Apprenticeships: 

Construction Industry apprenticeships in Illinois

Illinois Department of Employment Security apprenticeships

Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters apprenticeships

Searchable site for Apprenticeships Link

Certificate Programs:

Certificate Programs at Harper College

Military:
There are many opportunities for students within the military. See career options at myFuture/military

Eligibility requirements

What is ASVAB?

The ASVAB is a multiple aptitude test developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. It consists of eight individual tests and takes approximately three hours to complete. See Baseops.net and Military.com for additional information about the ASVAB test and for free practice tests. ASVAB test information 

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:

U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY;
U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD;
U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO;
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY.
The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

You can find military nomination information for Illinois Congressmen

Congressman Brad SchneiderCongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some qualifications are required by all five services:

To join the branches below, you must meet these requirements:

Air Force

Be between the ages of 17-39. *
Have a high school diploma or a GED
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 36)

Army

Be between the ages of 17-34. *
Be a high school graduate or equivalent
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 31)

National Guard

Be between the ages of 17-35. *
Be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 31)

Coast Guard

Be between the ages of 17-31. *
Must have a high school diploma.
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 40)
Have a willingness to serve on or around the water.

Marines

Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
Must have a high school diploma.
Be between the ages of 17-29. *
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 32)

Navy

Be between the ages of 17-34. *
With very rare exceptions, you must have a high school diploma.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 35)
*17-year old applicants require parental consent

Want to know more? Speak to a recruiter:

Army
1-888-550-ARMY

Army National Guard
1-800-GO GUARD

Navy
1-800-USA-NAVY

Air Force
1-800-423-8723

Marine Corps
1-800-MARINES

Coast Guard
1-800-424-8883