Trade SchoolsTrade schools can be a viable educational alternative to four-year colleges and universities, especially if you want to start a career in a skilled trade.
Technical programs can typically be completed in less than one or two years and combine theory with hands-on training.
Depending on the school and the career path you choose, you can finalize your training with a certificate, diploma, or degree and be ready for employment in the fields of your choice.
To help you choose the format that best meets your learning style and career aspirations, on this page, we have compiled information about the best trade schools in Aurora Illinois.
Our list also includes apprenticeships sponsored by unions.
These are paid training programs that can last several years.
If you’re a recent high school graduate or an adult who wants to change careers or advance at your current job, we invite you to read our list.
1Waubonsee Community College
About the School
Waubonsee Community College is a public community college.
The college has three campuses in Illinois: Aurora, Sugar Grove, and Plano.
It also uses facilities at extension site locations in many other communities.
Available at the college are college credit courses, seminars for businesses, workshops, and programs for youth.
Distance learning programs are delivered through the college’s video conferencing system.
Waubonsee Community College offers more than 100 online courses and also offers fully accredited degrees to students in a distance learning format.
Contact Information
- Address: 4S783 IL-47, Sugar Grove, IL 60554, United States
- Phone: 630-466-7900
- Website: https://www.waubonsee.edu
2College of DuPage
About the School
College of DuPage offers a variety of certificate programs designed for students who are not pursuing an associate’s degree but are interested in taking technical or professional courses needed to enter a new field of employment or update their current skills.
In total, the college offers 177 certificate programs.
The student-to-faculty program is 22 to 1.
Programs are available in more than 150 areas of study.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Accounting
- Applied Technology: Electro-mechanical, Manufacturing, and Medical Assistant programs are available
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Computed Tomography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Therapy
- Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Fire Science
- Interior Design
- Medical Billing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
- Phone: (630) 942-2800
- Website: https://www.cod.edu
3Parkland College
About the School
Parkland College offers community education courses in a variety of fields, including Health & Wellness, Traffic Safety, Business & Management, Trades, Transportation, and many more.
Courses Offered
The college offers career training courses such as:
- Highway Construction Careers Training
- National Green Infrastructure Certification Program
- Advanced Forklift
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Coding And Billing Professional
- Medical Records Specialist
- And more
Tuition varies depending on the program.
The Dental Assistant course costs $3,799 while the Advanced Forklift course costs $955.
Contact Information
- Address: 1315 N Mattis Ave, Champaign, IL 61821
- Website: https://parkland.augusoft.net
4Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting
About the School
The Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting offers training programs that are convenient, affordable, and achievable to help students start a new career.
The academy offers three dental assisting courses per year.
Each course is 10 weeks long depending on the state you are enrolled in.
The classes are interactive and follow a unique curriculum that combines lectures and hands-on learning opportunities.
The school’s instructors are experienced dental professionals.
The dental assisting classes are held inside practicing dental offices to ensure students have a hands-on experience that prepares them for a new career as dental assistants.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1120, Denham Springs, LA 70727 (Mailing Address)
- Phone: (844) 727-3755
- Website: https://www.acceleratedacademy.us
5160 Driving Academy
About the School
160 Driving Academy prepares students for an in-demand career as professional drivers.
Schools are available throughout the East Coast, West Coast, South, Midwest, and Northeast.
Many tuition options are available.
Courses Offered
The following truck driving classes are available at 160 Driving Academy:
- CDL Training
- CDL Class A
- CDL Refresher Course
- CDL Test Prep
- Hazmat Certification
The school has one instructor for every four students.
Earning a CDL license for a Class A truck allows students to drive a truck that is 26,001 pounds or more, including most tractor-trailers and towed vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
Contact Information
- Address: Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606
- Phone: (877) 745-2034
- Website: https://www.160drivingacademy.com
6Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech is a leading provider of technical skills training since 1946.
Programs are available in automotive, skilled trades, healthcare, culinary, information technology, and cosmetology.
The college has a campus in Melrose Park.
The campus includes 90,000 square feet of training space- including labs, classrooms, collision workshops, and auto shops.
Courses Offered
The Melrose Park campus offers the following programs:
- Automotive Service Technology- a diploma in Automotive Service Technology and an Associate Degree in Automotive Service Management Technology are available
- Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology- students train to install, troubleshoot, and service low-voltage electronic systems
- Medical Assistant- the program trains to assist doctors while working directly with patients in a rewarding healthcare support career
- Welding Technology- a program comprised of eight courses spanning 960 hours
Contact Information
- Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
- Phone: (708) 344-4700
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
7Pivot Point Academy
About the School
Pivot Point Academy teaches students beauty industry skills.
The courses include hands-on training and cover many areas of hair and skincare.
From cutting and coloring to makeup and shaving, the academy teaches a variety of skills.
The training also includes business skills, business management, and social media training.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the academy:
- Cosmetology- a program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use their creativity to become hairdressing professionals
- Esthetics- students build confidence to begin careers in skincare, make-up, or related industries
- Barbering- a program that teaches students skills like men’s haircutting, shaving, and grooming
Contact Information
- Address: 144 E Lake St Ste C, Bloomingdale, Illinois 60108
- Phone: 847-985-4321
- Website: https://www.pivotpoint.edu
8Royal School of Cosmetology
About the School
Royal School of Cosmetology helps students start a new career and learn the trades of skincare, haircutting, coloring, styling, artistry, and more.
The school has two campuses in Illinois: Effingham and Champaign
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Cosmetology- students learn haircutting, coloring, styling, and artistry
- Nails- an education in the field of natural nails and nail enhancements
- Esthetics- the science of healthy skin
- Barber- future barbers learn short haircuts, tapers, fades, beard, grooming, and shaves
- Instructor- a program that emphasizes how to teach theory and practical skills
- Educator- this program is for students who want to reinstate their certificates
Contact Information
- Address: 401 W National Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401
- Phone: 217-347-3991
- Website: https://royalschoolofcosmetology.com
9Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
About the School
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture equips students with the opportunity to acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the beauty industry.
The school is located on US 150/45, with parking directly in front of the building, being easily accessible for students commuting or living nearby.
Courses Offered
The Urbana campus offers education in:
- Cosmetology- available in full-time and part-time options
- Esthetics- available full-time and part-time
After obtaining a cosmetologist license, students may pursue careers as hairstylists, colorists, wedding stylists, makeup artists, salon managers, salon representatives, salon sales assistants, business owners, and more.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
New cosmetology classes begin every six weeks.
Contact Information
- Address: 202 E. University Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
- Phone: 217.344.7550
- Website: https://www.tricociuniversity.edu
10Ed2Go
About the School
Training programs are also available fully online.
Ed2Go offers training programs designed for students who want to level up their careers or learn a new trade for the first time.
The platform partners with colleges and universities from all over the state to make the learning experience as easy as possible.
Courses Offered
Some of the most popular courses available in Champaign include:
- Manufacturing Applications
- Manufacturing Fundamentals
- HVACR Controls/Building Automation Systems
The courses are flexible and available online to give students the opportunity to gain new skills and credentials whenever and wherever they can.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com/location/us/Illinois/Champaign/Trades
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best trade schools in Aurora, Illinois, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and educational needs.
This is an important step so take your time and gather information about all the factors that are relevant to you.
Trade Schools by City in Illinois
