Career and Technical Programs

Curriculum that delivers a skilled workforce to the community.

Make Your Move at ECC

Career & Technical Training at Elgin Community College

At ECC, our Career and Technical Programs combine hands-on training with community support to prepare you for success in today’s workforce. With over 40 career-focused programs in high-demand fields like automotive technology, truck driving, HVAC, and more, you’ll find the path that fits your goals.

Our certificates and associate degrees are designed to get you job-ready fast, with flexible scheduling, apprenticeship opportunities, and built-in real-world experience that set you up for success from day one.

Why Choose ECC?

Career-Focused

Train for a career at ECC while benefiting from all the resources of a top-rated community college:

Access to scholarships, grant funding, and work-study programs
Apprenticeships that blend hands-on work with classroom learning
Wellness and career services to support your whole college journey

Financial Assistance

Apply once for over 100 scholarships—with $350,000+ awarded each year
Take advantage of child care grants, student loans, and student support programs

Flexible Scheduling

Whether you’re working full-time, parenting, or balancing responsibilities, ECC offers:

A personalized application process
Evening, weekend, and online classes
Hybrid learning options for maximum flexibility

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

A caring community where you belong.

Person standing holding a book in the child care center — Programs in early childhood education and child care offer students specialized training in caring for and teaching young children. The ECC Lab School serves as a space for observation and fieldwork. These programs frequently include courses on child development, age-appropriate learning activities, behavior management techniques, and health and safety protocols. Students gain hands-on experience through internships or practicum placements at child care centers, preschools, or daycare facilities. Use the link below to take a virtual tour of our classrooms at the ECC Early Childhood Lab School.

Children playing on a playground — At ECC's Early Childhood Lab School, aspiring caregivers gain valuable child care experience. With an Illinois ExceleRate Silver Circle of Quality rating, it maintains high standards in early childhood education. Students work with children aged six weeks to five years, honing their skills in nurturing young learners with furniture and equipment specific to their learning area. Use the link below to visit our Early Childhood Lab School through our virtual tour.

Instructor with student looking under the hood of a truck — Like a trade school, ECC offers truck driving programs to teach students how to operate commercial trucks safely and effectively. Training includes hands-on experience with 48' and 53' dry vans, covering driving rules, vehicle maintenance, and safety practices. ECC graduates can pursue careers as professional truck drivers in transportation, logistics, and delivery services.

student at graduation claping — Scholarships are available to students at every stage of their ECC journey. By submitting a single application, you can access multiple scholarships and financial aid options customized to your needs for various ECC programs. Use the link below to explore our campus study spaces through the virtual tour.

Student resurfacing a brake rotor from a car — Hands-on experience with various automotive systems, such as engines, transmissions, brakes, and electrical components like the one shown here, is similar to what you'll find in the field. You'll be well-prepared to pursue a career as an automotive technician, mechanic, or service advisor in settings like dealerships, repair shops, or automotive manufacturing facilities. Use the link below to visit our automotive lab through our virtual tour.

Students looking at a car wiring diagram — At ECC, our automotive shop goes beyond traditional training by providing hands-on experience that prepares you for the modern automotive industry. In today's automotive landscape, where cars are essentially computers on wheels, it's crucial to understand how to effectively interpret and utilize diagnostic reports. Use the link below to visit our automotive lab using our virtual tour.

3-D Rendering of the new building — Our newly built trucking facility is designed to offer a top-quality learning environment specifically tailored to the needs of our truck driving program. This space serves as a collaborative hub for learning and teamwork, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities. In this innovative setting, students can work together toward common goals, share knowledge and insights, and support each other's progress throughout their educational journey.

Students gathered around a table painting tiles — College campuses with diverse activities promote friendship through relaxed social settings, such as clubs and campus events. You can connect with like-minded peers by joining clubs or attending events that match their interests. Participating in recreational facilities or volunteer opportunities helps build friendships based on shared values and activities. Use the link below to visit Jobe Lounge through our virtual tour.

Student with instructor inside the cab of a truck — Smaller classes provide personalized attention and instructor support, which improve learning and job market readiness. Students can practice driving under experienced supervision and earn commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) after completing ECC's truck driving program. With a 98% completion and CDL pass rate for graduates, our reputation is strong. Use the link below to take a virtual tour of our CDL Driving Simulation Lab.

Student studying in the ECC library — You can study on campus or complete your courses from home. ECC offers hybrid and online classes that provide flexibility to customize your learning experience. Whether you are balancing work and study commitments, many of our classes can fit personal schedules or be accessed remotely. These flexible options empower you to pursue your academic goals on your schedule. Use the link below to visit our student study areas through our virtual tour.

ECC in the News

From left to right: Reyes Estrada, instructor of HVAC; David Scott, instructor of HAVAC; and George Rosa, instructional coordinator of HVAC and energy management

Academics

Published 05/03/2024

Elgin Community College’s SBCT Division Begins Solar Array Project Thanks to $39K Grant

Elgin Community College’s Sustainabilty, Business, and Career Technologies Division received the shipping container unit to begin constructing a fully functioning solar array by the fall of 2024. This project is being made possible through a $39,150 grant from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN).

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ECC student Chris Lara tries the virtual reality headset

Student Resources

Published 03/07/2024

Virtual Reality Grant to Help Elgin Community College Students Explore Careers

Elgin Community College has received a $94,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to help implement virtual reality equipment into Career and Technical Education programs.

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ECC truck driving program students and faculty view a live commercial vehicle inspection at the I-55 southbound weight station in Bolingbrook, Ill.

Academics

Published 02/29/2024

ECC Truck Driving Students Visit Weigh Station and Tour Trucking Company For First Time

Elgin Community College truck driving program students, led by program Director Todd Anderson, toured the I-55 southbound weigh station in Bolingbrook, Ill., Wednesday for a live commercial vehicle inspection. Following the live inspection, the group headed to GP Transco in Joliet, Ill., for a safety orientation and tour of the facility. This is ECC’s first time providing its students with this opportunity.

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ECC students and SkillsUSA 2023 Welding Fabrication team Joshua Palmer, Meralia Gomez, and Colin Dameron

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 05/30/2023

ECC students place at SkillsUSA Illinois State Championship

Elgin Community College career and technical students traveled to Peoria, Illinois, to compete in the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference on April 29-30.

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Announcement

Published 02/23/2024

Meet Esme Rodriguez of Carpentersville

Elgin Community College student Esme Rodriguez said that as high school graduation approached, she was still unsure about which career path to take. But it turns out she didn’t have to search for long. Her passion for automotive work stemmed from a young age, and in the fall 2023 semester, she enrolled at ECC.

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Students walking up the sidewalk to campus

Announcement | Board of Trustees | Events

Published 03/21/2023

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presents ECC with $936,000 for new program

Elgin Community College’s new manufacturing center got a boost in funding on Thursday. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presented the college with $936,000 in federal funding for the mechatronics and automation program, one of several new programs to be housed in the $55 million facility planned for 2024.

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Sharla Suggs, instructor of truck driving and ECC alum, trains a student

Academics

Published 02/23/2023

ECC’s SBCT division expands truck driving program

Truck-driving students can get trained and on the road faster with Elgin Community College’s new 8-week CDL program. Students interested in a career behind the wheel can enroll in this new accelerated session, which provides the same comprehensive training, smaller class sizes, and behind-the-wheel training with experienced, dedicated instructors as the 16-week program.

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Taryn White, student speaker for the Spring 2021 Career & Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony

Accomplishment | Commencement | Graduation Essays | Student Profile

Published 05/26/2021

Taryn White: Find the right path and fight to stay on it

Taryn White, student speaker for the Career & Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony, took a risk that paid off big for her future. I walked into class every day, and they were ready to teach us. They were energetic and encouraging, and you could see their passion for what they did, and it made me want to work harder. It made me excited to wake up every day and go to class. They have instilled that passion I will carry for the rest of my life.

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Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Please refer to the ECC catalog for program details and course descriptions.

ECC Catalog

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Admissions & Recruitment

Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689

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