Best Trade Schools in Mountain Home, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Mountain Home. Use this guide to compare accredited programs near you, see program lengths and specialties, and understand Idaho licensing. Skilled trades like electrician, HVAC, welding, and plumbing remain in demand with solid pay and steady job growth1.

Top Trade Schools in Mountain Home

Most hands-on programs are in the Boise metro or Twin Falls, an easy drive from Mountain Home. All schools below are accredited institutions listed in U.S. Department of Education resources2. Specialized career schools note their national accreditation where applicable3.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Western Idaho (Nampa/Boise) Certificate: 9–12 months; AAS: 2 years; Apprenticeship RTI: 4 years (part-time evenings) Public community college. Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing apprenticeship classroom training; Welding and Metals Fabrication; Automotive and Diesel with ASE-aligned labs; CDL and healthcare certificates. NWCCU accredited. Strong employer ties in the Treasure Valley.
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) 15 weeks Focused power lineworker training with pole-climbing, rigging, transformer basics, and safety. Industry certifications like OSHA-10 and First Aid included. Career placement support nationwide. ACCSC accredited3.
College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls) Certificate: 9–12 months; AAS: 2 years HVAC/R Technology, Welding, Diesel, Automotive, and Building Trades. Apprenticeship and workforce training options. NWCCU accredited. Hands-on labs and industry-recognized credentials.
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Pocatello) 10–24 months; Apprenticeship RTI: 4 years Welding, HVAC, Automotive, Diesel, Machining, and Electrical apprenticeship classes. NWCCU accredited. Well-equipped labs and strong placement support across Idaho.
Carrington College (Boise) 9–12 months (program dependent) Allied health career certificates such as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Pharmacy Technology with externships. Institutionally accredited; see College Navigator2. Day and evening scheduling available.
Milan Institute (Boise) 6–12 months Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Massage Therapy programs that prepare for Idaho licensing exams. Institutionally accredited; see College Navigator2. Frequent start dates.
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) 9–24 months; Apprenticeship RTI: 4 years Welding, Electrical Apprenticeship, HVAC, CNC Machining, and CNA. NWCCU accredited. Flexible workforce training for working adults.

Tip: If you plan to work while you train, look for “apprenticeship RTI” (related training instruction) or evening cohorts at College of Western Idaho or College of Southern Idaho.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industry. Many start as paid apprentices while completing evening classes. National median pay is strong, and demand remains steady across construction and maintenance1. Learn more: Electrician career path.

  • HVAC/R Technician HVAC technicians service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Work is year-round in Idaho’s hot summers and cold winters. Modern systems require comfort with electrical controls and refrigerants. National job outlook is steady with solid median wages1. Explore training and licensing: HVAC.

  • Welder and Fabricator Welders work in fabrication shops, construction, manufacturing, and energy. You can train fast, then build experience and certs on specific processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW). National demand spans many industries, with opportunities to specialize for higher pay1. Start here: Welding.

  • Plumber Plumbers install and repair piping systems, fixtures, and gas lines. Apprenticeships offer paid training and benefits as you log hours toward journeyman. Wages and outlook are strong nationwide1. See steps and programs: Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licenses electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work at the state level through the Division of Building Safety (DBS). Plan your pathway before enrolling to make sure your training aligns with requirements4.

  • Electrician (DBS)

    • Register as an Electrical Apprentice with DBS and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Complete 4 years of apprenticeship (typically 8,000 hours OJT) plus approved classroom training.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • For Electrical Contractor: hold a journeyman license, meet required experience as a supervising journeyman, pass the contractor exam, and provide required bond/insurance.

  • Plumber (DBS)

    • Register as a Plumbing Apprentice with DBS.
    • Complete 4 years of apprenticeship (about 8,000 hours) and related instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
    • For Plumbing Contractor: meet experience requirements as a journeyman, pass the contractor exam, and provide bond/insurance.

  • HVAC (DBS)

    • Register as an HVAC Apprentice with DBS.
    • Complete an approved HVAC apprenticeship program (commonly 4 years with OJT and classroom hours).
    • Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam.
    • For HVAC Contractor: meet journeyman experience requirements, pass the contractor exam, and provide bond/insurance.
    • Note: Some limited or specialty HVAC licenses exist. Confirm the correct license for the scope of work with DBS.

  • Welding

    • No state license is required in Idaho for general welding.
    • Employers and job sites may require process-specific certifications and weld tests. Many programs prepare you for common industry credentials.

Helpful tip: If your goal is journeyman status, choose a program that is part of a registered apprenticeship or offers direct entry to one. Colleges like CWI, CSI, and CEI provide the classroom piece that pairs with employer-sponsored on-the-job training.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid classroom for apprenticeships: Colleges in Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls often schedule apprenticeship classes in the evening so you can work full-time. Some lecture content may be delivered online with labs on campus.
  • Short upskilling courses: OSHA-10/30, blueprint reading, basic electricity, brazing, and refrigerant handling theory are often available in accelerated or online formats through college workforce divisions.
  • Health and beauty programs: Allied health and cosmetology schools in Boise may offer day, evening, or blended schedules with externships for hands-on experience.
  • Test prep and CE: Journeyman exam prep and continuing education can be taken online through approved providers. Always confirm Idaho acceptance before enrolling4.

Next Steps

If you are ready to visit campuses, start with College of Western Idaho for core trades near Mountain Home, and Northwest Lineman College for linework. Ask each school about apprenticeship connections, evening schedules, certifications earned, and job placement support.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook profiles for Electricians, HVAC/R Technicians, Plumbers, and 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 – Northwest Lineman College. https://www.accsc.org/ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS), Licensing for Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. https://dbs.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.