Best Trade Schools in Blackfoot, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Blackfoot. This guide compares accredited trade schools near Blackfoot, plus licensing steps in Idaho and which trades are hiring. Use it to choose a program with the right schedule and credentials.

Top Trade Schools in Blackfoot

All schools below are accredited and within reasonable driving distance of Blackfoot. Program lengths are typical full‑time durations. Check each program for exact start dates and formats through College Navigator or the school site1.

School Program Length Highlights
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Pocatello) 9–24 months for certificates, 2 years for AAS Regionally accredited. Hands‑on labs for Welding, Diesel, Automotive, HVAC, Electrical, CNC Machining, Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting. Strong employer ties and apprenticeships1.
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) 1–2 semesters for certificates, 2 years for AAS Regionally accredited. Welding, Machining, Cybersecurity, CNA, Medical Assistant, Apprenticeship related instruction in Electrical and HVAC. Flexible schedules and workforce training1.
Austin Kade Academy (Idaho Falls) 10–16 months Nationally accredited by NACCAS. Cosmetology and Esthetics with salon‑floor training. Prepares for Idaho licensing exams1.
Paul Mitchell The School Rexburg (Rexburg) 6–15 months NACCAS accredited. Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, Nails. Strong clinic experience and state board prep1.
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) About 15–16 weeks ACCSC accredited. Electrical Lineworker Program with pole climbing, safety, rigging, and industry certifications. Employers recruit on campus2.
College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls) 1–2 semesters for certificates, 2 years for AAS Regionally accredited. Trades include Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, CDL, and Construction. Modern shops and industry credentials1.
College of Western Idaho (Nampa) 1–2 semesters for certificates, 2 years for AAS Regionally accredited. Programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Automotive, and Medical trades. Day and evening options1.

Tip: If you want a fast start, look at short‑term certificates that lead into apprenticeships. Programs like welding, CDL, and CNA can place you in paid roles quickly while you keep training.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep Idaho’s homes, farms, and industry running. New construction and maintenance create steady work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued openings from growth and retirements3. Apprentices earn while they learn and move up to journeyman pay with experience.

  • HVAC Technician HVAC techs service heating and cooling systems across eastern Idaho’s seasonal climate. Employers value EPA 608 certification for refrigerants and hands‑on troubleshooting skills. BLS reports consistent demand for installation and service technicians nationwide3.

  • Welder Manufacturing, food processing, energy, and construction all hire welders in eastern Idaho. Training that covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes will open more doors. BLS notes that certified welders with up‑to‑date skills are competitive across multiple industries3.

  • Plumber Plumbers and pipefitters work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Idaho apprenticeships combine paid job hours with classroom instruction and lead to journeyman licensing. BLS expects ongoing replacement needs and project work to support job openings3.

Explore careers and training paths:

  • Electrician overview and training steps: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC career and licensing guide: /trades/hvac
  • Welding certifications and schools: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing apprenticeship pathway: /trades/plumbing

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licenses most construction trades through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Always confirm current rules before you apply4.

  • Electrician

    • Register as an apprentice and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Complete 8,000 hours of on‑the‑job training and related classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam to earn your license.
    • Master electrician requires additional experience and an exam.
    • Electrical contractors must employ a master, show insurance, and meet state requirements4.

  • HVAC

    • Register as an apprentice with a licensed HVAC contractor.
    • Complete required OJT hours and related instruction for HVAC journeyman.
    • Pass the journeyman exam. Specialty journeyman licenses are also available.
    • HVAC contractors must meet experience, insurance, and state licensing rules4.
    • Federal requirement: EPA Section 608 certification to work with refrigerants5.

  • Plumbing

    • Register as an apprentice under a licensed plumbing contractor.
    • Complete 8,000 hours OJT plus related instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam.
    • Plumbing contractor licensing requires journeyman status and business qualifications4.

  • Cosmetology and Barber

    • Complete an approved program, meet Idaho hour requirements, and pass the NIC written and practical exams to be licensed4.

  • CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

    • Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit, complete FMCSA Entry‑Level Driver Training, then pass the skills test. Idaho licenses CDLs through the Idaho Transportation Department6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid apprenticeships

    • CEI and ISU often deliver the classroom portion of electrical, HVAC, and plumbing apprenticeships in the evening or online, paired with daytime paid work. This lets you earn while you learn1.

  • Short‑term certifications

    • Many workforce training divisions offer accelerated options like CDL, CNA, phlebotomy, and OSHA safety that can be finished in weeks. These can be stackable toward longer certificates or degrees1.

  • General education online

    • Regionally accredited colleges such as ISU, CEI, CWI, and CSI offer online general education courses that count toward AAS degrees. You can start online, then move into hands‑on labs on campus1.

  • Employer‑sponsored training

    • Local contractors in the Snake River Plain often sponsor apprentices. Ask about tuition assistance, tool allowances, and paid study time. Combining a paid apprenticeship with evening classes is one of the fastest routes to journeyman status.

Next Steps

  • Compare more Idaho options: /trade-school/idaho/
  • Browse all trades and career guides: /trades/
  • Start at the main Trade School hub: /trade-school/

If you know your trade, go straight to the relevant guide:

  • Electrician: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC: /trades/hvac
  • Welding: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing

Talk with admissions for start dates, schedules, and placement data. Then apply early to secure a seat, especially for high‑demand programs.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Accreditation and program details for Idaho State University, College of Eastern Idaho, Austin Kade Academy, Paul Mitchell The School Rexburg, College of Southern Idaho, and College of Western Idaho. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). School directory listing for Northwest Lineman College. https://www.accsc.org ↩

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook data for Electricians, HVAC Technicians, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Cosmetology licensing. https://dopl.idaho.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩

  6. Idaho Transportation Department, Commercial Driver’s License. https://itd.idaho.gov/driver-licenses/ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.