Explore careers and training opportunities in Illinois for construction trades
Construction is an ever-growing field, with building trades (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.) making up a large number of occupations. Here are some examples of career pathways in the construction industry:
An apprentice is someone who is hired into a paid position as a trainee who is learning a specific craft (i.e. carpentry, bricklaying, clothing repair). Apprenticeships involve both classroom learning and on-the-job training.
Certain fields require an entry-level understanding of specific skills in order to begin an apprenticeship. To prepare learners they offer a pre-apprenticeship program so trainees can learn the basics before advancing to a full apprenticeship role.
An apprenticeship can last anywhere from 1-3 years depending on the program. Typically, the apprenticeship salary increases each year of program. After successfully completing the apprenticeship, you are ready to apply for a full-time journeyman level position and you’ll be on your way to a great career!
For more information on construction careers, check out this guidebook about different career pathways in the construction trade including average salaries and the length of time it takes to get trained in various trades. You can also visit apprenticeship.gov to look up the various apprenticeship programs available in your area.
In the construction trades, there are programs which are sponsored by trade unions which represent a specific field in the construction industry. For example, there could be an Ironworkers Union or a Carpenters Union. Everyone in that specific union will work in the same career pathway, allowing for networking and greater conversation regarding the craft.
Unions may have a national organization which then divides up in to units in specific areas, often called Locals. So you might see, for example, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union Local 181. Any electricians in that region could apply to join that local branch of the larger national union.
There are numerous benefits to joining a union including:
Rebuilding Exchange is a minimum wage PAID ($15.40/hr-max $1,755 per month) career training program, utilizing hands-on learning to provide job skills and experience in deconstruction, materials handling, warehousing, and customer service. Trainees generally work and learn up to 32 hours per week. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
CONSTRUCT Infastructure Academy is an annual 11-week job training program designed to expose participants to entry-level positions in the utility and construction industry, prepare participants for industry-required testing, and strengthen participant job readiness and life skills.
CONSTRUCT Business Operations Academy is a 6-week training program designed to gain the skills needed for entry-level administrative jobs in the utility, construction, and related fields. Recipients who complete this program will also earn a Business Operations 101 Certificate!
Chicago Women In Trades Technical Opportunities Program and Women in Welding Program are 10-week pre-apprenticeship programs with hands-on training and help applying to apprenticeships upon completion. Participants will learn about opportunities within carpentry, electric, iron, pipefitting, plumbing, painting, sheet metal, bricklaying, and more!
ABC’s Community Builders is a construction training pre-apprenticeship program with employment opportunities in an apprenticeship or entry-level job after the training is complete. Program length varies depending on your chosen focus.
Revolution Workshop – Construction and woodworking training features 10-12 week programs on various trades.
Illinois Department of Transportation Highway Construction Careers provides a three-month training program. Find registration information on their website.
Chicago Urban League operates 8-week pre-apprenticeship programs, as well as, referral and job placement programs.
Learn about job training programs run primarily by large U.S. corporations
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