Best Trade Schools in Idaho Falls–Ammon, 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 Idaho Falls–Ammon. This guide lists accredited programs, typical program length, and direct steps to get licensed in Idaho. The trades below have steady demand and solid wages across Idaho and the U.S.1 Accreditation and program data can be checked in College Navigator.2

Top Trade Schools in Idaho Falls–Ammon

School Program Length Highlights
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) Certificates 8–12 months; AAS 2 years; Apprenticeships ~4 years Public community college (NWCCU-accredited). Skilled trades include welding, machining, automotive, industrial maintenance, and healthcare. Idaho-approved apprenticeship provider for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Evening options for apprentices.2
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Pocatello, Idaho Falls Center) Certificates 9–12 months; AAS 2 years; Apprenticeships ~4 years Regional public university (NWCCU-accredited). Hands-on labs for welding, diesel, automotive, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Many programs held in Pocatello with an Idaho Falls center for select courses and support.2
Austin Kade Academy (Idaho Falls) Cosmetology 10–12 months; Esthetics 4–6 months Beauty and wellness training with salon-floor practice. NACCAS-accredited. Preps for Idaho cosmetology/esthetics licensing exams.2
Paul Mitchell The School – Rexburg (nearby) Cosmetology 10–12 months; Barbering varies National brand curriculum, guest services salon, strong career placement support. NACCAS-accredited. Short drive from Idaho Falls–Ammon.2
Evans Hairstyling College – Rexburg (nearby) Cosmetology 10–12 months Established cosmetology program with state board prep and client clinic experience. NACCAS-accredited. Short commute from Idaho Falls–Ammon.2
Brigham Young University–Idaho (Rexburg) Certificates 1 year; AAS 2 years NWCCU-accredited. Career-focused tracks such as automotive technology, construction management, and manufacturing-related certificates. Select programs admit on a competitive basis.2

Tip: If you plan to work while training, ask each school about evening cohorts, competency-based pacing, or hybrid options.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians keep homes, plants, and commercial buildings running. Work includes wiring, panels, controls, and troubleshooting. National and statewide job growth is steady, with strong pay for licensed journeymen and masters.1
  • In Idaho Falls–Ammon, apprentices often split time between job sites and evening classes at College of Eastern Idaho or Idaho State University.

HVAC/R

  • HVAC technicians install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Employers value EPA 608 certification plus an Idaho HVAC journeyman license. Year-round service work supports steady hours.1
  • Many HVAC programs include hands-on labs with recovery machines, brazing, and controls.

Welding

  • Welders and fabricators work in manufacturing, energy, repair, and construction. Certifications such as AWS D1.1 can boost starting pay. Skilled welders who can read blueprints and pass code tests are in demand statewide.1

Plumbing

  • Plumbers install and repair piping, fixtures, and gas lines. Idaho requires a license. Apprentices learn on site while completing classroom hours. Licensed plumbers command strong wages and steady jobs in both residential and industrial work.1

Explore more trades and career guides in our hub: All Trades

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Building Safety – Electrical)

  • Register as an apprentice with the state.
  • Complete 4 years of documented on‑the‑job training plus 576 classroom hours through an approved provider.
  • Apply for and pass the Idaho journeyman exam.
  • Upgrade to master after required journeyman experience and exam.
  • Electrical contractor licenses require a master on staff and insurance.3

HVAC (Idaho Division of Building Safety – HVAC)

  • Register as an HVAC apprentice.
  • Complete 4 years OJT plus 576 classroom hours in an approved program.
  • Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam.
  • HVAC contractor licenses require qualifying experience, exam, and insurance. Specialty licenses (e.g., limited electrical, gas piping) may apply.3

Plumbing (Idaho Division of Building Safety – Plumbing)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
  • Complete 4 years OJT plus 576 classroom hours with an approved provider.
  • Pass the Idaho plumbing journeyman exam.
  • Master/contractor licensing requires additional experience, exam, and insurance.3

Cosmetology/Barbering (Idaho DOPL)

  • Graduate from an approved school or apprenticeship meeting state hours.
  • Pass written and practical exams.
  • Apply for state licensure and renew as required.4

EMS (EMT/Paramedic) – if you pursue emergency medical training

  • Complete a state‑approved course.
  • Pass NREMT exams.
  • Background check and state application for Idaho EMS licensure.5

CDL – Commercial Truck Driving

  • Get a DOT medical card and Commercial Learner’s Permit.
  • Complete FMCSA Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider.
  • Pass the skills test and obtain your CDL at the Idaho DMV.6

Note: Many trades also require OSHA safety training, employer onboarding, and continuing education. Schools listed here can guide you through the correct Idaho forms, exams, and timelines.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid training: CEI and ISU often run lecture or theory online with labs on campus. Apprenticeships typically meet on weeknights to fit full‑time work.
  • Test prep online: Study resources for EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, and code exams are widely available online. Exams must be taken with approved proctors.
  • IT and office careers: If you are exploring non‑construction trades, short online programs can prepare you for CompTIA, AWS Cloud, or bookkeeping roles. Verify each program’s outcomes and employer recognition before enrolling.
  • Credit for experience: Ask about prior learning assessments or challenge tests if you have industry experience or military training.

Browse more how‑to content in our Guides, including choosing schools, apprenticeships, financial aid, and certification prep.

Next Steps

If you already know your trade, contact two or three schools above, ask about start dates and evening cohorts, and confirm they are approved for Idaho licensing.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook and wages for Electricians, HVAC technicians, Plumbers, and Welders (accessed 2025). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional accreditation and program listings for Idaho schools (accessed 2025). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS): Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing requirements and applications (accessed 2025). ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): Cosmetology and Barber Licensing Board rules and applications (accessed 2025). ↩

  5. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Bureau of EMS and Preparedness: EMS provider licensing (accessed 2025). ↩

  6. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD): Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, ELDT, and testing (accessed 2025). ↩

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.