The Best Trade Schools in Peoria Heights, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Peoria Heights.
Top Trade Schools in Peoria Heights
Illinois Central College - Perkin Trade Center
Illinois Central College District
Illinois Central College's Perkin Trade Center provides comprehensive trade education serving the Peoria Heights community directly. The college offers both certificate programs and associate degrees in skilled trades with articulation agreements to four-year institutions. Their HVAC program is ACCA-recognized and includes EPA 608 certification preparation. The welding program features AWS certification testing on-site. ICC maintains the lowest tuition rates in the region for trade programs while providing extensive hands-on training in modern facilities. Job placement exceeds 82% with strong connections to local unions and contractors throughout central Illinois.
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Midwest Technical Institute - Peoria Campus
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute's Peoria campus serves the Greater Peoria area with comprehensive trade programs focused on high-demand industrial and construction trades. The school maintains strong partnerships with local unions and employers including Caterpillar and various manufacturing facilities. Their welding program is particularly renowned with state-of-the-art equipment and AWS certification preparation. Job placement assistance is robust with reported placement rates exceeding 85% for graduates. Programs range from 6-9 months with flexible scheduling options for working students.
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Universal Technical Institute - Lisle Campus
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
While located in Lisle, UTI actively serves the Peoria region through dedicated recruitment and placement services. The campus offers manufacturer-specific advanced training programs with partners including Ford, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Their welding technology program includes comprehensive training in MIG, TIG, and stick welding with preparation for multiple certifications. The institution boasts strong industry connections with over 35 manufacturer partners and maintains a graduate employment rate of over 80% within the field. Financial aid options and veteran benefits are extensively supported.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs for local employment in the Peoria Heights area?
In the Peoria Heights and greater Peoria region, programs in Welding Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and HVAC-R Technology are particularly in-demand due to the strong manufacturing and industrial base. Companies like Caterpillar and local manufacturing plants frequently seek graduates with these skills. Completing these programs at institutions like Midwest Technical Institute's Peoria Campus or Illinois Central College's Perkin Trade Center can lead to immediate local job opportunities.
Which trade schools near Peoria Heights, IL offer hands-on training in Automotive and Diesel Technology?
Midwest Technical Institute's Peoria Campus offers programs in Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology with hands-on training facilities. For a broader range of transportation trades, some students also consider the Universal Technical Institute campus in Lisle, though it's a longer commute. These programs prepare students for certifications and careers with local dealerships, fleet services, and major employers in the transportation sector around Peoria.
Are there any short-term certification programs available at trade schools in Peoria Heights for quick entry into the workforce?
Yes, several local institutions offer short-term certifications. Midwest Technical Institute in Peoria provides focused programs in areas like Welding and Electrical Trade that can be completed in under a year. Illinois Central College's Perkin Trade Center also offers various certificate programs in skilled trades, allowing students to gain specific, industry-recognized credentials and enter the local job market quickly to meet employer demand.
What local apprenticeship or job placement assistance do Peoria Heights area trade schools provide?
Trade schools in the Peoria area, such as Midwest Technical Institute and Illinois Central College, typically have career services departments that connect students with local apprenticeships and job opportunities. They often have established relationships with regional employers like Caterpillar, OSF HealthCare, and local contractors and unions. These services help graduates find positions in plumbing, electrical systems, pipefitting, and other trades specific to the central Illinois economy.
How do the costs and financial aid options compare between trade schools in the Peoria Heights vicinity?
Costs vary between institutions near Peoria Heights. Illinois Central College, as a community college, generally offers lower tuition rates for its trade programs at the Perkin Trade Center. Midwest Technical Institute is a private technical school with different program pricing. Both schools offer financial aid options, including federal aid, scholarships, and sometimes payment plans. It's advisable to contact each school's financial aid office directly to compare total program costs and available assistance for specific trades like CNC Machining or Collision Repair.
Nearby Cities
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About Trade Schools in Peoria Heights
Peoria Heights, 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.