TradeSchools.review
Industry Certified

The Best Trade Schools in Park Forest, Illinois

Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Park Forest.

3
Training Programs
4.3
Average Rating

Top Trade Schools in Park Forest

1

Universal Technical Institute - Lisle

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

★★★★☆
4.4/5

UTI Lisle is a premier technical training institution serving the greater Chicago area including Park Forest. With extensive industry partnerships and manufacturer-specific training programs, UTI provides comprehensive technical education with strong job placement rates. The campus features state-of-the-industry equipment and offers programs developed with input from industry leaders. Students benefit from hands-on training, industry certifications, and career services support with connections to over 35 manufacturer partners. The institution maintains high employer satisfaction ratings and has placed thousands of graduates in skilled trade positions throughout Illinois.

Experience:57 years
Reviews:187 student reviews
2611 Corporate West Dr, Lisle, IL 60532

Programs Offered:

Automotive TechnologyDiesel TechnologyCollision RepairCNC MachiningWelding
2

Coyne College

Coyne College

★★★★☆
4.3/5

Coyne College has been providing quality trade education to the Chicago metropolitan area for over a century, serving students from Park Forest and surrounding communities. The college specializes in high-demand trades with comprehensive programs that include extensive hands-on training and preparation for industry certifications. Their Electrical and HVAC programs are particularly renowned, featuring modern labs and experienced instructors with industry backgrounds. Coyne maintains strong relationships with local employers and unions, resulting in excellent job placement rates for graduates. The institution is accredited and offers flexible scheduling options for working students.

Experience:121 years
Reviews:142 student reviews
20 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Programs Offered:

Electrical Construction & PlanningHVAC-RMedical AssistingPharmacy Technician
3

Midwest Technical Institute - East Peoria

Midwest Technical Institute

★★★★☆
4.2/5

Midwest Technical Institute serves students from throughout Illinois including the Park Forest area with intensive, hands-on trade programs focused on workforce readiness. The institute emphasizes practical skills training with programs designed to meet current industry demands. Their welding program features comprehensive training in various processes and positions, while their electrical line worker program prepares students for utility industry careers. MTI maintains strong industry connections and provides career placement assistance. The institution is known for its accelerated programs that quickly prepare students for entry into skilled trades with competitive starting wages and benefits.

Experience:28 years
Reviews:89 student reviews
280 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611

Programs Offered:

WeldingElectrical Line WorkerHVACPipefittingCommercial Driver's License

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest trade schools to Park Forest, IL, and what programs do they offer?

While Park Forest itself doesn't have major trade schools, nearby options include Universal Technical Institute in Lisle (about 45 minutes away) offering Automotive, Diesel, and Collision Repair, and Coyne College in Chicago (about an hour away) with programs in HVAC, Electrical Construction, and Medical Assisting. Midwest Technical Institute in East Peoria is also accessible for programs like Welding and Pipefitting.

Are there any local apprenticeship programs in Park Forest, IL for trades like electrical or HVAC?

Yes, Park Forest residents can access union apprenticeship programs through Chicago-area trade unions, such as IBEW Local 134 for electrical work and Pipefitters Local 597 for HVAC and pipefitting. These programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often in partnership with nearby trade schools like Coyne College.

What trade certifications are most in demand for Park Forest, IL area employers?

Local employers in the Chicago Southland region particularly seek EPA 608 certification for HVAC technicians, NCCER certifications for construction trades, ASE certifications for automotive technicians, and CDL licenses for commercial drivers. Many Park Forest residents find work in nearby industrial areas like Chicago Heights and Markham where these certifications are valued.

How can Park Forest residents access financial aid for trade school programs in Illinois?

Illinois residents can apply for state programs like the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. Additionally, trade schools like Universal Technical Institute and Coyne College offer their own financing options and accept federal student aid.

What local job placement assistance is available for trade school graduates in the Park Forest area?

Many trade schools serving Park Forest students have dedicated career services departments that connect graduates with employers throughout the Chicago Southland region. Additionally, the Illinois workNet Center in nearby Matteson offers job placement assistance specifically for skilled trades, and local unions maintain hiring halls for their members.

Exploring Skilled Trades and Healthcare Paths in Park Forest, IL

For residents of Park Forest, Illinois, considering a career change or seeking stable, hands-on employment, the skilled trades offer a compelling and practical path forward. While you might initially search for "physical therapy trade schools near me," it's valuable to broaden your perspective to the diverse vocational training available right in our region. The Chicagoland area, including communities like Park Forest, is supported by several reputable trade institutions that provide direct routes to in-demand careers. Schools such as Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, Coyne College, and Midwest Technical Institute in East Peoria, though not located directly in Park Forest, are within a reasonable commute and serve our community with robust programs.

These schools offer training in fields critical to our local and regional economy. Programs in HVAC-R, Electrical Construction & Planning, and Welding are particularly relevant, given the constant need for skilled technicians to maintain and build our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The medical field is also represented through programs like Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technician, which are excellent entry points into healthcare. While a dedicated "physical therapy" program might be found more commonly at the associate or bachelor's degree level, these allied health trade programs provide a foundational clinical skillset that can be a stepping stone into rehabilitation services or other patient-care roles.

The job market in the south Chicagoland area and throughout Illinois is strong for skilled tradespeople. From manufacturing and construction to healthcare support, employers are actively seeking certified professionals. For someone in Park Forest, this means training locally can lead directly to employment locally, minimizing commute times and allowing you to build your career within the community you know. The stability of these careers is a significant advantage, as the skills taught are always in demand, regardless of economic fluctuations.

If you find yourself searching for "physical therapy trade schools near me," take it as a sign of your interest in a rewarding, people-focused career. We encourage you to explore all the vocational options available. Contact the admissions departments at the schools mentioned, ask about their medical-focused programs, and inquire about financial aid and job placement rates. Visiting a campus, even if it's a short drive from Park Forest, can provide invaluable insight. Investing in trade education is an investment in a future built on practical expertise, job security, and the satisfaction of mastering a tangible skill. Your next career chapter could begin with a single inquiry.

Nearby Cities

Explore trade schools in cities near Park Forest:

About Trade Schools in Park Forest

Park 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.