Best Trade Schools in Kuna, Idaho (2025 Guide)

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 ACCSC[^1][^2][^3].

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Top Trade Schools in Kuna

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

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 projected[^1]. 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 graduation[^1][^5]. 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 prospects[^1][^6].

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 Idaho[^1][^4].

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

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Idaho) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

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 contractor[^4].
• 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 contractors[^4].

Plumbing (Idaho Plumbing Board under DOPL)

• Register as a plumbing apprentice and work under a licensed contractor[^4].
• 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 credentials[^4].

HVAC (Idaho HVAC Board under DOPL)

• Register as an apprentice and earn supervised hours in heating, ventilation, and gas fitting[^4].
• Complete a multi‑year apprenticeship with related instruction.
• Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam. Contractor licensing requires business qualifications and insurance[^4].
• EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling[^5].

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)[^6].
• 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 practicing[^4]. Programs listed above are at NACCAS-accredited schools[^2].

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 standards[^2].

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 day[^2].
• Accelerated bootcamps: NLC’s 15‑week model gets you into the lineworker field fast with stacked safety credentials and employer recruiting on campus[^3].
• Short industry certs: EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, and AWS welder tests boost employability and may be scheduled around work[^5][^6].
• 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 listings[^2], and state boards for licensure programs[^4].
• 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

• Compare all Idaho options: Idaho Trade School Hub
• Explore careers and salaries by trade: Trades Hub
• Learn how to pay for school, apprenticeships, and certifications: Guides
• Browse national listings: Trade School Directory

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.

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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]: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) – Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing. https://dopl.idaho.gov/ [^5]: U.S. EPA – Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^6]: American Welding Society (AWS) – Welder performance qualifications and certifications. https://www.aws.org/

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