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CNC machinist training in Chicago, Illinois

24 CNC machinist programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

10 schools offer these machinist programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, and every one is approved for workforce funding: 19 by Illinois and 5 by Indiana. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Machinists set up and run equipment, including computer-controlled (CNC) machines, to make precision metal parts and tools. Community colleges and technical schools offer certificates and two-year degrees that teach reading engineering drawings and programming CNC machines.1 In Chicago, 3 of the 24 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 3 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 24 programs

All 40 CNC machinist programs in Illinois, including online programs

How much does CNC machinist training cost in Chicago?

$2,975 to $9,633

is what the 5 programs with a price cost if you pay yourself

In the typical program

Finished the program
Too few programs to say
Working 6 months later
Too few programs to say
Earned a year, estimated
Too few programs to say
Length
16 to 49 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Chicago may also offer CNC machinist training. How these figures are made

Is there free CNC machinist training in Chicago?

All 24 CNC machinist programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

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Kind of program
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24 programs

  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct)

    Ivy Tech Community College

    Valparaiso

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivy Tech Community College, Valparaiso · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$41,500
    Price if you pay yourself$4,912
    Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    52%
    Working at 6 months
    80%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,371
    Length
    52 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $642
    Students counted
    41
    a year, estimated
    $41,500
    price
    $4,912
  • Machinist (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas)

    Ivy Tech Community College

    Valparaiso

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivy Tech Community College, Valparaiso · Machinist (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$39,400
    Price if you pay yourself$9,633
    Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    26%
    Working at 6 months
    82%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,844
    Length
    104 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,290
    Students counted
    26
    a year, estimated
    $39,400
    price
    $9,633
  • CNC or machine operatorIn personPrerequisite courses

    Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification

    Ivy Tech Community College

    East Chicago

    Prerequisite courses

    Ivy Tech Community College, East Chicago · CNC or machine operator · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,975
    Program website, Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Cnc Operator Program With Nims Certification at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 12 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $2,975
  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct)

    Ivy Tech Community College

    East Chicago

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivy Tech Community College, East Chicago · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,912
    Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Machine Tool Technology - Certificate (ct) at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $642
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $4,912
  • Machinist (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas)

    Ivy Tech Community College

    East Chicago

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivy Tech Community College, East Chicago · Machinist (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$9,633
    Program website, Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
    More details about Machine Tool Technology - Associate Of Applied Science(aas) at Ivy Tech Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    104 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,290
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $9,633
  • Short course or single classIn personNo diploma needed

    21st Centrury CNC Level 1

    Technology and Manufacturing Association

    Schaumburg

    No diploma needed

    Technology and Manufacturing Association, Schaumburg · Short course or single class · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, 21st Centrury CNC Level 1 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    More details about 21st Centrury CNC Level 1 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Short course or single classIn personPrerequisite courses

    21st Centrury CNC Level 2

    Technology and Manufacturing Association

    Schaumburg

    Prerequisite courses

    Technology and Manufacturing Association, Schaumburg · Short course or single class · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, 21st Centrury CNC Level 2 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    More details about 21st Centrury CNC Level 2 at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Short course or single classHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CNC Job Readiness Certificate

    College Of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn · Short course or single class · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Job Readiness Certificate at College Of DuPage
    More details about CNC Job Readiness Certificate at College Of DuPage
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CNC Machining Advanced Certificate

    Wright College - North Campus

    Chicago

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Wright College - North Campus, Chicago · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Machining Advanced Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
    More details about CNC Machining Advanced Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CNC Machining Basic Certificate

    Wright College - North Campus

    Chicago

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Wright College - North Campus, Chicago · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Machining Basic Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
    More details about CNC Machining Basic Certificate at Wright College - North Campus
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC or machine operatorIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CNC Operations Certificate

    College Of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn · CNC or machine operator · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Operations Certificate at College Of DuPage
    More details about CNC Operations Certificate at College Of DuPage
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC programmingIn personEducation and courses

    CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate

    Oakton College

    Skokie

    Education and courses

    Oakton College, Skokie · CNC programming · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate at Oakton College
    More details about CNC Operations and Programming Preparation Certificate at Oakton College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC programmingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CNC Programmer Certificate

    Waubonsee Community College

    Sugar Grove

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove · CNC programming · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Programmer Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
    More details about CNC Programmer Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personPrerequisite courses

    CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH

    College of Lake County

    Grayslake

    Prerequisite courses

    College of Lake County, Grayslake · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH at College of Lake County
    More details about CNC Setup Technician Cert 24NH at College of Lake County
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC or machine operatorIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    CNC-Operator Certificate

    Waubonsee Community College

    Sugar Grove

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove · CNC or machine operator · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, CNC-Operator Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
    More details about CNC-Operator Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personPrerequisite courses

    Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285

    Joliet Junior College

    Joliet

    Prerequisite courses

    Joliet Junior College, Joliet · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285 at Joliet Junior College
    More details about Computer Numerical Control (CCO) - TE285 at Joliet Junior College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    26 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC or machine operatorIn personEducation and courses

    Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate

    Harper College

    Palatine

    Education and courses

    Harper College, Palatine · CNC or machine operator · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate at Harper College
    More details about Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator I Certificate at Harper College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    40 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC or machine operatorHybridEducation and courses

    Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate

    Harper College

    Palatine

    Education and courses

    Harper College, Palatine · CNC or machine operator · Hybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate at Harper College
    More details about Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator II Certificate at Harper College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    40 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Short course or single classIn personPrerequisite courses

    Intermediate Swiss CNC

    Technology and Manufacturing Association

    Schaumburg

    Prerequisite courses

    Technology and Manufacturing Association, Schaumburg · Short course or single class · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Intermediate Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    More details about Intermediate Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Short course or single classIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Introductory to Swiss CNC

    Technology and Manufacturing Association

    Schaumburg

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Technology and Manufacturing Association, Schaumburg · Short course or single class · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Introductory to Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    More details about Introductory to Swiss CNC at Technology and Manufacturing Association
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    6 weeks, 36 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Machinist apprenticeshipIn personNo diploma needed

    Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP

    Elgin Comm. College District #509

    Elgin

    No diploma needed

    Elgin Comm. College District #509, Elgin · Machinist apprenticeship · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    School website, Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    More details about Machine Tool (CNC) APPRENTICESHIP at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    192 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • CNC or machine operatorIn personNo diploma needed

    Machine Tool Operations VS

    Elgin Comm. College District #509

    Elgin

    No diploma needed

    Elgin Comm. College District #509, Elgin · CNC or machine operator · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Machine Tool Operations VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    More details about Machine Tool Operations VS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Machinist certificate or diplomaIn personPrerequisite courses

    Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO)

    Joliet Junior College

    Joliet

    Prerequisite courses

    Joliet Junior College, Joliet · Machinist certificate or diploma · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO) at Joliet Junior College
    More details about Mechanical Production Tech-Machine Tool Metalworking (CCO) at Joliet Junior College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    26 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported
  • Short course or single classHybridPrerequisite courses

    Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine

    Wright College - North Campus

    Chicago

    Prerequisite courses

    Wright College - North Campus, Chicago · Short course or single class · Hybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine at Wright College - North Campus
    More details about Swiss Star Screw Multi Axis Lathe Machine at Wright College - North Campus
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    Not reported

How to pay for CNC machinist training in Chicago

WIOA funding can pay for CNC machinist training in Chicago

Every program on this page is approved for WIOA funding: public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It can pay for training for eligible adults, people who lost their job and young people.2People on public assistance, with a low income or lacking basic skills come first, and veterans have priority.3Your state or local area may limit how much WIOA pays and for how long. If a program costs more, a Pell Grant, a scholarship or severance pay can cover the rest.4

Ask at an American Job Center

Eligibility rules apply, and services vary from state to state. Your local American Job Center can tell you whether you qualify. The Department of Labor's page links to the center finder, or call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).5

Paid machinist apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a job: you're paid to learn, with a raise as your skills grow, and most include classroom teaching. You apply to the employer or the program sponsor. Ask what you'll pay for the classroom part and what you'll earn on the job.6

Financial aid and grants for CNC machinist training

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78

GI Bill for CNC machinist training

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Machinist apprenticeships in Chicago

A machinist apprenticeship is usually run by an employer. It combines paid training on the job with related classes and lasts several years.1

You apply to the employer or the program sponsor, not through a school.6 The Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Finder lists openings by place and job. This page lists 1 machinist apprenticeship approved for WIOA funding in Chicago, with no price listed. Ask what you'll pay for the classes and what you'll earn on the job.

Where the Chicago machinist program numbers come from

Which Chicago machinist programs are on this list?

These are the machinist programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Illinois page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How Chicago machinist program prices are reported

The price is tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported it. "Trained with WIOA funding" on a program counts the people whose training there WIOA paid toward through a training account in program year 2024; the file never gives counts under 3, so a program without the line may still take WIOA students. It does not say how much of the price WIOA covered. Prices under $100 are treated as not reported, because the file holds many blanks entered as $0. Check the current price with the school.

What the graduate results of these programs measure

The figures at the top of this page are the middle program among those that report results: half did better, half did worse. Results describe students who left each program in recent years: the share who finished, the share working in the second quarter after leaving, and the middle earnings of those working in that quarter. States report earnings for that one quarter because they take them from the wage reports employers file every three months. The yearly figure here is that quarter times four, rounded to the nearest $100: an estimate, and an early one, since it is measured about half a year after training. The quarter as reported is under "More details" on each program. Results are withheld for small programs, and they describe past students, so they are no guarantee.

Why do some machinist programs say "Not reported"?

Where a school or the state left a field empty, or the Department of Labor withheld it, the page says "Not reported". Nothing here is estimated to fill a gap.

Why the kind of school is left off each program

The file also records whether a school is public, private or nonprofit, but those entries are wrong too often to print next to a school's name, so this page leaves them out.

How reliable are the Illinois figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Illinois among the states with "known data quality concerns".11 We leave out the share who finished for Illinois: only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%. We leave out prices for Illinois: the state files a code in place of each price, so no price can be shown.

Other training in Chicago

Sources for the facts about CNC machinist training in Chicago

Show the 11 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220 and 680.310: career services before training, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov: Discover Apprenticeship: Earn While You Learn Today (fact sheet)
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  8. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  9. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  10. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List
  11. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: search page, note on states with known data quality concerns