Best Trade Schools in Eagle, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Eagle. This guide lists accredited and state-approved options near Eagle, with program length, specialties, and licensing steps for Idaho. You will also see which trades are hiring and how to train fast. Electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders remain in steady demand in Idaho and across the U.S.1

Top Trade Schools in Eagle

These schools serve Eagle and the Boise–Meridian–Nampa area. Program length and focus areas are noted. Always confirm admission dates and schedules with the school.

School Program Length Highlights
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) 15 weeks (Electrical Lineworker Program) ACCSC accredited; intensive field training, pole-climbing and safety; CDL prep; strong employer network and nationwide placement2
College of Western Idaho (Nampa & Boise) Certificates 9–12 months; AAS 2 years; Apprenticeship 4 years Regionally accredited; welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, auto/diesel, machining, CDL, cybersecurity; day/evening and hybrid options3
IEC of Idaho Apprenticeship (Meridian) 4 years Electrical apprenticeship; paid on-the-job training with evening classes; prepares for Idaho journeyman exam (DBS)
Idaho Electrical JATC (IBEW Local 291/NECA) (Meridian/Boise) Inside Wireman 5 years; VDV 3–4 years DOL-registered apprenticeship; paid OJT + classroom; prepares for state journeyman licensing4
Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC/R Local 296 JATC (Meridian) 5 years Registered apprenticeship; plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC/R; paid OJT; journeyman licensing prep with DBS4
Carrington College – Boise 9–24 months Institutionally accredited; medical assisting, dental assisting, medical billing/coding; day/evening and some hybrid delivery3
Aveda Institute Boise 6–12 months NACCAS accredited; cosmetology and esthetics; Idaho state board preparation
Boise Barber College a d.MARTIN Academy (Garden City) 10–12 months NACCAS accredited; barber/stylist training; Idaho licensing exam preparation

Notes:

  • ACCSC and regional accreditation are recognized quality markers for career schools and colleges32.
  • JATC and IEC programs are registered apprenticeships that combine paid work with required classroom training, meeting Idaho licensing standards4.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • New construction, data centers, and solar projects keep electricians busy in the Boise metro. Apprentices earn while they learn, then test for a journeyman license. National job outlook is steady, with strong replacement needs as the workforce ages1. Training options near Eagle include CWI, IEC of Idaho, and the Idaho Electrical JATC. Learn more on our electrician hub: Electrician.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Idaho homes and commercial buildings need installation and service for heat pumps, gas furnaces, and refrigeration. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerants5. CWI offers HVAC training and the Local 296 JATC provides HVAC/R apprenticeships. See our HVAC guide: HVAC.

Welder

  • Welding supports fabrication, construction, and manufacturing in the Treasure Valley. Many employers prefer AWS certifications. You can start with a short-term certificate and build skills on the job. CWI’s welding programs cover SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and pipe. Explore welding careers: Welding.

Plumber

  • Idaho’s growth fuels demand for plumbers in residential and commercial work. Apprenticeships pay while you train and lead to journeyman licensing with the state4. Look at CWI plumbing, plus the Local 296 JATC. Learn more: Plumbing.

Healthcare Support

  • Medical assisting, dental assisting, and related support roles hire year-round in the Boise area. Carrington College offers focused, short programs with externships3. See all trades and allied options: All Trades.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Building Safety – Electrical Program)

  • Register as an apprentice with DBS and work under a licensed electrician.
  • Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of OJT and required classroom hours.
  • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam.
  • Master electrician requires journeyman experience and exam.
  • Electrical contractors must hold the contractor license with DBS and meet insurance/bonding rules4.

Plumber (DBS – Plumbing Program)

  • Register as an apprentice through DBS and train under a licensed plumber.
  • Complete 4 years of OJT and classroom instruction.
  • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam.
  • Contractor license available after journeyman experience and exam4.

HVAC (DBS – HVAC Program)

  • Register as an apprentice with DBS.
  • Complete the required OJT hours and classroom training (specialty categories exist).
  • Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam; contractor license requires experience and exam4.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling in any state5.

Welding

  • No uniform state welding license. Employers and municipalities may require AWS certifications (for example, D1.1 structural). Training programs often prepare you for common AWS tests. NCCER credentials can also help verify skills6.

Cosmetology/Barber (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Barber & Cosmetology Services)

  • Complete approved training hours at a licensed school.
  • Pass theory and practical exams (NIC).
  • Apply for the Idaho license in your field (cosmetology, barber, esthetics, etc.)7.

CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

  • Get a CLP, complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider.
  • Pass skills testing and medical requirements with the Idaho Transportation Department. Many community colleges offer ELDT aligned programs3.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Community college hybrids: CWI offers many lecture components online with required shop or lab days on campus. This works well for welding, machining, and automotive theory.
  • Apprenticeships: IEC of Idaho and the JATCs often run evening classes to fit the workday. You earn while you train, which reduces debt.
  • Allied health hybrid: Schools like Carrington College mix online coursework with on-site labs and clinicals for programs such as medical assisting and dental assisting3.
  • HVAC theory online + hands-on labs: Many HVAC programs present code, electrical theory, and load calculations online. Expect in-person labs for brazing, recovery, and diagnostics. You will still need to test in person for EPA 6085.

Tip: If you need maximum flexibility, look for programs that clearly list hybrid schedules, externship hours, and expected weekly time in lab vs. online.

Next Steps

Have questions about a specific trade or license? Start with the trade page above, then contact the school and the Idaho licensing office listed there. Training, hours, and exams can change, so always verify the latest requirements with the state.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Directory. https://www.accsc.org/Directory/ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) – Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Licensing. https://dbs.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

  6. NCCER – Construction Craft Credentials. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩

  7. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Barber & Cosmetology Services. https://dopl.idaho.gov/ ↩

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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.