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Training Programs

Chicago Women in Trades’ (CWIT) training programs can change the trajectory of women’s lives by providing career opportunities that offer financial independence and job security. CWIT offers unparalleled preparation and support for women to succeed in well-paying, in-demand construction jobs.

Eligibility
Technical Opportunities Program
Women Build Illinois
Women in Welding
Career Support

Learn a Trade

Is construction right for you? If you are mechanically inclined, enjoy working with your hands, and are physically active, a career in the construction trades might be a good choice.

We offer three FREE comprehensive hands-on training programs. All classes are held at Chicago Women in Trades: 2444 W. 16th Street, Chicago, IL.

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

Technical Opportunities and Women Build Illinois are “pre-apprenticeship” programs. These programs prepare individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to enter a registered apprenticeship of their choosing. The training provides a foundational understanding of various trades, covering basic technical skills, safety training, and career readiness.

WELDING

Women in Welding prepares students to become welders. Upon completing the course, they are certified in welding and ready for job placement.

Everyone who participates in CWIT’s training programs must meet these requirements:

You must have a:

High school diploma or GED
A valid driver’s license
Birth certificate or other proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Social Security card

You must:

At least 18 years of age
Be physically fit
Pass an aptitude test (6th-grade level math)
Pass a drug test

Get Started

If you are interested in CWIT’s training opportunities, you must first attend one of our Information Sessions. Sign up today!

Register for an Information Session

Technical Opportunities Program (TOP)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
2 weekday evenings
6:00-9:30 p.m.

Saturdays
7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

TOP is a 12-week, 180-hour training program where you learn the skills to pursue careers as carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, pipefitters, laborers, plumbers, painters, sheet metal workers, bricklayers, and more.

You will learn the necessary hands-on job skills, job site safety, physical strengthening, and classroom work to prepare you to take various union apprenticeship aptitude entry exams. You will acquire OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR credentials.

Our staff will assist you in applying to the union apprenticeship openings that align with your interests. 

Curriculum and support

  • Math comprehension: Fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages, area and perimeter, square roots, exponents, feet and inches, and basic algebra.
  • Apprenticeship entry exam preparation: Spatial relations, mechanical reasoning, and numerical reasoning.
  • Physical strengthening: Stretching, stamina, balance, endurance and weight-lifting exercises.
  • Basic construction safety: Jobsite safety, tool recognition, tool safety, measuring, and blueprint reading.
  • Hands-on workshops: Experienced tradeswomen will teach you the basics of carpentry, electrical work, labor, plumbing, pipefitting, and bricklaying.
  • Field trips to apprenticeship training centers.
  • Job readiness skills: Goal setting, interviewing, resume building, financial budgeting, apprenticeship application guidance.
  • Mock interviews with industry professionals.
  • Apprenticeship application support.
  • Post-graduation case management.
Register for an Information Session

Women Build Illinois

SCHEDULE
Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Women Build Illinois is a 10-week, 280-hour training program that meets during the day. Similar to our Technical Opportunities Program (TOP), Women Build Illinois allows participants to acquire knowledge about construction career opportunities through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. You will acquire OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR credentials.

Curriculum and support

  • Introduces students to various career opportunities in the industry and teaches basic construction skills such as measuring, blueprint reading, and tool recognition.
  • Prepares students to meet the industry’s expectations and overcome the challenges women face in a male-dominated field.
  • Teaches conditioning for the physical challenges of the trades.
  • Prepares students to pass apprenticeship program entrance exams.
  • Connect students to apprenticeship programs, contractors, and mentors to facilitate the transition to employment in the industry.
Register for an Information Session


Funded by

Women in Welding

SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Women in Welding prepares students to become skilled welders in a variety of fields. Upon completing the course, they are certified in welding and ready to begin their careers in manufacturing, welding, metalworking and the construction industry.

Curriculum and support

  • Three welding practices (MIG, Stick, and TIG)
  • Shop math
  • Blueprint reading
  • OSHA-10 certification
  • Shop safety
  • Physical strengthening 
  • Workplace readiness
  • Resume Building
  • Job search assistance
  • Post-graduation case management 
  • American Welding Society Certification in MIG
Register for an Information Session

Career Support

CWIT staff help with job placement, coaching, and retention. Once you are part of the CWIT community, these resources are available throughout your career.

News

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