Apprenticeships:
Link to apprenticeship programs in Illinois
Link to apprenticeship programs at Harper College
Link to apprenticeships through IDES
Link to apprenticeship programs through the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
Searchable site for Apprenticeships Link
Certificate Programs:
Link to certificate programs at Harper College.
Military:
There are many opportunities for students within the military. Check out some career options here.
See requirements here
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. Link here & here, and here
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