Training & Certification

Training & Certification

  • Human Capital Management
  • HR – Training & Certification

🔧 Module Overview

Enhance your expertise and stay competitive in Illinois’s construction industry by pursuing top-tier training, licensing, and certifications. Whether you’re a laborer, supervisor, project manager, or specialty contractor, these programs ensure you’re aligned with state requirements, industry best practices, and emerging trends—helping you build confidently, safely, and efficiently.

đź“Š Key Features

  • Occupational Safety Solutions, Inc. (Chicago & suburbs) – OSHA‑compliant safety training, site audits, and toolbox talks.
  • Illinois Construction Training Council (ICTC) (Springfield) – Union‑sponsored NCCER‑based programs for skilled trades and apprentices.
  • Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Assoc. (IRTBA) (Naperville) – Highway and heavy/civil construction classes, including FLH and IDOT Earthwork.
  • U of I Extension & Outreach – IDPH Lead Worker, sustainable building, and project management workshops.
  • Chicago Women in Trades – Specialized mentorship and hands-on training for women entering construction crafts.

OSHA Safety Certification (10 & 30 Hour)

Why It’s Needed: 

Required on most Illinois job sites, OSHA 10 and 30-hour certifications ensure workers and supervisors understand safety regulations, reducing workplace accidents and improving job site compliance.

Who Should Get It

OSHA 10 is ideal for entry-level laborers, while OSHA 30 is designed for site supervisors, foremen, and safety managers.

Where to Get:

  • Courses are available online through OSHA-authorized providers like OSHA.com and ClickSafety, or in-person via local trade unions, community colleges, and safety training centers such as SafetyCheck, Inc. (Chicago) and Chicagoland Construction Safety Council.

NCCER Certifications

Illinois contractors and construction employers widely recognize NCCER credentials for their standardized, hands-on approach to skill-building. These certifications help workers demonstrate their proficiency in key trades like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, heavy equipment operation, and more—making them highly employable across union and non-union job sites alike.

Where to Get: 

    • Prairie State College – Chicago Heights, IL

    • Joliet Junior College – Joliet, IL

    • Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice & Training Program – Elk Grove Village, IL

    • Illinois Central College – East Peoria, IL

    • ABC Illinois Chapter – Construction Education & Training Foundation

Illinois Contractor License

Licensing is essential for working legally on construction projects across Illinois, with most contractor licenses issued at the city or county level. Roofing contractors must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), while plumbers are licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Electricians and general contractors are typically licensed locally, such as through the City of Chicago or other municipal departments. Proper licensing ensures compliance, builds trust, and opens the door to larger, higher-paying projects.

First Aid / CPR Training

Why It’s Useful:

Mandatory for many Illinois job sites and required for compliance under OSHA and local safety codes. Ensures quick response in case of on-site emergencies.

Where to Get: 

    • American Red Cross – Illinois Chapters

    • National Safety Council – Illinois Safety Training Centers

    • Local community colleges and union halls (e.g., Chicago Laborers’ District Council Training Center)

Forklift & Heavy Equipment

Operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently is critical on Illinois construction sites, from Chicago high-rises to infrastructure projects statewide. These certifications not only improve job readiness but also open the door to higher-paying opportunities in union and non-union roles alike.

HAZMAT / HAZWOPER

Why It’s Valuable: 

  • Required for handling hazardous materials, working on cleanup or remediation sites, and operating safely in contaminated environments.

Where to Get: 

      • OSHA.com – Online Illinois HAZWOPER 24 & 40 Hour

      • Environmental Training Center – Joliet Junior College

      • Midwest Environmental Consulting & Training – Schaumburg, IL

CA Construction Apprenticeships

Great For: 

  • Starting a debt-free career with hands-on experience and wage progression. Ideal for high school grads, career switchers, and those looking for long-term union opportunities.

     

Where to Join: 

    • Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative

    • Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters

    • IBEW Local 134 Electrical Apprenticeship Program

    • Chicago Women in Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Construction Tech & Software

Why It Matters: 

  • Digital fluency in software like Procore, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and PlanGrid is increasingly expected for roles in project management, estimating, and architecture.

Where to Learn:

  • City Colleges of Chicago – Construction Management Certificate

  • Illinois Institute of Technology – Built Environment & Software Workshops

  • Associated General Contractors of Illinois (AGCI) – Online tech trainings

  • LinkedIn Learning & Skillshare – Specialized modules on construction tools