This page compiles information about the best trade schools in Champaign.
The schools included in our list provide career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for the real world by mixing classroom education and hands-on training.
Our selection covers a wide range of skills, from cosmetology and dental assisting to automotive technology and welding.
Depending on the school and the career path you choose, you can finalize your training with a certificate, diploma, or degree and be ready for employment in the fields of your choice.
The programs included in our list are designed to be completed in only a few months and provide a viable alternative to four-year colleges and university programs.
We invite you to read our selection, choose the pathway that best meets your career aspirations, and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
1Parkland College
![Parkland College logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/parkland-college-300x58.png)
About the School
Parkland College offers community education courses in a variety of fields, including Health & Wellness, Traffic Safety, Business & Management, Trades, Transportation, and many more.
Courses Offered
The college offers career training courses such as:
- Highway Construction Careers Training
- National Green Infrastructure Certification Program
- Advanced Forklift
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Coding And Billing Professional
- Medical Records Specialist
- And more
Tuition varies depending on the program.
The Dental Assistant course costs $3,799 while the Advanced Forklift course costs $955.
Contact Information
- Address: 1315 N Mattis Ave, Champaign, IL 61821
- Website: https://parkland.augusoft.net
2Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting
![Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/accelerated-academy-dental-assisting-300x56.png)
About the School
Accelerated Academy of Dental Assisting offers training programs that are convenient, affordable, and achievable to help students start a new career.
The academy offers three dental assisting courses per year.
Each course is 10 weeks long depending on the state you are enrolled in.
The classes are interactive and follow a unique curriculum that combines lectures and hands-on learning opportunities.
The school’s instructors are experienced dental professionals.
The dental assisting classes are held inside practicing dental offices to ensure students have a hands-on experience that prepares them for a new career as dental assistants.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 1120, Denham Springs, LA 70727 (Mailing Address)
- Phone: (844) 727-3755
- Website: https://www.acceleratedacademy.us
3160 Driving Academy
![160 Driving Academy logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/driving-school.png)
About the School
160 Driving Academy prepares students for an in-demand career as professional drivers.
Professional truck driving is one of today’s fastest-growing career paths.
Truck drivers get to travel the country while delivering goods.
160 Driving Academy schools are available throughout the East Coast, West Coast, South, Midwest, and Northeast.
The school provides:
- Dedicated instructors who care
- Many tuition options
Courses Offered
The following truck driving classes are available at 160 Driving Academy:
- CDL Training
- CDL Class A
- CDL Refresher Course
- CDL Test Prep
- Hazmat Certification
The school has one instructor for every four students.
Earning a CDL license for a Class A truck allows students to drive a truck that is 26,001 pounds or more, including most tractor-trailers and towed vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
The classroom instruction part of the CDL training takes up to one-quarter of the four-week course and teaches the rules and regulations of truck driving.
The CDL Training course also includes behind-the-wheel training that includes practicing driving routes on the school’s course as well as local roads, streets, and highways.
Interstate routes are included to prepare trainees for the exam.
Contact Information
- Address: Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60606
- Phone: (877) 745-2034
- Website: https://www.160drivingacademy.com
4Royal School of Cosmetology
![Royal School of Cosmetology logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/RoyalSchool_FullLogo_Horz-1-300x86.png)
About the School
Royal School of Cosmetology helps students start a new career and learn the trades of skincare, haircutting, coloring, styling, artistry, and more.
The school has two campuses: Effingham and Champaign
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Cosmetology- students learn haircutting, coloring, styling, and artistry
- Nails- an education in the field of natural nails and nail enhancements
- Esthetics- this program teaches the science of healthy skin
- Barber- future barbers learn short haircuts, tapers, fades, beard, grooming, and shaves
- Instructor- a program that emphasizes how to teach theory and practical skills
- Educator- for students who want to reinstate their certificates
Contact Information
- Address: 401 W National Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401
- Phone: 217-347-3991
- Website: https://royalschoolofcosmetology.com
5Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
![Tricoci University of Beauty Culture logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/tricoci-university.png)
About the School
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture equips students with the opportunity to acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the beauty industry.
The school is located on US 150/45, with parking available directly in front of the building, being easily accessible for students commuting or living nearby.
Courses Offered
The Urbana campus offers education in the following fields:
- Cosmetology- available in full-time and part-time options
- Esthetics- available full-time and part-time
After obtaining a cosmetologist license, students may pursue careers as hairstylists, colorists, wedding stylists, makeup artists, salon managers, salon representatives, salon sales assistants, business owners, and more.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
New cosmetology classes begin every six weeks.
Contact Information
- Address: 202 E. University Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
- Phone: 217.344.7550
- Website: https://www.tricociuniversity.edu
6Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars
![Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/PNMTlogo-jpeg.webp)
About the School
Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars teach techniques grounded in science.
Students learn through clinical practice, and through the application of problem-solving skills.
Available are hands-on seminars as well as an online portal.
The seminars take place in-person, hands-on, around the country.
Students also have access to an online subscription portal that features a library of educational videos and regular live interactive webinars.
The seminars are designed for those who are passionate about using massage therapy to help clients who have specific muscular aches and pains.
Contact Information
- Address: 407 Windsor Rd, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Phone: (217) 363-3866
- Website: https://www.pnmt.org
7Ed2Go
![Ed2Go logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/ed2go-300x94.png)
About the School
If you want to prepare for certification online, there are online trades classes available in Champaign.
Ed2Go offers training programs designed for students who want to level up their careers or learn a new trade for the first time.
The platform partners with colleges and universities from all over the state to make the learning experience as easy as possible for its students.
Courses Offered
Some of the most popular courses available in Champaign include:
- Manufacturing Applications
- Manufacturing Fundamentals
- HVACR Controls/Building Automation Systems
The courses are flexible and available online to give students the opportunity to gain new skills and credentials whenever and wherever they can.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-520-6806
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com/location/us/Illinois/Champaign/Trades
8Lincoln Tech
![Lincoln Tech logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/lincoln-tech-logo_0-2-1-300x63.png)
About the School
Lincoln Tech is a leading provider of technical skills training since 1946.
Programs are available in automotive, skilled trades, healthcare, culinary, information technology, and cosmetology.
Its Illinois campus is located in Melrose Park.
The campus includes 90,000 square feet of training space- including labs, classrooms, collision workshops, and auto shops.
Courses Offered
The Melrose Park campus offers the following programs:
- Automotive Service Technology- a diploma in Automotive Service Technology and an Associate Degree in Automotive Service Management Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology- students train to install, troubleshoot, and service low-voltage electronic systems
- Medical Assistant- the program trains students with the skills to assist doctors while working directly with patients in a rewarding healthcare support career
- Welding Technology- a program comprised of eight courses spanning 960 hours
Contact Information
- Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
- Phone: (708) 344-4700
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
9Pivot Point Academy
![Pivot Point Academy logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/PP_Academy_Wahl_Barber_Horizontal_Logo_2-600x124-1-300x62.png)
About the School
Pivot Point Academy teaches students the skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry.
The courses include hands-on training and cover many areas of hair and skincare.
From cutting and coloring to makeup and shaving, the academy teaches a variety of skills.
The training also includes business skills, business management, and social media training.
Pivot Point Academy campus is located in Bloomingdale, Illinois.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the academy:
- Cosmetology– a program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use their creativity to become hairdressing professionals
- Esthetics– students build confidence to begin careers in skincare, make-up, or related industries
- Barbering– a program that teaches students skills like men’s haircutting, shaving, and grooming
Contact Information
- Address: 144 E Lake St Ste C, Bloomingdale, Illinois 60108
- Phone: 847-985-4321
- Website: https://www.pivotpoint.edu
10College of DuPage
![College of DuPage logo](https://www.onlytradeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/college-of-dupage-300x39.png)
About the School
College of DuPage provides students with programs that prepare them for transfer to four-year universities with an associate’s degree or for employment.
The college also offers a variety of certificate programs designed for students who are not pursuing an associate’s degree but are interested in taking technical or professional courses needed to enter a new field of employment or update their current skills.
In total, the college offers 177 certificate programs.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 22 to 1.
Programs are available in more than 150 areas of study.
The college’s leading-edge campus is well-equipped for teaching and interacting with the community.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the college:
- Accounting
- Applied Technology: Electro-mechanical, Manufacturing, and Medical Assistant programs are available
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Computed Tomography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Therapy
- Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Fire Science
- Interior Design
- Medical Billing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
- Phone: (630) 942-2800
- Website: https://www.cod.edu
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best trade school programs available to Champaign students, the next step is to continue the research and gather information about all the factors that are relevant to you before deciding where to enroll.
Take your time and make sure the school you choose fits your career aspirations, budget, schedule, and learning style.