Best Trade Schools in Hayden, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Hayden. This guide compares accredited options near Hayden, explains Idaho licensing, and highlights high-demand careers for 2025. Use it to pick a program, plan your training, and move into a reliable, well‑paid trade career123.

Top Trade Schools in Hayden

Below are accredited colleges and recognized training providers that serve Hayden residents. Program lengths are typical ranges. Verify current start dates and schedules with each school.

School Program Length Highlights
North Idaho College (NIC) – Coeur d’Alene & Post Falls 1–2 years (AAS); 4–10 months (certificates) Public, regionally accredited (NWCCU). Automotive, Welding, CNC/Manufacturing, Healthcare, and IT. Strong ties with local employers and apprenticeships via the Workforce Training Center2.
NIC Workforce Training Center – Post Falls 6–20 weeks; up to 12 months Short-term, hands-on training. Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship classroom training; Welding, CDL, Medical Assistant, CNA, and phlebotomy. Fast job-focused certificates backed by NIC accreditation2.
Lewis‑Clark State College (LCSC) – Lewiston 1–2 years Public, regionally accredited (NWCCU). Technical & Industrial programs such as Welding, CNC Machining, Industrial Electronics, Auto Tech, and Industrial Maintenance. Good option within North Idaho for Hayden commuters willing to travel2.
Northwest Lineman College (NLC) – Meridian 10–15 weeks ACCSC-accredited. Electric power lineworker and electrical utility programs with intensive field labs, industry equipment, and strong utility hiring pipelines. Focused path to high‑demand linework careers3.
Idaho State University College of Technology – Pocatello 1–2 years Public, regionally accredited (NWCCU). Broad catalog: HVAC, Welding, Electrical, Diesel, Machining, and more. Established labs and employer partnerships statewide2.
College of Western Idaho (CWI) – Nampa 9–12 months; 1–2 years Public, regionally accredited (NWCCU). HVAC, Welding, Automotive, Heavy Equipment, and apprenticeship-related training. Evening and hybrid options available in many programs2.

Tip: If you plan to work in Kootenai County right after graduation, start with North Idaho College and the NIC Workforce Training Center. They align closely with local employers and Idaho licensing requirements.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians remain in steady demand as Idaho builds housing, light industrial sites, and infrastructure. The work blends problem solving with physical tasks and pays well with experience. The BLS projects solid national growth and strong replacement needs as older workers retire1.

  • HVAC Technician

    • HVAC mechanics and installers are needed for new construction and service across the Spokane–Coeur d’Alene corridor and North Idaho resorts. Year‑round service calls stabilize income even when construction cycles cool. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants14.

  • Welder

    • Welding supports manufacturing, fabrication, marine work on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and construction throughout the Idaho Panhandle. Versatile welders who can read blueprints and pass process tests (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW) are valued across shops and field projects1.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers enjoy consistent residential and commercial work tied to growth around Hayden, Post Falls, and Coeur d’Alene. Apprentices earn while they learn. Licensing is mandatory in Idaho, with clear steps from apprentice to journeyman15.

Want to compare more trades? See our trade hub: Explore all trades.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licenses most construction trades statewide through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Always confirm current rules before you enroll5.

  • Electrician (Idaho DOPL – Electrical Board)

    • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 8,000 hours (about 4 years) of supervised on‑the‑job training plus related classroom instruction (often 576 hours across four levels).
    • Apply for and pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • For Master/Contractor, add required journeyman experience, pass the relevant exam, and meet insurance/bond requirements5.

  • Plumber (Idaho DOPL – Plumbing Board)

    • Register as a Plumbing Apprentice.
    • Complete 8,000 hours OJT plus approved related training.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Contractor licensure requires journeyman experience, exam, and insurance/bonding5.

  • HVAC (Idaho DOPL – HVAC Board)

    • Register as an HVAC Apprentice.
    • Complete required OJT hours (commonly 8,000) and related instruction.
    • Pass the Journeyman HVAC exam.
    • Contractor licensure requires journeyman experience, exam, insurance/bonding.
    • EPA Section 608 certification is required if you handle refrigerants54.

  • Welding

    • No Idaho state license for general welding. Employers often require process certifications (e.g., AWS D1.1 structural). Many programs prepare you to test to applicable codes. Project types (structural, pipe, pressure vessels) determine the specific test you need.

  • CDL (Commercial Truck Driver)

    • Get an Idaho Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) after medical exam and knowledge tests.
    • Complete Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider.
    • Pass skills testing for CDL‑A or CDL‑B through the Idaho Transportation Department6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many trade programs split theory online and hands‑on labs on campus. This format is common for HVAC, electrical apprenticeship classroom hours, and medical support roles. Expect fixed lab days in Post Falls or Coeur d’Alene for NIC programs.

  • Evening and weekend schedules: Check NIC Workforce Training Center for evening welding, electrical, and plumbing apprenticeship classes that fit full‑time work.

  • Short, stackable certificates: Start with an entry‑level certificate (e.g., basic welding or HVAC helper). Stack advanced processes or levels as you work. This helps you earn sooner and build toward journeyman status.

  • Statewide specialty options: If your goal is a niche role (e.g., power lineworker at NLC), plan for an intensive on‑site block and temporary housing. These programs place grads directly with utilities and contractors across the region.

If you need help comparing formats, start at our school hub: Trade School Directory, and check the Idaho state page for local schedules and updates: Idaho Trade Schools.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and start dates near Hayden: Idaho Trade Schools
  • Explore careers and salaries across trades: Trades Hub
  • Plan your training, funding, and timeline: Guides
  • Talk to admissions. Ask about:
    • Accreditation and exam pass rates
    • Lab hours and equipment you will train on
    • Employer partnerships and recent placement data
    • Night/weekend options and start dates
    • How their training aligns with Idaho licensing steps

A focused plan cuts months off your path to a good job. Shortlist two or three programs, visit labs, and pick the one that best fits your schedule and career goals.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians; Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. Accessed 2025. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Profiles for North Idaho College, Lewis‑Clark State College, Idaho State University, College of Western Idaho. Accessed 2025. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Accredited Institutions Directory (includes Northwest Lineman College). Accessed 2025. ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Section 608 Technician Certification for HVACR. Accessed 2025. ↩ ↩

  5. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Boards—Licensing requirements and applications. Accessed 2025. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, CLP/CDL testing, and ELDT information. Accessed 2025. ↩

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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.