Best Trade Schools in Middleton, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Middleton. This guide lists accredited options near Middleton with program length, specialties, and licensing steps in Idaho. You will also find which trades are in demand and flexible training paths for working adults. Data sources include the U.S. Department of Education, ACCSC, and Idaho licensing boards123.

Top Trade Schools in Middleton

These campuses serve Middleton and the Boise–Nampa–Meridian area. All are institutionally accredited or state-recognized, with hands-on programs suited to quick entry into the workforce.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Western Idaho (CWI) — Nampa & Boise 8–12 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS); 4 years (apprenticeships) Public community college. NWCCU accredited. Welding, HVAC, Electrical, Automotive, CNC, Healthcare. Strong employer partnerships and evening options. Apprenticeships in Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing1.
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) 15 weeks (Electrical Lineworker Program) ACCSC accredited. Intensive pre‑apprentice lineworker training with pole-climbing, safety, rigging, and CDL prep. National hiring fairs and utility partnerships2.
Carrington College (Boise) 9–15 months (certificates); 2 years (AAS) ACCJC accredited. Healthcare focus: Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, Vet Assisting. Skills labs and clinical externships1.
Milan Institute (Nampa) 8–12 months ACCET accredited. Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Cosmetology, Esthetics. Small classes and career services1.
Paul Mitchell The School Boise 600–1,600 hours Cosmetology and Esthetics. Student salon services and industry events. NACCAS-recognized program; appears in College Navigator1.
Aveda Institute Boise 600–1,600 hours Cosmetology and Esthiology with salon clinic. Brand network and guest services training. Listed in College Navigator1.
Boise Barber College a d’Mart (Garden City) ~900–1,000 hours Barbering and Instructor training with strong shop practice. Listed in College Navigator1.

Tip: Always confirm program availability and start dates with admissions. Some programs fill fast.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician
    • Steady demand in the Boise metro as housing and light industrial work expand. Electricians benefit from apprenticeship wages while training. Nationally, employment is projected to grow, with solid pay for licensed journeymen4.
  • HVAC/R Technician
    • HVAC techs are needed for residential growth, commercial service, and retrofits. Skills in heat pumps and controls are a plus. Many roles require EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerants45.
  • Welder
    • Fabrication, construction, and maintenance employers in the Treasure Valley hire welders with proven plate and pipe skills. Extra credentials in FCAW/GMAW and blueprint reading help you stand out4.
  • Plumber
    • Plumbing is resilient to economic swings. Apprentices earn while they learn and move into journeyman roles after licensing. Backflow and gas piping add value4.

Local employers often look for grads from CWI for core trades and from NLC for utility linework. Healthcare assistants from Carrington and Milan place well in clinics and dental practices12.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Plan your training around Idaho’s licensing rules. Here are the basics for common trades.

  • Electrician (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses)
    • Register as an apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 4 years (about 8,000 hours) of supervised work plus classroom instruction.
    • Apply and pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • Upgrade to Master after required journeyman experience.
    • Electrical Contractor licensing requires a qualified master and business compliance3.
  • HVAC
    • Register as an HVAC apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete a 4‑year apprenticeship (on‑the‑job + related instruction).
    • Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam.
    • EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant work.
    • HVAC Contractor license available after journeyman experience and business requirements35.
  • Plumbing
    • Register as a Plumbing apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 4 years (about 8,000 hours) plus classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • Plumbing Contractor license requires experience and business compliance3.
  • Barbering and Cosmetology
    • Complete required clock hours in an approved program (cosmetology ~1,600 hours; esthetics ~600; barbering ~900).
    • Pass the required written and practical exams.
    • Apply for Idaho licensure through DOPL’s Barber and Cosmetology Services Board3.
  • General Construction
    • Most construction businesses must register with the Idaho Contractors Board if performing work over state thresholds. This is separate from trade licensing3.

Note: Idaho accepts registered apprenticeship hours and approved school hours toward exam eligibility. Always verify current rules and applications on DOPL before you enroll or test3.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid trade programs
    • CWI blends online theory with on‑campus labs for several workforce certificates. Apprenticeships often hold evening classes to fit work schedules1.
  • Healthcare certificates
    • Carrington and Milan offer some online coursework for theory. Labs and clinicals are in person for skills sign‑off1.
  • Prep and add‑ons
    • EPA 608 exam prep, OSHA 10/30, and basic electrical theory can be completed online. Use reputable providers and take proctored exams when required5.
  • Fully online cautions
    • Hands‑on trades like welding, HVAC, and electrical require live labs and supervised hours. Treat any “100% online” promise with skepticism for these fields.

If you need maximum flexibility, talk to admissions about evening sections, accelerated cohorts, and credit for prior learning.

Next Steps

Have questions about licensing or picking a program near Middleton? Start with two or three schools from the list above. Tour the labs, ask about schedules, and confirm how they help you log the hours you need for Idaho licensure.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator profiles for Boise-area campuses: College of Western Idaho; Carrington College–Boise; Milan Institute–Nampa; Paul Mitchell The School Boise; Aveda Institute Boise; Boise Barber College a d’Mart https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory listing for Northwest Lineman College https://www.accsc.org ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Barber & Cosmetology, and Contractors Board licensing rules and applications https://dopl.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and employment data for Electricians, HVAC/R Technicians, Welders, and Plumbers (national and state) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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

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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.