Workforce Development and Community Education
The Workforce Development and Community Education team at Prairie State College offers
a wide range of skills, education, and experiences to meet the specific needs of our
clients and students. We have two service units: the Workforce Trades Unit and the
Workforce Professions Unit.
Workforce Trades
The Workforce Trades Unit provides customized training and courses in industries such as TDL, CDL, Manufacturing,
Industrial Technology, and Supply Chain Management.
Workforce Professions
The Workforce Professions Unit offers customized training and courses in industries such as Healthcare, Business,
Education, and Government.
Opportunity Works offers paid training and internships for unemployed youth 16-24
in suburban Cook County, helping them gain skills and find jobs in growing industries.
Eligibility is for those not in school or work, with a simple application.
Our Expertise in Custom Training and Performance Improvement
Our team specializes in identifying and closing operational and performance gaps for students and organizations by offering customized training solutions. We also help strengthen and acquire new skill sets and provide effective results.
We are dedicated professionals committed to providing excellent service, innovative
solutions, and creative training options to meet your requirements.
Our top priorities are delivering high-quality training, products, and services to meet performance needs.
We offer training in the following areas:
- Business
- Computer Applications and Technology
- Employee Development
- Government
- Healthcare
- Industrial Technology Manufacturing
- Supply Chain Management
- Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
WDCE Programs
At Prairie State College, we offer a range of workforce development and training programs
designed to support skill-building, career advancement, and workforce readiness. From
comprehensive pre-apprenticeship courses and mobile training centers to professional
credential renewals, our programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals, businesses,
and industries across the region. Explore how we can help you or your organization
grow and succeed.
Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Program (IPAT)
The IPAT program is a pre-apprenticeship in industrial and manufacturing trades, offering
courses in Shop Arithmetic, Blueprint Reading, and Trade Preparation. It can be completed
in 2–3 semesters with flexible in-person, online, and hybrid options. For more details,
contact wdcetrades@prairiestate.edu.
Our Mobile Training Centers offer on-site training for private company employees and recent high school graduates in the Chicago area, helping to bridge the skills gap. To learn more and request information, click here. We look forward to partnering with local businesses and residents to support workforce development.
Prairie State College offers recognized continuing education for health, education,
and HR professionals, with tailored training in healthcare, manufacturing, business,
and non-profits to keep individuals and teams competitive.
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are striving to
adapt and ensure productivity, essential staffing, and a skilled workforce.
The WDCE team has effectively partnered with numerous organizations, providing training and business solutions to foster sustainability and efficiency. Among them are:
- Advocate Aurora Health Care
- Crisis Center of South Suburbia
- Federal Signal
- Gelita, Inc.
- Legacy Healthcare
- Nortrak
- Tower International
- UAW/Ford Motor Company
- Unity Hospice
- Village of Matteson
Prairie State College, with Make It In Illinois, promotes manufacturing as a career
path offering hands-on training in HVAC, CNC, welding, and more. The college provides
certifications, degrees, and strong local job opportunities in construction, utilities,
transportation, and manufacturing. Accessible and affordable, PSC prepares students
for in-demand careers across the region. Click here to learn more.
Additional programs include safety certifications, drone operation, and specialty
trades, preparing students for diverse careers in construction, utilities, logistics,
and manufacturing within District 515 and beyond.
Registering for Classes
Registration is open to all without any admission or academic prerequisites. For detailed course descriptions and a list of non-credit classes, please visit the Personal and Professional Courses section.
Please note that the duration of the courses may not always be consecutive weeks,
as it depends on school holidays and special events at the host location. New courses
are added throughout the semester.
For more information, please call (708) 709-3516 or email us at wdce@prairiestate.edu.
There are multiple ways to register for PPD courses; however, fees must be paid at the time of registration regardless of registration method. If you have questions or are having trouble navigating through the process, please call (708) 709-2957 for assistance.
Searching for Classes
You can easily search and register for Personal and Professional Development (PPD)
(non-credit) courses through WebAdvisor. Just click on the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) link on the main WebAdvisor page to search for courses based on keywords, topics, locations, and other criteria.
You can also leave all fields blank to see the complete list of available non-credit
courses.
- Register online through WebAdvisor by using the following instructions:
- If you have a WebAdvisor username and password, please log in before registering.
- If you are a new student, you will need to fill out the Personal Identification screen to create an account. Your username and password will be e-mailed to you upon registration.
- Register in person at the Registration Office on the Main Campus on weekdays.
- Register by phone by calling (708) 709-3516. Please have your credit or debit card information ready.
- Register by mail by first printing and completing the registration form. Send payment with completed registration form to Prairie State College, Office of Admissions, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. Checks should be made payable to Prairie State College. Driver's license number and phone number must be included on check.
Add/Drop Classes/Withdrawal
To officially withdraw from a Personal and Professional Development (PPD) (non-credit)
class, please complete the Add/Drop form. You can do this by visiting the Enrollment Services Office at our main campus during
business hours. Alternatively, for certain courses, you may withdraw via WebAdvisor up to 48 hours before the course start date. Please note that no refunds will be
issued unless requested at least 48 hours before the first class meeting (excluding
weekends and holidays).
Refunds are typically issued by check within 7-10 business days. Cash refunds are not available. If you request a refund for credit card payments, we can credit the amount back to your card. Please remember to bring the card with you when making your refund request.
Prairie State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color,
age, gender, disability, ancestry, marital status, military discharge status, national
origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors in educational
programs, activities or employment practices. The College is prohibited by law from
discriminating in such a manner. Inquiries may be directed to the Affirmative Action
Officer, Prairie State College.
In compliance with Illinois Public Act 86-1363, the Board of Trustees supports a Waste Reduction Program for Prairie State College, which shall include source reduction, recycling and the purchasing of products with recycled content. Faculty, staff, and students of the College shall be expected to comply with this program.
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