Best Trade Schools in Jerome, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Jerome. This guide lists accredited options nearby, what they teach, program length, and how Idaho licensing works. It’s written for high school grads and career changers who want hands-on training with strong job demand in 2025.1

Top Trade Schools in Jerome

These accredited schools serve Jerome and the Magic Valley or are strong statewide options you can reach within a day’s drive.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls; Jerome Center) 6–24 months certificates; AAS 2 years; 4-year apprenticeships NWCCU-accredited. Welding, HVAC, Diesel, Automotive, CNC/Machining, Surgical Tech, Nursing, CDL, plus Electrical and Plumbing apprenticeships through Workforce Development. Close to Jerome with strong local employer ties.2
Milan Institute of Cosmetology – Twin Falls 4–12 months NACCAS-accredited (via College Navigator). Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Tech. Salon floor experience and Idaho state board prep.2
Northwest Lineman College – Meridian 15 weeks ACCSC-accredited. Electrical Lineworker Program with pole yard training, safety, and utility hiring pipelines. Fast path to power industry roles.3
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Pocatello) 9–24 months; AAS 2 years NWCCW-accredited (via College Navigator). HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, Automotive, Diesel, Machining, and healthcare labs. Strong industry partnerships statewide.2
College of Western Idaho – Nampa 8–24 months; AAS 2 years NWCCU-accredited. HVAC, Welding, Diesel, Auto, Drafting, Medical Assisting, and apprenticeship partnerships. Multiple campuses and evening availability on many programs.2
College of Eastern Idaho – Idaho Falls 9–24 months; AAS 2 years NWCCU-accredited. Welding, CNC Machining, Industrial Mechanics, Cybersecurity, and healthcare. Small class sizes with hands-on labs.2

Tip: If you want the shortest time to employment, look at lineworker (15 weeks), CDL (4–8 weeks), and entry-level healthcare certificates (6–12 months). For higher pay ceilings, consider electrician, HVAC, or plumbing apprenticeships that lead to journeyman licensing in Idaho.1

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep homes, farms, food processors, and data systems running across the Magic Valley. Nationally, median pay is about 1,590 and employment is projected to grow through 2032.1 In Jerome, start with an apprenticeship through College of Southern Idaho or a union/merit-shop program, then take the state journeyman exam.

  • HVAC Technician Food processing and cold storage drive steady HVAC and refrigeration demand in southern Idaho. HVAC techs earn a national median of about 7,300.1 Many programs pair daytime work with evening classroom hours so you earn while you learn.

  • Plumber New housing and dairy-related construction keep plumbers busy. Median pay is about 1,550 nationally.1 The most direct path is a registered apprenticeship plus Idaho’s journeyman exam.

  • Welder Welders work in fabrication, ag equipment repair, and industrial maintenance across the Magic Valley. National median pay is about 8,940.1 Start with a 9–12 month welding technology certificate and add AWS process tests as you go.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses)

  • Register as an electrical apprentice with Idaho DOPL.4
  • Complete 4 years and 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
  • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
  • Master Electrician typically requires four years as a journeyman plus passing the master exam.
  • Electrical Contractor licenses are required to run your own business; a designated master is required.4

HVAC (Idaho DOPL)

  • Register as an HVAC apprentice.4
  • For HVAC Journeyman, complete a multi-year apprenticeship (commonly 8,000 hours) with related instruction and pass the state exam.
  • Idaho also offers HVAC Specialty licenses (e.g., limited categories). Each has specific hours and exam requirements.4
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required nationwide to work with refrigerants.5

Plumber (Idaho DOPL)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice.4
  • Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) OJT with related classroom training.
  • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
  • Plumbing Contractor licensing is required to operate a business; a bond/insurance and experience are required.4

Welding

  • Idaho does not license welders at the state level.
  • Employers commonly require performance qualifications to AWS codes (e.g., D1.1; 3G/4G).[^\6]
  • Many college programs prep you for employer-specific weld tests.

CDL (Commercial Driving)

  • Meet Idaho Transportation Department requirements: DOT medical card, knowledge and skills tests, and Entry-Level Driver Training at an approved provider.

Helpful notes:

  • Many apprenticeships require 144 hours/year of related instruction. Your provider will guide you.
  • Background checks, drug testing, and a valid driver’s license are common employer requirements.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid apprenticeships: CSI, CWI, and ISU often deliver evening or hybrid classroom for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprentices while you work during the day. Ask about distance-friendly lecture with in-person labs.
  • Healthcare and office trades: Medical billing/coding, phlebotomy theory, and health information courses are often available online or hybrid through Idaho community colleges.2
  • OSHA, safety, and craft upskilling: Many schools and workforce centers offer short online modules for OSHA 10/30, blueprint reading, and math for trades. These are good add-ons before or during your program.
  • Self-paced exam prep: Use online practice tests for Idaho journeyman licensing while you log hours on the job. O*NET can help you review tasks and skill requirements for your target trade.6

How to Choose the Right Program

  • Verify accreditation and state approval. The schools above are accredited by NWCCU, NACCAS, or ACCSC as noted.23
  • Match program length to your goal. Fast-track options like lineworker, CDL, and cosmetology get you working quickly. Apprenticeships take longer but lead to higher licensing levels and pay.
  • Ask about job placement and employer partners. CSI and Idaho’s colleges maintain strong local links.
  • Confirm lab time and equipment. Welding booths, HVAC trainers, and electrical labs should reflect current jobsite tools.
  • Plan your license path now. If you want an Idaho journeyman card, choose a program that counts your hours and preps you for the exam.4

Next Steps

If you live in Jerome, start by touring College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. Ask about night classes, apprenticeships, and employer sponsors. Then compare one statewide option that fits your schedule. Pick a start date, register, and get on the job within months.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and May 2023 wage data for Electricians, HVAC Technicians, Plumbers, and Welders. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator: institutional profiles for College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University, College of Western Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, and Milan Institute of Cosmetology – Twin Falls. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC): Northwest Lineman College accreditation listing. ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing requirements and applications. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification for handling refrigerants. ↩

  6. O*NET OnLine: Work activities, skills, and training pathways for Electricians, HVAC Mechanics, Plumbers, and Welders. ↩

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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.