ETI School of Skilled Trades was established by the owners of a prominent Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration contracting company in the Chicago Land area, which has been delivering professional services since 1973. The school’s primary objective is to meet the growing demands of the HVAC/R industry. Drawing on their direct industry affiliation and experience, ETI has built a strong foundation of knowledge and a clear vision of the training requirements for producing skilled HVAC/R technicians.
To develop its comprehensive curriculum, ETI collaborated with experts in the HVAC/R industry, who provided valuable input to ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge and skill sets required for entry-level technician positions. The curriculum undergoes continuous evaluation to reflect current industry practices and provide the most up-to-date instruction possible.
At ETI School of Skilled Trades, the principle of total preparation is emphasized. In addition to providing the essential knowledge and skills, the school fosters opportunities for personal and professional development, equipping students with the tools necessary for their continued growth and advancement in their careers.
The Welding Technology program at ETI focuses on hands-on training using welding equipment commonly found in relevant industries. Students gain proficiency in various weld processes and acquire a solid foundation in welding techniques through classroom and lab experiences. This prepares them with the knowledge, understanding, and confidence to pursue their desired career paths in welding.
The Skilled Welder program covers essential skills such as striking an arc, producing acceptable weld beads, and mastering various joint designs and weld positions. Students also learn about equipment operation, settings for different processes, and the technical aspects of sound welding and interpreting related data.
Within a short timeframe of less than a year, students at ETI School of Skilled Trades can acquire the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to thrive as HVAC/R Technicians or Skilled Welders. The school’s programs, developed in partnership with NCCER, benefit from the expertise of professionals in the HVAC/R and Welding Industries who provide ongoing input on curriculum updates and improvements. Regular meetings with industry professionals ensure that the school stays abreast of the latest industry developments.
In the HVAC/R program, students gain proficiency in using diagnostic meters, understanding basic circuitry, reading and creating electrical schematics, as well as installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- HVAC/R
- Welding
Campus Locations
Chicago 500 Joliet Rd Suite #100 Willowbrook IL 60527
Financial Aid Services
Typical federal grants and loans can be used to subsidize an ETI eduction (FAFSA, PLUS, Pell etc.)
Career Services
During their time at ETI (Educational Training Institute), students receive comprehensive support from the Career Services Department to ensure their preparedness for the professional world. The department offers valuable guidance and resources in various aspects of career development, including resume preparation, employment search strategies, interview techniques, and employer weld test readiness. For welding graduates, on-campus employer recruitment testing is provided. The department also facilitates ongoing placement services for alumni, utilizing an employer-graduate match process to connect graduates with suitable job opportunities. Additionally, ETI welcomes graduates in good standing to return for skill enhancement and refresher courses. The dedicated Career Services Department is committed to assisting students and forging connections with employers to help them embark on their desired careers.
ETI boasts that graduates have been hired by companies such as Sears, Lennox, and Johnson Controls.
Veteran and Military Services
With over 40 years of experience, ETI (Educational Training Institute) possesses a deep understanding of the unique needs of military students. Notably, the institution consistently welcomes a significant portion, approximately 15%, of veterans and dependents of reservists, active duty, and veterans within our student population. ETI is approved for Veterans Education Benefits.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the ETI School of Skilled Trades in Willowbrook, IL, has a solid reputation, but opinions are highly polarized. While many students are very satisfied with the hands-on education and supportive staff, a significant number of recent reviews raise serious concerns about the school’s administration, professionalism, and financial practices.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Effective Hands-On Learning: A major point of praise is the hands-on nature of the programs, particularly in welding and HVAC. Reviewers appreciate that the school focuses on practical skills that are directly applicable to the field, helping them “get [their] foot in the door.”
Knowledgeable and Supportive Instructors: Many students describe the instructors as great teachers and mentors who are knowledgeable and have a lot of experience. They are praised for being helpful, willing to give one-on-one time, and providing career guidance.
Positive Environment: The school is often described as having a good environment with a friendly and accommodating staff. Many feel that the school is a great place to begin a career change.
Valuable Career Prospects: Reviews from alumni and current students mention that the school prepares them for the field and helps them with job searches. The certifications provided are seen as valuable credentials for landing jobs.
Common Criticisms
Perceived as a “Money Grab”: This is a very significant, recurring, and recent criticism. Several reviews, including from current students, claim the school is “money hungry” and a “scam” that only cares about money and not the students’ education.
Unprofessional Instructors and Staff: While many praise the teachers, a conflicting number of reviews allege that some instructors are unprofessional, rude, condescending, or even absent from class. There are also specific complaints about the administration being a “train wreck” and an “absolute worse.”
Outdated Equipment: A few reviews mention that the administration is slow to replace broken equipment, which can hinder a student’s learning experience.
Lying about Certifications: One review specifically states that the school lies to students about having an AWS certification, though this is an isolated complaint.
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct split between positive and negative experiences, with the most serious criticisms (such as being a “money grab” and having unprofessional staff) appearing in very recent reviews. This suggests that while the school has many satisfied students, there may be ongoing issues that are causing significant frustration for others. The overall score of 4.0 reflects this mixed bag of feedback, indicating that the school is seen as having good qualities but also some major flaws.