Best Trade Schools in Meridian, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Meridian. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, pick a trade, and understand Idaho licensing. Meridian sits in the Boise metro, so you get strong employer demand plus several respected training options nearby12.

Top Trade Schools in Meridian

Below are accredited or state-recognized schools within Meridian or a short drive. Program lengths are typical ranges. Always confirm current details with the school.

School Program Length Highlights
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) 15 weeks ACCSC accredited. Electrical Lineworker training. Pole climbing, pole-top rescue, CDL A prep, and career placement support3.
College of Western Idaho – CWI (Nampa and Boise) 9–24 months certificates; 2 years AAS; 4-year apprenticeships Regionally accredited public college. Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Automotive, Advanced Manufacturing. Day and evening options2.
Idaho Electrical JATC – IBEW Local 291 (Boise) 4–5 years Registered Apprenticeship. Paid OJT plus classroom. Prepares for Idaho journeyman electrician license exam[^12]4.
UA Local 296 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC (Boise) 5 years Registered Apprenticeship. Plumbing, pipefitting, HVACR service. Industry certifications and state exam prep[^12]4.
Carrington College (Boise) 8–24 months Institutionally accredited. Medical Assistant, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, Veterinary Assisting. Hybrid scheduling and externships2.
Milan Institute (Boise) 8–12 months Nationally accredited. Cosmetology, Esthetician, Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant. Hands-on clinic and labs.
Paul Mitchell The School Boise (Nampa) Varies by program NACCAS accredited. Cosmetology and Esthetics training with real salon experience and community events.
Idaho Medical Academy (Meridian) 8 weeks to 12 months State-approved EMS programs. EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic. Prepares for National Registry exams and Idaho certification4.

Tip: For CDL, welding certs, and short healthcare programs, ask about start dates, night classes, and externships. For construction trades, compare a college certificate against a paid apprenticeship to see which path fits your goals.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep the Treasure Valley growing. Most new electricians train through a registered apprenticeship and test for a state journeyman license. The BLS projects steady national demand for electricians with strong replacement needs as experienced workers retire1. Learn about the career path and tools you need in our electrician hub here.

  • HVAC HVAC techs work on heating, cooling, and refrigeration in homes, schools, hospitals, and warehouses. Many employers prefer EPA 608 certification for handling refrigerants. Idaho also licenses HVAC apprentices, journeymen, masters, and contractors45. Explore HVAC careers and credentials here.

  • Welding Welding skills apply across fabrication, construction, and energy. Many welders earn AWS process qualifications and may add NCCER credentials to show verified skills6. Short certificate programs can get you job-ready, with advanced classes in pipe, structural, and flux-core. See pathways and certs in our welding guide here.

  • Plumbing Plumbers and pipefitters work on water, gas, waste, and hydronic systems in residential and commercial projects. Idaho uses apprenticeship-to-journeyman licensing with clear experience and exam requirements4. Compare route options in our plumbing career page here.

These trades offer hands-on work, steady demand, and opportunities to specialize. They also allow you to stack credentials as you go, from entry-level helper to licensed journeyman and master17.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Licensing is handled by the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) for construction trades, and by the Barber and Cosmetology Services board for personal services. Here are the typical steps:

  • Electrician (DBS)

    • Register as an electrical apprentice with DBS and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Complete about 4 years and 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training. Classroom instruction through a school or JATC is strongly recommended.
    • Pass the Idaho journeyman electrician exam and apply for your license.
    • Master electrician requires additional journeyman experience and a master exam.
    • Electrical contractors must meet experience and insurance requirements4.

  • HVAC (DBS)

    • Register as an HVAC apprentice and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Accrue required on-the-job hours and related instruction, then apply for the journeyman exam.
    • Master and contractor levels require additional experience, exams, and insurance. Some employers also look for EPA 608 for refrigerant handling45.

  • Plumbing (DBS)

    • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
    • Complete a multi-year apprenticeship with required hours and classroom.
    • Pass the journeyman exam. Master requires additional journeyman experience and an exam4.

  • Welding

    • Idaho does not issue a state welding license. Employers often require process qualifications such as AWS D1.1 or ASME code tests, and many value NCCER credentials for portable skills verification6.

  • Cosmetology and Barbering

    • Complete an approved program. Idaho recognizes accredited schools and licensed training providers.
    • Pass required exams, often the NIC exams, and apply for state licensure through the Barber and Cosmetology Services board8.

Always verify the latest rules, applications, and exam information directly with the state boards before you enroll or schedule tests48.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid classes Many local programs blend online theory with in-person labs. Healthcare, business, and general education courses often run online, while welding, electrical, and HVAC labs remain hands-on.

  • Night and weekend schedules Look for evening cohorts at CWI and flexible sections at private career schools. Apprenticeships typically hold classroom one or two nights per week during the academic year while you work full time.

  • Short industry certifications Add credentials that boost employability:

    • EPA Section 608 for HVAC techs5.
    • NCCER core and craft-level credentials for construction trades6.
    • OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety cards, often bundled with apprenticeship or school labs.
    • First Aid/CPR and confined space training for field roles.

Ask admissions teams about credit for prior learning, military experience, and employer sponsorships. Many Meridian-area contractors sponsor apprentices and pay tuition in exchange for work commitments.

Next Steps

  • Compare Idaho schools and requirements on the state hub: Idaho Trade Schools.
  • Browse all careers and pick your trade: Skilled Trades Hub.
  • Learn how to choose a program, pay for school, and plan your timeline: Guides.
  • Ready to act today? Shortlist two schools above, contact admissions, and ask about upcoming cohorts, placement rates, and certification pass rates.

Start local in Meridian, train with a respected program, and follow Idaho’s licensing steps. The right school plus a clear plan will get you job-ready faster.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. 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), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Building Safety, Licensing and Permits for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing. https://dbs.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. NCCER, Industry-Recognized Construction Credentials. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  7. O*NET OnLine, Career Data and Skills. https://www.onetonline.org/ ↩

  8. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, Barber and Cosmetology Services. https://dopl.idaho.gov/bcb/ ↩ ↩

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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.