Best Trade Schools in Emmett, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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 Emmett. This guide lists accredited options nearby, the trades hiring now, and the exact steps to get licensed in Idaho. If you’re a high school grad or a career changer in Gem County, use this to compare programs and plan your next move. Demand for skilled trades remains steady nationwide1.

Top Trade Schools in Emmett

These accredited schools are in Emmett or within an easy commute to Boise, Nampa, or Meridian. Program lengths are typical ranges by credential. Always confirm current offerings and schedules.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Western Idaho (CWI) – Nampa/Boise 1–24 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) Public, NWCCU-accredited. Welding, HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing apprenticeship coursework, Automotive, Diesel, Advanced Manufacturing, Medical programs. Strong employer ties and evening options2.
Northwest Lineman College – Meridian 15 weeks (lineworker); specialty courses vary ACCSC-accredited technical college focused on power delivery careers. Pole-climbing yard, CDL prep support, industry-recognized training; high placement into utilities and contractors3.
Carrington College – Boise 9–19 months (certificates/diplomas); up to 2 years (AAS) Institutionally accredited. Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, Vet Assisting. Flexible schedules and student support services2.
Milan Institute – Boise ~9–12 months (varies by program) ACCET-accredited career training. Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, Esthetician. Hands-on labs and career services2.
Paul Mitchell The School – Boise (Nampa) 9–12+ months (varies by program/hours) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics. Strong salon partnerships and state board prep2.
Idaho State University College of Technology – Pocatello/Meridian 9–24 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) Public, NWCCU-accredited. Welding, Machining, Auto/Diesel, HVAC-R, and health trades. Meridian center offers health and technical pathways for the Boise metro2.
College of Southern Idaho – Twin Falls 1–24 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) Public, NWCCU-accredited. Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Construction, and healthcare programs. Apprenticeship partnerships and labs2.

Tip: For union apprenticeship pathways in the Boise area (electrical, plumbing, sheet metal), check local trade unions and approved training centers. Many pair paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction1.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Work: install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industry.
    • Outlook: steady demand and replacement needs nationwide; construction and renewable energy keep work active1.
    • Training: classroom + paid apprenticeship. Learn about the career path here: Electrician.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Work: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration install, service, and controls.
    • Outlook: strong service demand and year-round work. Technicians with EPA 608 and controls skills do well1.
    • Pathway guide: HVAC.

  • Welder

    • Work: fabrication, structural welding, pipe welding, repair.
    • Outlook: ongoing demand across construction, manufacturing, energy, and farm equipment repair1.
    • Pathway guide: Welding.

  • Plumber

    • Work: water supply, drainage, gas piping, fixtures, and code compliance.
    • Outlook: consistent residential and commercial work; service contractors need reliable techs1.
    • Pathway guide: Plumbing.

Note on pay: National median wages in these trades are competitive and rise with experience, certifications, and overtime1.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho regulates several building trades. Most licenses are issued through the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). Personal services (like cosmetology) are overseen by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).

  • Electrician (DBS)

    • Register as an electrical apprentice.
    • Complete a 4-year apprenticeship with required on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Journeyman Electrician exam to be licensed.
    • With additional experience and exams, you can qualify as a Master and/or Electrical Contractor (required to run a contracting business)4.

  • Plumber (DBS)

    • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
    • Complete a multi-year apprenticeship with required hours and schooling.
    • Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Contractor licensing is available for those who will bid/operate a business and supervise work4.

  • HVAC (DBS)

    • Register as an HVAC apprentice.
    • Complete the required apprenticeship hours and related instruction.
    • Pass the HVAC Journeyman exam.
    • HVAC Contractor licensing is required to operate your own firm and pull permits4.

  • Cosmetology/Barbering (DOPL)

    • Complete an approved training program (cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, etc.).
    • Pass state-required exams (Idaho uses NIC exams).
    • Apply for state licensure and renew as required5.

  • Welding (no state license)

    • Idaho does not require a state welder license. Employers and public projects often require AWS or similar procedure qualifications. Training programs help prep for these tests1.

  • Contractors

    • Most construction businesses must register with the Idaho Contractors Board (DOPL) before bidding or working. Separate trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are still required for regulated work5.

Always verify current requirements and forms directly with DBS or DOPL before you apply or test.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid schedules: Many nearby schools offer evening or hybrid lecture for apprentices and working adults. CWI and ISU commonly blend online theory with in-person labs2.
  • Short, stackable credentials: Welding, HVAC, and medical support programs often offer short certificates that stack into an AAS.
  • Apprenticeship classroom online: Some related instruction for apprentices can be delivered online, backed by in-person labs or proctored testing.
  • Certification prep: EPA 608 for HVAC, OSHA-10/30, and basic safety can often be completed online through school partners. Hands-on skills still require lab time.

If you need maximum flexibility, ask each school about evening cohorts, hybrid sections, and accelerated blocks.

Next Steps

Pick two or three programs that match your goal. Tour the labs, ask about employer partners, and confirm your licensing path with DBS or DOPL. Then apply early to lock in your start date.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment data. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator school profiles for listed institutions. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited Institution Directory. ↩

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

  5. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Boards for Cosmetology/Barbering and Contractor Registration. ↩ ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.

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.