Best Trade Schools in Lewiston, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Lewiston. This guide compares accredited programs, explains Idaho licensing, and highlights which trades are hiring. It is built for high school grads and career changers who want real-world training with fast job outcomes. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to see steady demand and solid wages in Idaho and the region1.

Top Trade Schools in Lewiston

Below are accredited options in or near Lewiston. Program lengths are typical for certificates and AAS degrees. Always confirm current offerings and schedules with the school. Use College Navigator to verify accreditation and program details2.

School Program Length Highlights
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) – Technical & Industrial Division, Lewiston 1–2 years Regionally accredited by NWCCU. Hands-on AAS and certificates in Welding Technology, Auto Mechanics, Diesel Technology, CNC Machining, and Industrial Electronics. Modern lab spaces and strong employer ties. Good option if you want a 2-year degree plus industry credentials.
LCSC Workforce Training, Lewiston Weeks to months Non-credit, fast training under a regionally accredited college. Common options include CDL, CNA, safety, electrical apprenticeship related training, and short industrial skills. Flexible start dates and evening classes are common.
Walla Walla Community College – Clarkston Campus, Clarkston, WA 6–24 months Regionally accredited. Close to downtown Lewiston. Offers allied health certificates like Medical Assistant and CNA, plus general education that supports technical pathways. Small campus and supportive services.
North Idaho College (NIC), Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls, ID 9–24 months Regionally accredited. Strong trades across Welding and Metal Fabrication, Machining/CNC, Industrial Technology, and CDL. Known for good lab equipment and employer partnerships in North Idaho.
Spokane Community College (SCC), Spokane, WA 9–24 months Regionally accredited. Large technical college with HVAC/R, Welding, Automotive, Diesel, Avionics, and more. Many evening and day cohorts. Good transfer and apprenticeship connections.
Perry Technical Institute, Yakima, WA 12–24 months ACCSC-accredited career school. Intensive, hands-on programs in Electrical Technology, HVAC/R, Welding Technology, Instrumentation & Control, and Automotive. Cohort model and strong placement support3.

Tip: If you need the fastest route into work, look at short certificates that stack into an AAS later. Many students start with welding or CDL to begin earning sooner, then return to finish an associate degree.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician
    • Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industry. Growth is steady due to construction and maintenance needs1. A 4-year apprenticeship is the standard path. Many roles start in residential and move to commercial and industrial with experience.
  • HVAC/R Technician
    • HVAC techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Employers value EPA Section 608 and strong troubleshooting skills. Energy efficiency upgrades and replacement cycles drive stable demand1.
  • Welder
    • Welding supports fabrication, construction, ag equipment, and forest products in the region. Employers look for process proficiency like SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW. AWS certifications help you land better jobs. National demand is steady and varies by sector1.
  • Plumber
    • Plumbers install and repair piping, fixtures, and gas lines. Work is consistent across new builds and service calls. A full apprenticeship with licensing is required in Idaho. National demand remains solid1.

If you are not sure which trade fits, explore our trade hub for day-in-the-life overviews, skills, and certifications by career path: /trades/.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho regulates electrical, plumbing, and HVAC through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Always check the DOPL site for the most current rules, applications, and fees4.

  • Electrician Licensing (DOPL Electrical)
    • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with DOPL and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Complete a 4-year apprenticeship with at least 8,000 hours of documented work experience and related classroom training.
    • Apply for and pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • Upgrade to Electrical Contractor after meeting experience, business, and insurance requirements.
    • Continuing education is required for renewal. See the DOPL Electrical Board for details4.
  • HVAC Licensing (DOPL HVAC)
    • Register as an HVAC Apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete a 4-year apprenticeship, typically 8,000 hours, with related instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam.
    • EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants5.
    • Upgrade to HVAC Contractor after meeting the experience and business requirements4.
  • Plumbing Licensing (DOPL Plumbing)
    • Register as a Plumbing Apprentice.
    • Complete a 4-year apprenticeship, typically 8,000 hours, plus classroom training.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Contractor licenses are available after additional requirements are met4.
  • Welding
    • Idaho does not license welders at the state level. Employers may require AWS D1.1, API, or similar process codes based on the job. Training programs in Lewiston and nearby schools help you prepare for test plates and employer qualification tests.

Many apprenticeships mix paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction at schools like LCSC Workforce Training, SCC, and NIC. Ask about “RTI” or “related training” when you speak with admissions.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid training
    • Many trade programs blend online theory with scheduled lab days. Expect to complete safety, math, blueprint reading, codes, and troubleshooting theory online, with hands-on skill checks on campus.
  • Night and weekend sections
    • Look for evening welding labs, weekend electrical code classes, and flexible HVAC cohorts at community colleges and workforce centers.
  • Short, stackable certificates
    • Start with OSHA-10, basic electrical, or welding fundamentals. Stack into advanced process certs or an AAS for better pay and advancement.
  • Apprenticeships
    • Earn while you learn with a licensed employer. Classroom hours may be delivered by local colleges or approved training providers. Visit Idaho DOPL boards and local contractors to find sponsors4.
  • Online theory resources
    • For entry theory in safety and construction, NCCER-aligned courses and other recognized curricula are common. Always verify that any online provider is accepted by your apprenticeship or licensing board.

How to Choose a Lewiston Program

  • Verify accreditation and program approval. Use College Navigator for colleges and ACCSC for private career schools23.
  • Confirm the specific trade courses you need are offered at your preferred campus, not just the main campus.
  • Ask about lab hours, equipment, instructor experience, and industry certifications embedded in the program.
  • Check placement support, employer partnerships, and apprenticeship pathways.
  • Compare schedules. Night and hybrid options can keep you working while you train.

Next Steps

Have questions about programs near Lewiston or which license to pursue first? Visit the Idaho DOPL boards for current rules and exam info, then speak with admissions at LCSC or a nearby college to map your timeline and start date4.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians; HVAC/R Technicians; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions. https://www.accsc.org/Directory-of-Schools/ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC Boards and Licensing. https://dopl.idaho.gov/boards/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification ↩

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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.