Quick Facts

• Location: Skokie, Illinois
• Address: 8151 N Ridgeway Ave, Skokie, IL 60076
• School Type: Private Advanced Manufacturing & Technical School
• Programs Offered: CNC Programming, CNC Advanced Programming, CNC Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Maintenance
• Training Style: Hands-on machine-shop instruction with production CNC equipment and industrial machinery
• Tuition Range: Approximately $7,940–$12,450 total, depending on program
• Program Length: About 10–17 weeks depending on course
• Online Programs Available: No full online core technical programs prominently advertised
• Hybrid Learning: No — core programs emphasize in-person shop training
• Financial Aid: WIOA grants, VA education benefits, payment plans, financing and selected grants/scholarships; does not participate in Title IV federal financial aid
• Class Options: Day, evening and selected Saturday classes
• Approval: Illinois Board of Higher Education, Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools
• Industry Credentialing: NIMS credential opportunities
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (137 Reviews)
• Website: Symbol Training Institute

Overview

Symbol Training Institute is a specialized Chicago-area trade school focused on CNC machining and industrial maintenance. The school grew out of a tool-and-die manufacturing business and launched its formal technical-training operation in 2006 in response to demand for skilled manufacturing workers. Training takes place in a working-style machine-shop environment with equipment similar to what students may encounter in advanced manufacturing facilities.

Rather than offering long diploma programs across many unrelated occupations, Symbol concentrates on short, accelerated manufacturing courses. Most of its core programs are roughly four months or less and are designed for either new entrants to manufacturing or experienced workers seeking stronger CNC or maintenance skills.

Programs Offered

Current programs include:

• CNC Programming, Setup & Operation
• CNC Advanced Programming
• CNC Technology with Quality Control
• CNC Technology with Lab
• Industrial Maintenance Technician

CNC Programming, Setup & Operation

The CNC Programming, Setup & Operation pathway prepares students to:

• Set up and operate CNC machines
• Troubleshoot production problems
• Understand machine movement and tool changes
• Write CNC programs
• Calculate feeds and speeds
• Verify and edit programs
• Manufacture components from engineering prints

Potential occupations include CNC machine operator, CNC setup technician and CNC programmer.

CNC Advanced Programming

CNC Advanced Programming is a 10-week, 60-hour course offered at Skokie and Addison. Current Skokie scheduling includes Saturday instruction from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The course focuses on advanced turning and machining-center setup, programming, production efficiency, cycle-time reduction and machine-shop mathematics. It is intended for students with previous CNC experience rather than complete beginners.

Industrial Maintenance Technician

Symbol’s Industrial Maintenance Technician program provides hands-on training in diagnosing, maintaining and repairing industrial machinery.

Current program information lists:

• Approximately 17 weeks
• Two days per week
• Morning or evening schedules
• Hands-on training
• Blueprint and schematic interpretation
• Equipment troubleshooting and repair

This pathway can prepare students for manufacturing maintenance, facilities and industrial-service roles.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Symbol’s current published catalog lists:

• CNC Programming, Setup & Operation: $6,450 tuition / $7,940 total program cost
• CNC Advanced Programming: $7,150 tuition / $7,950 total
• CNC Technology with Quality Control: $8,000 tuition / $12,450 total
• CNC Technology with Lab: $8,000 tuition / $12,450 total
• Industrial Maintenance Technician: $8,000 tuition / $12,450 total

Total published costs include varying amounts for books, labs, tools/supplies and testing.

Funding Options

Symbol is a WIOA-approved training provider and states that qualifying students may receive workforce grants that can cover up to the full tuition amount. The school also accepts qualifying VA education benefits and offers payment plans, financing and other grants.

However, Symbol explicitly states that it does not participate in Title IV federal financial-aid programs and is not institutionally accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body. It is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s vocational-school division.

Why Students Choose This School

• Highly specialized CNC training
• Industrial maintenance pathway
• Real machine-shop environment
• Short 10–17 week programs
• Day, evening and Saturday options
• NIMS credential opportunities
• WIOA funding for qualifying students
• Employer-focused career services
• Strong Google rating with more than 100 reviews

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue entry-level or advancement opportunities such as:

• CNC Machine Operator
• CNC Setup Technician
• CNC Programmer
• Quality Control Technician
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Industrial Machinery Mechanic
• Facilities Technician
• Manufacturing Technician

Symbol also provides resume support, career advising, employer referrals and access to job postings.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied listing data:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.8 (137 Reviews)

The rating is both high and supported by a meaningful number of reviews. Prospective students should still read recent reviews about specific instructors, machine-shop time and job-placement assistance.

Enrollment Tips

• Determine whether you need beginner CNC training or the advanced programming course
• Ask exactly which NIMS certifications can be attempted in your program
• Check WIOA eligibility before paying tuition yourself
• Request a complete tuition-and-fee sheet for your start date
• Tour the Skokie machine shop before enrolling
• Students considering CNC Advanced Programming should confirm they meet the experience prerequisite

Bottom Line

Symbol Training Institute is one of the more specialized manufacturing schools in the Chicago area. It makes particular sense for students seeking CNC machining, programming or industrial-maintenance skills without committing to a multi-year degree. Its short programs, hands-on machine-shop environment and WIOA eligibility are major strengths, although students should understand that Symbol does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid.