Best Trade Schools in Burley, Idaho (2025 Guide)

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 accreditors[^2][^3]. Electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders continue to see steady demand and solid pay[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Burley

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

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

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 seasons[^1].

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 2023[^1].

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 2023[^1].

Explore trade overviews and career paths:

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

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Idaho) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

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 test[^4].

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 certification[^5].
• 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 campus[^2].
• 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 schools[^2][^3].

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 apprentice[^4].
• 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 campus[^5]. 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]: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and May 2023 wage data. [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, institutional profiles and accreditation. [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), recognized institutional accreditor for career schools. [^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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