Best Resources for Women Entering the Trades in Illinois
Women are a fast-growing part of the trades, and a strong support network makes all the difference. These resources recruit, train, and support women entering construction — alongside the official apprenticeship pathways open to everyone.
Last updated 2026-06-27
How we chose
We highlighted resources that actively support women in the trades plus the official, free apprenticeship pathways — weighting trust and candidate usefulness. Support-program focus adds resources; it never removes general opportunities.
Showing options that serve Illinois — local Illinois programs are ranked first, followed by national resources available statewide.
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Convenience links to each board's own search — they may change without notice. We don't control what a board shows.
Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) runs the Technical Opportunities Program — a free, hands-on pre-apprenticeship that prepares women for registered apprenticeships in the building trades — plus ongoing retention support, tutoring, and advocacy. It's a model local program: tuition-free, women-focused, and directly connected to Chicago-area union apprenticeship pathways.
Why we like it: It's a free, proven, women-focused on-ramp tied directly to Chicago union apprenticeships — exactly the kind of local support that changes outcomes.
- +Free pre-apprenticeship training
- +Women-focused with retention support
- +Connected to local union pathways
- –Chicago-area only
- –Cohort-based with limited seats
Apprenticeship Illinois is the state's apprenticeship-expansion initiative, supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and hosted on the Illinois workNet portal. It provides apprenticeship information for career seekers, program-development guidance for employers, and resources for workforce partners across industries including construction.
Why we like it: It's the official state source for registered apprenticeships across every Illinois region and industry, and it's free.
- +Official state source
- +Spans all industries and regions
- +Free
- –Broad aggregator portal, not a direct application path
Association · Metro
CISCO (Construction Industry Service Corporation) is a not-for-profit labor-management organization founded in 1988 that represents union construction workers and contractors across the six-county Chicago region. It promotes union construction careers through apprenticeship information, Education-to-Careers initiatives, and resource fairs.
Why we like it: A neutral, free, cross-trade gateway to the full spectrum of Chicago-area union building trades.
- +Neutral cross-trade resource
- +Covers all union building trades
- +Free
- –A clearinghouse, not a direct apprenticeship sponsor
- –Union-focused only
At a glance
| Resource | Cost | Experience | Coverage | Time to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Women in Trades | Free | No experience OK | 1 state | Cohort-based; check upcoming start dates |
| Apprenticeship Illinois | Free | No experience OK | 1 state | Varies |
| CISCO — Construction Industry Service Corporation | Free | No experience OK | 1 state | Varies |
| Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council — Chicago Apprenticeship | Paid training | No experience OK | 1 state | Varies |
| Pipefitters Local 597 (Chicago) | Paid training | No experience OK | 1 state | Varies |
Official & union pathways
Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council — Chicago Apprenticeship
Union training · Metro
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
Pipefitters Local 597 (Chicago)
Local union · Metro
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
Plumbers Local 130 UA (Chicago)
Local union · Metro
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
IBEW Local 134 / Chicago EJATT
Local union · Metro
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
Operating Engineers Local 150 (ASIP)
Union training · State
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
electrical training ALLIANCE
Union training · National
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
How a registered apprenticeship works
- 1Find a programSearch Apprenticeship.gov or a union JATC by trade and ZIP code.
- 2Apply & testSubmit an application — many programs require an aptitude test or interview.
- 3Get placedOnce accepted, you're matched with a sponsoring employer or union local.
- 4Earn while you learnYou're a paid employee from day one, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
- 5Graduate to journeymanComplete your hours and coursework to earn a nationally recognized credential.
Frequently asked questions
Are there trades programs specifically for women?▾
Yes. Programs like Chicago Women in Trades offer free pre-apprenticeship training and ongoing support, and they connect directly to registered apprenticeships.
Do I have to use a women-specific program?▾
No. Every official apprenticeship pathway is open to you. Women-focused programs are an added support, not a separate or lesser track.
What does a pre-apprenticeship program provide?▾
Free hands-on skills training, physical conditioning, tool familiarity, and — critically — a direct pipeline into registered apprenticeships, often with a support network of other women in the trades.
Are the trades a realistic career for women?▾
Yes. Union apprenticeships pay equally regardless of gender, and demand for skilled trades workers is strong. Support programs exist specifically to help with recruitment, training, and retention barriers women have historically faced.