeding 85%. Students benefit from hands-on training in modern facilities, including fully-equipped automotive bays, commercial kitchens, and welding labs with both MIG and TIG capabilities.

Midwest Technical Institute, while located in Springfield, serves students throughout Illinois including the Kankakee area with comprehensive trade programs and housing assistance options. MTI has established itself as a leading trade school with accelerated programs ranging from 7-10 months. The welding program includes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW certifications, while the electrical training program prepares students for residential and commercial electrical work. MTI boasts strong industry relationships with companies like Caterpillar and CWLP, resulting in consistent job placement rates above 80%. The school provides extensive career services support and financial aid guidance, making it accessible to students from Kankakee seeking quality trade education.

Lincoln Tech's Melrose Park campus serves the greater Chicagoland area including Kankakee County students seeking comprehensive trade education. With over seven decades of operation, Lincoln Tech has developed industry-leading programs featuring manufacturer-specific training partnerships with companies like Ford, Tesla, and Trane. The automotive technology program includes ASE Master Certification preparation, while the HVAC program covers EPA 608 certification. Students benefit from extensive hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities that replicate real-world working environments. The career services department maintains strong employer relationships throughout Illinois, achieving placement rates consistently above 80% for graduates. Financial aid options and flexible scheduling make this institution accessible to Kankakee-area residents.