The Best Trade Schools in Urbana, Illinois
Find top-rated trade schools and vocational training programs in Urbana.
Top Trade Schools in Urbana
Parkland College
Parkland College District 505
Parkland College is the premier community college serving the Urbana-Champaign area with comprehensive trade and technical programs. Their Career and Technical Education division offers state-of-the-art facilities including a 17,000-square-foot welding lab, advanced automotive technology centers, and modern HVAC training equipment. Students benefit from industry-certified instructors, strong employer partnerships with local and regional companies, and excellent job placement rates exceeding 85% for trade program graduates. The college provides multiple certification pathways and associate degree options with financial aid availability.
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Danville Area Community College
Danville Area Community College District 507
Located just 30 miles from Urbana, DACC offers robust trade programs with a strong regional reputation. Their Advanced Technology Center features modern welding bays, automotive diagnostic equipment, and comprehensive HVAC-R training facilities. The college maintains strong industry partnerships with local employers and provides hands-on training with industry-current technology. Programs lead to multiple certifications including AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 certification for HVAC, and various automotive credentials. Job placement assistance is comprehensive with many graduates securing employment before completion.
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Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute has built a strong reputation across Illinois for intensive, accelerated trade programs. While located in Springfield, they actively serve students from the Urbana area with housing assistance and comprehensive student services. Their programs are designed with direct industry input and feature extensive hands-on training with modern equipment. MTI boasts strong job placement rates through established relationships with major employers and unions throughout central Illinois. Programs typically run 7-10 months with flexible scheduling options and financial aid availability for qualified students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand trade programs at Parkland College in Urbana, and what local job opportunities do they lead to?
Parkland College offers several high-demand programs including Welding Technology, HVAC, and Computer Networking. Graduates often find employment with local employers like the University of Illinois facilities department, Carle Health System for HVAC technicians, and manufacturing companies in the Champaign-Urbana area such as Kraft Heinz and Plastipak for skilled trades positions.
How does the Midwest Technical Institute in Springfield serve Urbana residents seeking accelerated trade training?
While located in Springfield, Midwest Technical Institute attracts Urbana students with its short-term, intensive programs in Welding, HVAC Technology, and Electrical Systems. Many students commute or utilize temporary housing for their 7-9 month programs, which focus on hands-on training and industry certification preparation for immediate entry into central Illinois job markets.
What unique apprenticeship opportunities are available through Urbana-area trade programs for construction and industrial trades?
Local trade schools partner with Urbana-area unions and contractors to offer apprenticeship pathways. The Champaign County Building Trades Council works with Parkland College for electrical and pipefitting apprenticeships, while local HVAC companies like ServiceMaster and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offer paid apprenticeships for students completing relevant programs at Danville Area Community College.
Which trade certifications are most valued by Urbana employers, and where can I prepare for them locally?
Urbana-area employers particularly value AWS welding certifications, EPA 608 certification for HVAC-R technicians, and CompTIA Network+ for IT positions. Parkland College's Welding Technology program prepares students for AWS certifications, while their HVAC program includes EPA certification preparation. Local manufacturers like Jeld-Wen and Plastipak actively recruit certified graduates from these programs.
How do culinary arts programs at Urbana-area trade schools connect students with local hospitality industry opportunities?
Parkland College's culinary arts program has strong connections with Urbana's growing food scene, including partnerships with downtown restaurants like Silver Creek and Timpone's. Students gain practical experience through the college's student-run restaurant and often secure positions at local hotels, the University of Illinois dining services, or area catering companies upon completion of their AAS degree or certificate.
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About Trade Schools in Urbana
Urbana, 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.