Best Trade Schools in Coeur d'Alene–Post Falls, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Coeur d'Alene–Post Falls. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, training lengths, and Idaho licensing steps. Local demand is solid for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers, with steady job growth and strong wages across the trades1.

Top Trade Schools in Coeur d'Alene–Post Falls

All schools below are institutionally accredited. Always confirm current program details and admission requirements through the school and College Navigator2.

School Program Length Highlights
North Idaho College (NIC) – Career & Technical Education 1–2 years (Certificates and AAS) Welding Technology, Automotive Technology, Industrial Mechanic/Millwright, Machining Technology, Computer-Aided Design. Public community college accredited by NWCCU. Multiple training labs in the region2.
NIC Workforce Training Center (Post Falls) Short-term certificates (4–20 weeks) and 4-year apprenticeship related instruction Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship classroom training; Welding, Machining, CDL, CNA, Phlebotomy. Evening and accelerated options. Part of NIC’s accredited system2.
Spokane Community College (Spokane, WA) 1–2 years (Certificates and AAS) Welding and Fabrication, HVAC/R, Automotive, Diesel Equipment, Machining, Aviation Maintenance, Commercial Truck Driving. Strong industry partnerships and hands-on labs. NWCCU accredited2.
Pima Medical Institute – Spokane 9–24 months (Diplomas and Associate degrees) Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Radiography and Respiratory Therapy at select lengths. ABHES-accredited institution listed on College Navigator2.
Carrington College – Spokane 9–24 months (Certificates and Associate degrees) Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, Medical Billing and Coding. Regional healthcare employer network. Listed on College Navigator with recognized accreditation2.
Spokane Falls Community College (Spokane, WA) 1–2 years (Certificates and AAS) Electronics/Engineering Technology, IT Support, Cybersecurity, Graphic Communications, GIS. Applied tech pathways with transfer and workforce options. NWCCU accredited2.

Note: Washington campuses are 15–30 minutes from Post Falls. If you train in Washington, plan your testing and licensing in Idaho if you want to work in Idaho.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician
    • Work on residential, commercial, and industrial power systems. Many roles are tied to steady regional construction and service work. Median U.S. pay for electricians is strong, and outlook is steady through 20321.
  • HVAC/R Technician
    • Install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Four-season demand in North Idaho and the Spokane metro helps keep service techs busy. National growth and wages remain solid1.
  • Welder
    • Fabrication, manufacturing, and field welding serve construction, transportation, and custom manufacturing throughout Kootenai County. Many employers value AWS process certifications. National median pay is competitive for skilled welders1.
  • Plumber
    • Residential and commercial installation and service. Licensed plumbers often earn premium pay for service work and on-call shifts. Job outlook is stable with solid median wages1.

Typical national median pay (2023) for these trades: Electricians and plumbers around the low 0Ks, HVAC techs high 0Ks, welders high 0Ks1. Local pay varies by employer, certifications, and overtime.

Explore careers and training paths:

  • Electrician: classroom, apprenticeship, and exam steps here
  • HVAC/R: training and EPA 608 details here
  • Welding: processes, AWS certifications, and schools here
  • Plumbing: apprenticeship and licensing steps here

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licensing is managed by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Always confirm the latest rules and applications on the DOPL site3.

  • Electrician (Apprentice → Journeyman → Master)
    • Register as an apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 4 years, 8,000 hours of documented work experience under a licensed contractor, plus approved classroom instruction (often 576 hours total across four years).
    • Apply and pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam, then work toward Master after required experience.
    • Keep CE hours for renewal, including National Electrical Code updates3.
  • Plumbing (Apprentice → Journeyman → Master)
    • Register as an apprentice.
    • Complete 4 years, 8,000 hours of supervised experience and related instruction.
    • Apply and pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Master level requires additional verified hours and exam3.
  • HVAC (Apprentice → Journeyman → Contractor)
    • Register as an HVAC apprentice.
    • Complete 4 years of supervised experience and related classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam; contractor license requires additional experience, insurance, and exam.
    • EPA Section 608 certification is required for handling refrigerants34.
  • Welding
    • Idaho does not require a state welder license. Employers often require process-specific certifications (for example, AWS D1.1 structural, ASME for pipe). Some municipal or project owners may specify their own certifications.

Tip: Apprenticeship “related instruction” is available locally through NIC Workforce Training Center and often runs in evening terms to fit work schedules.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs
    • Many technical programs blend online theory with on-campus labs. Expect in-person labs for welding, electrical, plumbing, machining, and HVAC tasks for safety and skills validation.
  • Apprenticeship classes
    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC related instruction is often offered in the evenings or on a hybrid schedule so you can work full time.
  • Allied health
    • Programs like medical assisting and billing/coding may offer partial online coursework, with labs and clinicals scheduled locally.
  • Test prep
    • NEC code update, EPA 608 preparation, OSHA 10/30, and basic safety can be completed online. Proctored exams and performance tests may require in-person sessions4.

Ask each school about:

  • Evening or weekend labs
  • Credit vs noncredit tracks and how they affect financial aid
  • Whether online hours count toward Idaho apprenticeship requirements

Next Steps

  • Compare all Idaho trade schools and statewide options: /trade-school/idaho/
  • Explore trade paths, salaries, and certifications: /trades/
  • See how to choose a school, financial aid basics, and fast-track options: /guides/
  • Return to the national hub: /trade-school/

If you already know your trade, start with the program that matches your licensing path and offers the lab time and certifications you need. If you are undecided, visit campuses, ask about placement rates and employer partners, and sit in on a lab if possible.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. See Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders job outlook and pay: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Verify accreditation and program listings for each campus: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Boards): https://dopl.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 608 Technician Certification: https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

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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.