Carpentry Schools in Chicago

How to Become a Carpenter in Chicago

The key to becoming a successful carpenter in Chicago, Illinois, is to ensure that you obtain the right training before you begin to work as one. There are many routes to obtaining this training, each with its advantages.

Some often apply to a trade union to become apprentices, while some choose to work as a helper or carpenter assistant beforehand. Another particularly popular option is to enroll in a formal training program offered by colleges and trade schools.

All of these are veritable options to consider, but in the article below, we’ll focus on the best carpenter schools in and around Chicago, Illinois.

Top Carpentry Schools in Chicago, Illinois

The best carpentry schools in Chicago provide their students with a solid, comprehensive theory as a foundation for the hands-on practices that usually follow. They also boast world-class facilities and instructors.

Below is a list of notable Chicago carpentry schools that fulfill all of these requirements and more.

1. Southwestern Illinois College

2500 Carlyle Avenue Belleville, Illinois 62221,

4950 Maryville Road, Granite City, Illinois 62040,

180 N Wabash Chicago, Illinois 60601

Southwestern Illinois College is one of the most sought-after institutions for students pursuing technical degrees in the state, and the same applies to carpentry. To make things more convenient for its students, the school has several campuses in Belleville, Granite City, and Chicago, among others.

As for the program itself, the emphasis continues to remain on producing carpenters who are technically sound and fearless in coming up with their solutions to complex problems.

2. Prairie State College

4821, Southwick Dr, Matteson, Illinois 60443

202 Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, Illinois, 60411

Prairie State College is another college in the area with a wonderful carpentry program and years of experience producing brilliant carpenters. Students here become experts in wood-turning, carving, finishing, and more.

The school’s carpentry program also intentionally maintains as small a class size as possible so that the instructor-to-student ratio remains optimal.

3. Chicago & Northeast Illinois District of Carpenters Apprentice & Training Program

1256 Estes Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007

Like most apprentice training programs in the state, the Chicago & Northeast Illinois District of Carpenters Apprentice & Training Program produces technically sound carpenters who are confident enough to take on projects independently.

This is all thanks to the emphasis placed on developing real-world carpentry skills right from the beginning by getting the students’ hands-on critical tools as soon as possible.

In terms of fundamentals, the program prepares students on topics such as wood frame fundamentals, construction blueprints, and various materials and fasteners used in certain scenarios.

Explore detailed steps and certification requirements:

• Steps to become a carpenter in Illinois

4. Project HOOD Communities Development Corporation

6330 South King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60637

An impressive program that seeks to help facilitate a creative outlet for individuals all around Chicago through a career in carpentry, Project HOOD Communities Development Corporation’s carpentry program is available at all levels and boasts top-quality instructors and technicians. Not only does the program strive to imbibe all necessary technical and human skills needed to thrive, but it also seeks to help students with placements once they graduate.

5. Triton College

2000 Fifth Ave, River Grove, IL 60171

Triton College in River Gore is a popular destination for young undergrads in Illinois, with more than 8,000 students. The school’s carpentry program remains one of the best in the state, even though students can only pursue a basic certificate.

However, thanks to the comprehensiveness and fast-tracked nature of the coursework, students can learn a great deal in that short period. The school has produced numerous successful professionals and has a strong alum system.

6. Other Notable Programs

Other notable options for students pursuing a carpentry degree in and around Chicago include:

• The apprentice program from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Illinois, located in Elk Grove Village,
• The certificate program at Kaskaskia College in Centralia,
• Apprenticeship program offered by the Carpenters Union Local 272 Chapter at Chicago Heights and the
• The undergraduate certificate program at Black Hawk College in Galva.

Explore Nearby States for Education and Training:

• Carpentry Schools in Michigan