Best Resources for Women Entering the Trades

The IBEW/NECA training arm behind union electrical apprenticeships — find a local JATC and apply for paid electrician training.

Best for: Aspiring electricians who want a paid union apprenticeship

The union for plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVAC-R service techs — gateway to paid five-year UA apprenticeships.

Best for: Aspiring plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC techs who want a paid union apprenticeship

The U.S. Department of Labor's official apprenticeship finder — search Registered Apprenticeship programs by trade and location and connect to local sponsors.

Best for: Anyone who wants a paid apprenticeship and a recognized credential without student debt

A free U.S. Department of Labor tool for finding registered apprenticeship partners — sponsors, educators, and intermediaries.

Best for: Finding official registered apprenticeship partners and program contacts

A nonprofit that connects military veterans and transitioning service members to registered apprenticeships and careers in the building trades.

Best for: Veterans and transitioning service members entering the union building trades

The umbrella organization for North American construction unions — a gateway to registered union apprenticeships and the MC3 pre-apprenticeship curriculum.

Best for: Anyone seeking a paid union apprenticeship pathway

Illinois's state apprenticeship initiative, hosted on the Illinois workNet portal, connecting career seekers to registered apprenticeship pathways statewide.

Best for: Illinois residents exploring registered apprenticeship options statewide

An Illinois labor-management nonprofit promoting union construction careers across the Chicago region, with apprenticeship and career resources.

Best for: People exploring union construction careers and apprenticeships in Chicagoland

The carpenters' union apprenticeship for the Chicago area (formerly the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters), offering paid, no-cost carpentry training across many specialties.

Best for: Aspiring carpenters and millwrights seeking a paid union apprenticeship in Chicago

Chicago's UA pipefitters' union local, covering pipefitters, welders, and HVAC service techs, with a paid five-year apprenticeship.

Best for: Aspiring pipefitters, welders, or HVAC service techs seeking a paid union apprenticeship

Chicago's United Association plumbers' union local, running a paid five-year plumbing apprenticeship through its Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

Best for: Aspiring plumbers seeking a paid union apprenticeship in the Chicago area

A Chicago nonprofit offering free pre-apprenticeship training and support to help women enter and succeed in the skilled construction trades.

Best for: Women in the Chicago area starting out who want free pre-apprenticeship training and support

Chicago's IBEW electrical union local and its Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust — paid electrician apprenticeships in the Chicago area.

Best for: Chicago-area residents who want a paid union electrician apprenticeship

The Operating Engineers union apprenticeship for Illinois/Indiana/Iowa, training heavy-equipment operators and related crafts at a large dedicated center.

Best for: Aspiring heavy-equipment operators seeking a paid union apprenticeship