The Best Trade Schools in Lakewood, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Lakewood.
Top Trade Schools in Lakewood
ETI School of Skilled Trades
ETI Career Institute
ETI School of Skilled Trades is a highly-rated technical institution serving the Lakewood area with comprehensive trade programs. The school offers hands-on training in high-demand fields with modern equipment and industry-experienced instructors. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships, job placement assistance, and preparation for relevant certifications. The electrical program covers residential, commercial, and industrial systems, while HVAC/R training includes installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Welding students learn multiple processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. The institution maintains excellent job placement rates and has built a strong reputation among Chicagoland employers.
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Fox College
Fox College Inc.
Fox College provides comprehensive trade education with a focus on practical, hands-on learning for students throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, including Lakewood. The HVAC program prepares students for EPA 608 certification and covers residential and commercial systems, while the electrical technology curriculum includes wiring methods, electrical theory, and code requirements. The institution features modern training facilities with industry-standard equipment and maintains strong relationships with local employers. Fox College emphasizes career readiness through externship opportunities and dedicated job placement services, with many graduates securing positions with major contractors and service companies in the region.
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Lincoln Tech - Melrose Park Campus
Lincoln Educational Services
Lincoln Tech's Melrose Park campus serves the Lakewood area with extensive trade programs and comprehensive career services. The automotive technology program features manufacturer-specific training and prepares students for ASE certification, while the HVAC program covers installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial systems. The electrical and electronics program provides training in residential and commercial wiring, motors, controls, and renewable energy systems. Lincoln Tech maintains strong industry partnerships and offers extensive job placement assistance, with many students receiving job offers before graduation. The campus features modern labs with current industry equipment and experienced instructors with real-world expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trade schools near Lakewood, Illinois that offer hands-on training programs?
The primary trade schools serving the Lakewood area include ETI School of Skilled Trades in Willowbrook, Fox College in Tinley Park, and Lincoln Tech's Melrose Park campus. These institutions offer programs like Electrical Technology, HVAC/R, Welding, Plumbing, and Automotive Technology with practical, hands-on training essential for entering skilled trades.
Which trade programs in the Lakewood, IL area have the strongest local job placement rates?
Programs in HVAC/R Technology, Electrical Systems, and Welding Technology at schools like ETI and Lincoln Tech - Melrose Park typically show strong local job placement due to high demand from Chicagoland construction, manufacturing, and service industries. These schools often have established relationships with regional employers and unions that facilitate job opportunities for graduates.
Are there any accelerated or short-term certification programs available at Lakewood-area trade schools?
Yes, schools like ETI School of Skilled Trades offer accelerated programs where students can complete certifications in fields like Electrical Technology or HVAC in as little as 7-10 months. These intensive programs focus specifically on the skills needed to pass certification exams and enter the workforce quickly in the Chicago metropolitan area.
What local apprenticeship opportunities exist for trade school graduates in the Lakewood, Illinois region?
Graduates from Lakewood-area trade schools often find apprenticeship opportunities through local unions and contractors in the broader Chicago region, particularly in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades. Many programs at schools like Fox College and Lincoln Tech include apprenticeship preparation and connections to union apprenticeship programs that combine paid work with continued education.
How do the costs and financial aid options compare between different trade schools near Lakewood, IL?
Costs vary between institutions, with ETI School of Skilled Trades, Fox College, and Lincoln Tech - Melrose Park all offering different tuition structures and financial aid packages. All three schools typically accept federal financial aid, and some offer institutional scholarships or payment plans specifically for their skilled trades programs in electrical, HVAC, and automotive technologies.
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About Trade Schools in Lakewood
Lakewood, 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.