Resources / Pre-apprenticeship
Chicago Women in Trades
A Chicago nonprofit offering free pre-apprenticeship training and support to help women enter and succeed in the skilled construction trades.
Training providerNo-cost resourceLocal program
This profile is provisional — some details may have changed. Confirm specifics on the official site before applying.
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 recommend 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.
Pros
- +Free pre-apprenticeship training
- +Women-focused with retention support
- +Connected to local union pathways
Watch-outs
- –Chicago-area only
- –Cohort-based with limited seats
Before you apply
How to applySchool Inquiry
Experience neededNo Experience Ok
ReadinessTraining Required First
Time to applyCohort-based; check upcoming start dates
⚠ Cohorts have limited seats and set start dates — plan ahead.
Coverage
Trades
ElectricianCarpenterPlumberPipefitterIronworkerConstruction Laborer
Segments
CommercialResidentialInfrastructure