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Career and Technical Programs

Students working on a machine

Curriculum that delivers a skilled workforce to the community.

Elgin Community College's Career and Technical Programs provide training similar to local trade schools but with the added benefits of resources and opportunities available at a local community college. These include access to scholarships, grant funding, internships, apprenticeships, wellness and career services, student life activities, and more. We specialize in automotive technology, truck driving, HVAC, and child care, offering focused education that equips students with practical, hands-on skills directly relevant to their chosen career paths. Explore the certificates and degrees below to find what suits your interests.

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

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

ECC Catalog

Why choose community college over trade school for vocational training?

By opting for a community college over a trade school, students can enjoy the advantages of a large campus with diverse activities. This creates a dynamic social environment where individuals can explore their interests, partake in shared experiences, and connect with peers, fostering friendships that enhance their college journey and support personal growth.

How long does it take to complete a degree or certificate at ECC?

Our programs frequently allow you to start working and earn a salary sooner, but the completion time depends on the program. If you’re interested in earning while you learn, our work-study apprenticeships are particularly attractive to individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience by dividing their time between work and the classroom. You’ll gain the essential skills and knowledge to work in your chosen field.

Do you offer scholarships for classes?

More than $350,000 in scholarships await to support your college expenses. You can apply for over 200 scholarships with just one application, making the process efficient and accessible. Completing the application takes only 30 minutes, and the potential rewards are significant, with the possibility of receiving $1,000 or more in financial support.

Can I take night classes after a full day of work?

Absolutely! At ECC, we understand the need for flexible scheduling. We offer evening, weekend, and online classes to accommodate various lifestyles. Additionally, ECC is committed to meeting our region's high demand for skilled manufacturing workers. Our programs provide the necessary knowledge and training to fulfill the needs of local employers.

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 student Esme Rodriguez
Announcement
Published 02/23/2024

Meet Esme Rodriguez

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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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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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi presents check to Elgin Community College Board of Trustees and President David Sam, PhD, JD, LLM
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 as 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-dollar 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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Take an Interactive Tour

Imagine yourself at Elgin Community College from wherever you are. View the classes and spaces you’ll walk in as a student. No matter where you are in your college search, we can help.

Launch the Tour

Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

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

Live Chat

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

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689