Best Trade Schools in Kuna, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Kuna. This guide lists nearby accredited programs, the trades in highest demand, and Idaho licensing steps so you can move fast into a good-paying job. We verify schools through trusted sources like BLS, College Navigator, and ACCSC123.

Top Trade Schools in Kuna

Most programs serving Kuna are in Meridian, Nampa, Garden City, and Boise—10–30 minutes away.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Western Idaho (CWI) – Nampa/Boise 4–48 weeks; 1–2 years (program dependent) Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship; Welding; Machining; Automotive; Heavy Equipment Operator; CDL; Medical Assistant. Regionally accredited public college2.
Northwest Lineman College (NLC) – Meridian 15 weeks Electrical Lineworker Program with climbing, safety, and industry certifications; strong employer network; ACCSC-accredited3.
Carrington College – Boise 9–24 months Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, Vet Assisting. Hands-on labs; hybrid options; institutionally accredited2.
Aveda Institute Boise – Boise 6–12 months Cosmetology and Esthetics programs with salon floor experience; NACCAS-accredited2.
Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology – Garden City 5–12 months Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology; strong salon partnerships; NACCAS-accredited2.
Paul Mitchell The School Boise – Nampa/Boise 6–12 months Cosmetology and Esthetics; brand network for placement; NACCAS-accredited2.
Idaho State University – Meridian Health Science Center 12–24+ months Paramedic Science and allied health pathways with clinical placement; regionally accredited public university2.

Notes on accreditation: CWI and Idaho State University are regionally accredited public institutions2. NLC is accredited by ACCSC3. Carrington College is institutionally accredited and listed in College Navigator2. Cosmetology schools shown are accredited by NACCAS and listed in College Navigator2.

Tip: For trade-by-trade training paths and salaries, start at our trade hub: Explore trades.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Consistent demand across residential, commercial, and industrial work in the Boise metro. Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot wiring, panels, and controls. Strong growth and steady pay are projected1. Many students start as paid apprentices while taking evening classes at CWI.

HVAC Technician

  • New construction and ongoing system replacements drive HVAC hiring year-round. Techs service furnaces, heat pumps, and A/C, and many earn EPA Section 608 before graduation14. CWI’s apprenticeship track pairs on-the-job hours with classroom training.

Welder

  • Welders support fabrication, construction, and manufacturing across Treasure Valley. Entry roles start with MIG and flux-core, with advancement into TIG, pipe, and structural. Industry-recognized AWS credentials improve job prospects15.

Plumber

  • Plumbing is essential in housing and commercial development, with steady work in service, remodel, and new builds. Apprenticeships let you earn while you train, leading to the journeyman exam in Idaho16.

See career outlines by trade:

  • Electrician: from apprentice to journeyman to contractor Learn more
  • HVAC: certifications, tools, and day-to-day work Learn more
  • Welding: processes, certifications, and shop safety Learn more
  • Plumbing: codes, piping systems, and licensing Learn more

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrical (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Electrical Board)

  • Register as an apprentice with DOPL and work under a licensed contractor6.
  • Complete roughly 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction over about 4 years.
  • Apply for and pass the Idaho journeyman electrician exam.
  • Master and Electrical Contractor licenses require additional experience, exams, and proof of bonding/insurance for contractors6.

Plumbing (Idaho Plumbing Board under DOPL)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice and work under a licensed contractor6.
  • Accumulate approximately 8,000 hours of supervised experience and classroom training over about 4 years.
  • Pass the journeyman plumber exam; master and contractor levels require added experience, testing, and business credentials6.

HVAC (Idaho HVAC Board under DOPL)

  • Register as an apprentice and earn supervised hours in heating, ventilation, and gas fitting6.
  • Complete a multi‑year apprenticeship with related instruction.
  • Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam. Contractor licensing requires business qualifications and insurance6.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling4.

Welding

  • Idaho does not issue a state welder license. Employers often require American Welding Society (AWS) performance qualifications for the process and position you will use (e.g., D1.1 structural, pipe)5.
  • CWI welding courses can prepare you for AWS tests.

Cosmetology/Barbering

  • Idaho licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs, and barbers. Complete an approved program and pass the state exams before practicing6. Programs listed above are at NACCAS-accredited schools2.

CDL (Truck Driving)

  • Earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit, complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider, pass skills tests, and clear medical and background checks with Idaho Transportation Department. CWI offers CDL training aligned to ELDT standards2.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many healthcare and cosmetology programs in Boise/Nampa blend online theory with in-person labs and clinicals (Carrington, Aveda, Paul Mitchell)2.
  • Evening apprenticeships: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships at CWI run evening classes so you can work full-time during the day2.
  • Accelerated bootcamps: NLC’s 15‑week model gets you into the lineworker field fast with stacked safety credentials and employer recruiting on campus3.
  • Short industry certs: EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, and AWS welder tests boost employability and may be scheduled around work45.
  • Credit for experience: Some public colleges assess prior learning, military training, or employer-sponsored coursework—ask admissions.

How to Choose a Program

  • Verify accreditation and state approval. Check College Navigator for institutional accreditation and program listings2, and state boards for licensure programs6.
  • Match program outcomes to state licensing. Make sure hours, content, and exam prep meet Idaho requirements for your trade.
  • Ask about work-based learning. Apprenticeships and clinicals improve placement odds.
  • Check equipment and labs. For welding, look for multiple processes and test prep. For HVAC/Electrical, look for code training and hands-on trainers. For cosmetology, ask about client floor hours.
  • Review placement support. Employer days, resume help, and interview prep matter.

Next Steps

Start by contacting two or three schools above. Ask about start dates, schedules, and what licenses or certifications you’ll be ready to earn when you finish.

Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and May 2023 OEWS, job growth and wages for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator – accreditation and program details for listed institutions. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) – Directory of accredited institutions (e.g., Northwest Lineman College). https://www.accsc.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. U.S. EPA – Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. American Welding Society (AWS) – Welder performance qualifications and certifications. https://www.aws.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) – Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing. 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.