Best Trade Schools in Burley, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Burley. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, see which trades are hiring, and understand Idaho licensing. All schools listed are institutionally accredited or state approved. Verify details through U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator and recognized accreditors12. Electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders continue to see steady demand and solid pay3.

Top Trade Schools in Burley

School Program Length Highlights
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) — Mini-Cassia Center & Twin Falls 4–12 months certificates; 2-year AAS Local option for Burley. Welding, industrial maintenance, HVAC-R, automotive, diesel, CNA, machining. Strong workforce and apprenticeship support. Public, institutionally accredited1.
Idaho State University College of Technology (Pocatello) 9–24 months certificates; 2-year AAS Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, diesel, automation, machining. Extensive labs and industry partnerships. Public, institutionally accredited1.
College of Western Idaho (Nampa/Boise) 8–24 months Advanced manufacturing, welding, HVAC, electrical apprenticeship support, diesel, automotive, cybersecurity. Evening and hybrid options in some programs. Public, institutionally accredited1.
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) 9–24 months Machining/CNC, welding, industrial electronics, cybersecurity, drafting, healthcare tech. Hands-on labs with industry gear. Public, institutionally accredited1.
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) 15–30 weeks Electrical lineworker, telecom, and gas distribution programs. Climbing, pole yard, and safety training. Nationally accredited career school2.
Milan Institute — Twin Falls 30–60 weeks Medical assistant, dental assistant, massage therapy, cosmetology/esthetics. Day and evening cohorts at select times. Accredited career school.
Paul Mitchell The School — Twin Falls 10–12 months (cosmetology); shorter esthetics Cosmetology and esthetics with salon floor practice. State board exam prep. Accredited career school.

Tip: Many programs fill quickly. Apply early, complete placement steps, and ask about waitlists and start dates.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • New housing, food processing, and distribution facilities in Southern Idaho keep demand steady for electrical work3. Electricians install wiring and controls, maintain systems, and read blueprints. Median U.S. pay was about 1,000 in 2023, with strong overtime potential3.

HVAC

  • HVAC technicians service heating and cooling systems in homes, schools, and farm-related facilities. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants. National median pay was about 7,000 in 2023, with peak demand in extreme seasons3.

Welding

  • Welders support manufacturing, ag equipment repair, fabrication, and construction. Entry roles focus on MIG and flux core. Advanced roles need pipe or structural certifications. U.S. median pay was about 9,000 in 20233.

Plumbing

  • Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and waste systems. Idaho journeyman status opens doors to higher wages and contracting work. National median pay was about 1,000 in 20233.

Explore trade overviews and career paths:

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Most building trades are licensed by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). Always confirm current rules before you enroll or test4.

Electrician (DBS)

  • Register as an electrical apprentice with DBS.
  • Complete 4 years of supervised experience with related classroom instruction through an approved program.
  • Apply for and pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
  • Maintain CEUs for renewal. After verified journeyman experience, apply for Master Electrician and, if you plan to run a business, electrical contractor registration.

HVAC (DBS)

  • Register as an HVAC apprentice.
  • Accumulate supervised experience and approved instruction. Many aim for HVAC Journeyman status through about 4 years of OJT plus schooling.
  • Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam.
  • If you will handle refrigerants, earn EPA Section 608 certification5.
  • For business ownership, obtain HVAC contractor licensing and required insurance.

Plumbing (DBS)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
  • Complete roughly 4 years of supervised experience with approved classroom training.
  • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
  • Advance to Master Plumber with additional verified experience. Contractor licensing is required to operate your own business.

Welding

  • No state license for general welding. Employers often require AWS D1.1 structural, ASME pipe, or process-specific certifications. Community college programs help you test for relevant certs.

Cosmetology and Esthetics

  • Licensed by the Idaho Board of Cosmetology. Complete an approved program and pass state exams.

Truck Driving (CDL)

  • Train with a provider that meets federal Entry-Level Driver Training standards. CDL testing and endorsements are issued through the Idaho Transportation Department.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid hands-on training: CSI, ISU, CWI, and CEI blend online theory with on-campus labs for welding, HVAC, automotive, machining, and healthcare. This can reduce commute time from Burley while keeping required shop practice on campus1.
  • Evening and accelerated cohorts: Many career schools in Twin Falls offer day and evening schedules. Ask about weekend labs and condensed terms.
  • Fully online programs: Some support courses, IT, and healthcare admin classes can be completed online. Trades that require shop hours still need in-person labs.
  • Credit for experience: Public colleges may grant prior learning credit for industry certifications such as NCCER modules or AWS weld tests. This can shorten your path to a certificate.
  • Verify accreditation: Confirm that any online or hybrid provider is institutionally accredited or recognized by agencies such as ACCSC for private career schools12.

How to Choose a Program

  • Match the program to your license goal. If you want to be a journeyman electrician or plumber, choose a program that aligns with DBS requirements and helps you register as an apprentice4.
  • Check lab time and equipment. Ask how many hours you get on weld booths, HVAC trainers, electrical panels, or diagnostic tools.
  • Ask about employer ties. Look for advisory boards, internships, and placement support in the Mini-Cassia and Magic Valley area.
  • Plan for certifications. For HVAC, confirm EPA 608 testing on campus5. For welding, ask which AWS or ASME tests are available.
  • Compare schedules. Burley learners often split online theory with lab nights in Twin Falls or Pocatello.

Next Steps

  • Compare Idaho programs and request info: /trade-school/idaho/
  • Explore all trades and career paths: /trades/
  • Read how-to guides for training, exams, and funding: /guides/
  • Ready to move forward? Contact two to three schools above, confirm start dates, and ask about apprenticeships and exam pass rates.

Footnotes

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, institutional profiles and accreditation. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), recognized institutional accreditor for career schools. ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and May 2023 wage data. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS), Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing licensing requirements. ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification for refrigerants. ↩ ↩

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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.