Transportation, logistics, and automotive careers play a critical role in keeping Illinois’ economy moving. This page brings together resources to help students and job seekers explore careers, training programs, certifications, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities across Illinois in transportation, supply chain, and automotive fields.
Explore careers, job duties, and training requirements in transportation, logistics, and automotive industries.
Illinois workNet – Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Careers
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Explore/Careers/Pages/Transportation.aspx
Illinois workNet – Automotive Careers
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Explore/Careers/Pages/Automotive.aspx
O*NET Online – Transportation & Material Moving Occupations
https://www.onetonline.org
CareerOneStop – Transportation & Logistics Career Profiles
https://www.careeronestop.org
Many transportation and automotive careers offer paid apprenticeships or on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.
Apprenticeship Illinois
https://www.apprenticeshipillinois.com
U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship Finder
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder
Illinois workNet – Apprenticeships
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/apprenticeship
Training is available through community colleges, technical programs, employer partnerships, and approved training providers.
Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)
https://www.iccb.org
Find an Illinois Community College
https://www.iccb.org/colleges
Illinois Training Providers List (ETPL)
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/ETPL
Many transportation and automotive careers rely on industry-recognized certifications rather than state licensing.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Illinois Secretary of State
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/home.html
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
https://www.ase.com
OSHA Safety Training
https://www.osha.gov/training
Some transportation careers—such as commercial driving—require state licensing, while others rely on industry certifications or employer-based credentials. Automotive and logistics employers often prioritize hands-on experience, safety training, and recognized certifications. Before enrolling, students should confirm that training programs align with Illinois requirements and employer expectations.
Industry groups and workforce partners support training, safety standards, and employment connections.
Illinois Trucking Association
https://www.iltrucking.org
Illinois Automobile Dealers Association
https://www.iada.org
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (Logistics & Supply Chain)
https://ima-net.org
Many programs are low-cost or eligible for workforce funding and financial aid.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
https://www.isac.org
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/WIOA
FAFSA – Federal Student Aid
https://studentaid.gov
Compare training options, costs, and career outlooks.
College Navigator – Transportation & Automotive Programs
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
Bureau of Labor Statistics – Transportation & Material Moving Data
https://www.bls.gov
Careers are concentrated in logistics hubs, warehousing, freight, public transit, automotive service, and distribution centers. Employers often partner with community colleges and workforce programs.
Opportunities include trucking, fleet maintenance, agricultural logistics, and distribution services. Short-term certificates and CDL programs are common entry points.
Transportation and automotive careers support regional manufacturing, warehousing, and service industries. Workforce-funded training and employer-based programs play an important role.
This Illinois Career & Education Resource Hub includes links to trusted state agencies, industry organizations, training providers, and workforce programs. Some links may briefly open a Google security or redirect page before continuing to the external site. This is normal and helps protect users when leaving this site.