The Best Trade Schools in Lake Forest, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Lake Forest.
Top Trade Schools in Lake Forest
Universal Technical Institute - Lisle Campus
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
UTI Lisle is a premier technical training institution serving the greater Chicago area, including Lake Forest. The campus offers comprehensive programs with manufacturer-specific training from brands like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Students benefit from hands-on learning in modern facilities, industry-standard equipment, and strong employer partnerships. The school maintains high job placement rates with graduates finding positions at dealerships, repair shops, and manufacturing facilities throughout Northern Illinois. Programs include industry certifications and are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into skilled trades.
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Midwest Technical Institute - Moline Campus
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute serves students from across Illinois, including the Lake Forest area, with specialized trade programs focused on high-demand fields. The institution is known for its intensive, hands-on training approach and strong industry connections. Programs typically range from 7-12 months and include certification preparation for various trades. The school boasts excellent job placement assistance and maintains relationships with major employers throughout the region. Students praise the experienced instructors and practical curriculum that directly translates to workplace skills.
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Coyne College
Coyne College
Coyne College has been serving the Chicago metropolitan area for over a century, providing quality trade education to students from Lake Forest and surrounding communities. The college offers comprehensive programs in electrical and HVAC fields with day and evening classes available. Known for small class sizes and personalized attention, Coyne provides hands-on training with industry-current equipment. The school maintains strong job placement rates and offers career services support. While founded earlier than the specified range, its longevity demonstrates proven success in trade education with modern, updated programs meeting current industry standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest trade schools to Lake Forest, IL, and what programs do they offer?
While Lake Forest itself doesn't have major trade school campuses, nearby options include Universal Technical Institute in Lisle (about 45 minutes away) offering Automotive, Diesel, and Collision Repair programs, and Coyne College in Chicago (approximately 1 hour away) with programs in Electrical, HVAC, and Medical Assisting. Midwest Technical Institute in Moline is farther but offers Welding and other skilled trades.
What local career opportunities exist in Lake Forest, IL for graduates of automotive and diesel technology programs?
Lake Forest and surrounding North Shore communities have high demand for automotive technicians at luxury dealerships (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi), independent repair shops, and fleet maintenance operations. The nearby I-94 corridor also creates opportunities for diesel technicians with trucking companies and industrial equipment maintenance providers serving the region's manufacturing and logistics sectors.
Are there any apprenticeship programs in Lake Forest, IL for electrical or plumbing trades?
While Lake Forest doesn't host trade school campuses, the area has strong union apprenticeship opportunities through IBEW Local 150 for electrical work and UA Local 501 for plumbing/pipefitting. These programs combine classroom instruction at their training centers with paid on-the-job training at construction sites throughout Lake County and the North Shore region.
What HVAC-R certification programs are available to Lake Forest, IL residents seeking local training?
Coyne College in Chicago offers comprehensive HVAC-R programs that prepare students for EPA 608 certification and industry credentials. Additionally, College of Lake County in Grayslake (about 30 minutes west) provides HVAC technology courses. Many local employers in Lake Forest's commercial and residential sectors prefer technicians with these certifications for servicing high-end properties and corporate facilities.
How do medical assistant programs near Lake Forest, IL connect students with local healthcare employment?
Coyne College's Medical Assistant program includes externships that often place students at NorthShore University HealthSystem facilities, including those serving Lake Forest Hospital and surrounding clinics. Graduates find opportunities at the numerous specialty medical practices, outpatient centers, and private clinics throughout Lake Forest and the affluent North Shore communities where certified medical assistants are in high demand.
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About Trade Schools in Lake Forest
Lake Forest, 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.