Supported by the Illinois Works office of the
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

Break Down of the Who, What, When, Where & Why?

Why should I join this program?

The Construction Trades Training Program is only 9 weeks long and is aimed at preparing participants for entry into a trade union apprenticeship programs or an entry-level position in the construction industry.

What will I receive?

Successful completers of the program will receive 14 college credit hours and the Building Trades Safety Certificate from Southwestern Illinois College which is an Illinois Community College Board approved program.

While in the program, participants can expect classroom and hands-on training in the proper operation of hand tools and power tools, construction math, solar installation, blueprint reading, welding, basic construction principles, critical thinking, and career readiness, among other topics.

Participants will receive industry certifications in OSHA Safety, First Aid, Aerial/Scissor Lift, and Forklift Safety. Hourly financial stipends equaling $11.00 an hour will be provided to those enrolled in the program.

When does it start?

There will be three training sessions each year. Interviews for the next session in 2023 begin in May.

Where will this training take place?

This training will be held primarily at the Lansdowne UP facility (formerly Nelson Mandela Elementary School) located at 1800 North 25th East St. Louis, IL. 62204. Other trainings will be held at the Belleville Campus, as well as some trips taken to Union Halls and other facilities. Transportation to these facilities will not be provided. However, all participants will be given a semester long Metro bus/train pass to be used at any Metro stop and can be used for these transportation purposes.

Who is Eligible and who do I contact if interested?

Participants must live in Illinois, be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or equivalency, have a driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one), interview satisfactorily and pass a drug test.

Interested participants should fill out the form below or contact Jim Moore at 618-541-4925/ jim.moore@swic.edu . They can also stop by the Career Services Department located at the Belleville Campus Information Sciences Building, Room 1050.