High Schools in Illinois

Construction Career Pathway Schools in Illinois

Illinois offers strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in construction through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). These align with the Architecture & Construction career cluster, providing certifications like NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core/Level 1, OSHA-10/30, and industry credentials in areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and construction management. Programs emphasize hands-on training, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Over 50,000 students participate in CTE programs annually, with many focused on high-demand construction careers. Key initiatives include the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) at community colleges and CTE pathways in public schools.

Below is a compiled list from ISBE resources, ICCB, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and CTE directories. It’s organized by type (high school districts and community colleges) and includes key program details. This is not exhaustive (Illinois has over 850 school districts with CTE elements); for full listings, visit ISBE’s CTE page (isbe.net/cte) or ICCB (iccb.org/cte).

High School Districts with Construction Pathways

These public districts offer CTE at the high school level, often with NCCER-aligned courses and dual-credit options.

District/School	Location	Program Details
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) – Multiple Schools (e.g., Simeon Career Academy, Curie Metropolitan High School, Chicago Vocational Career Academy)	Chicago, IL	Architecture & Construction Pathways; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Programs in welding, carpentry, electricity, HVAC, and refrigeration; Work-based learning and apprenticeships; Dual enrollment with City Colleges of Chicago; Part of 80+ CTE programs across 35 high schools.
Evanston Township High School District 202 (Evanston Township High School – ETHS)	Evanston, IL	CTE in Manufacturing, Automotive, Engineering, and Construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Hands-on labs in construction trades; Dual enrollment and internships; Recognized as Illinois Program of the Year for technology education integration.
Riverside-Brookfield Township High School District 208 (Riverside Brookfield High School)	Riverside, IL	CTE Construction Projects (e.g., food truck construction integrating multiple programs); NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Collaborative hands-on building trades; Work-based learning with industry partners.
Maine Township High School District 207 (Maine East High School, Maine South High School, Maine West High School)	Park Ridge/Des Plaines, IL	CTE in Civil Engineering and Architecture; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Project Lead the Way courses in engineering and construction; Dual enrollment and apprenticeships; Focus on hands-on skills for trades careers.
Ridgewood Community High School District 234 (Ridgewood High School)	Norridge, IL	College and Career Pathway Endorsements (CCPE) in CTE, including construction; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Pathways prepare for postsecondary and workforce; First school in Illinois to award CCPE.
J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 (Morton East High School, Morton West High School)	Cicero/Berwyn, IL	CTE in Career and Technical Education with construction focus; NCCER certifications, OSHA-10; Courses in building trades and technical skills; Dual enrollment options.