Best Trade Schools in Nampa, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Nampa. Use this list to compare accredited programs, pick the right trade, and understand Idaho licensing. Skilled trades like electrician, HVAC, welding, and plumbing are in steady demand and offer good wages1.

Top Trade Schools in Nampa

School Program Length Highlights
College of Western Idaho (Nampa) Certificates 6–12 months; AAS 2 years; Apprenticeships ~4 years Public community college. Hands-on labs for welding, HVAC, machining, and automotive. Day/evening schedules. Registered apprenticeship classroom training (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). College Navigator lists CWI as an accredited institution2.
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) Electrical Lineworker Program ~15 weeks ACCSC-accredited career school with large outdoor training yards and industry hiring events3. Focus on linework safety, climbing, rigging, and distribution systems.
Carrington College – Boise Diplomas 9–12 months; AAS up to 2 years Accredited college with labs and externships. Popular tracks include Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Pharmacy Technology2.
Paul Mitchell The School Boise Cosmetology ~10–12 months (full time) NACCAS-accredited cosmetology program with salon-floor experience and Idaho board preparation2.
Aveda Institute Boise Cosmetology ~12 months; Esthetics ~6 months NACCAS-accredited beauty school with clinic floor training and career services2.
Milan Institute – Boise Esthetician, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting ~6–12 months Nationally accredited (ACCET). Hands-on clinics and flexible schedules2.
Idaho Medical Academy – Meridian EMT 8–16 weeks; CNA 6–8 weeks State-approved EMS and nurse aide training with weekday or evening options. Graduates test for Idaho credentialing through the state4.
160 Driving Academy – Boise Class A CDL 4–6 weeks (typical) FMCSA-registered ELDT provider. Classroom and behind-the-wheel training geared to Idaho CDL testing5.

Tip: Always confirm start dates, program length, and approvals with the school. For private career schools, verify accreditation or state approval. For public colleges, use College Navigator2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Work on residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Many projects in the Treasure Valley need licensed electricians. National median pay is around the low 0,000s per year, with strong opportunities for overtime1. See training paths and licensing steps on our electrician page: Electrician.

HVAC

  • Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, cooling, and refrigeration. Technicians who earn EPA Section 608 and build strong diagnostic skills advance faster6. National median pay sits in the mid-to-upper 0,000s1. Learn more here: HVAC.

Welding

  • Fabrication, pipe welding, structural steel, and repair are common in construction and manufacturing. Employers value process skills (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW) and portable credentials like NCCER7. National median pay is near the upper 0,000s1. Explore training options: Welding.

Plumbing

  • Install and service water, waste, gas, and hydronic systems. Licensed plumbers remain essential in residential and commercial builds. National median pay is in the low 0,000s1. Start planning your pathway: Plumbing.

CDL/Trucking

  • Regional and local routes around the Boise–Nampa corridor keep CDL drivers busy. Entry can be fast with focused ELDT training and road practice. See the steps: CDL.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Building Safety)

  • Register as an electrical apprentice with Idaho DBS. Complete a 4-year apprenticeship with on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
  • Apply for the Idaho journeyman exam and pass it.
  • After experience as a journeyman, apply for master.
  • Contractor licensing is required to run a business and pull permits8.

HVAC (Idaho Division of Building Safety)

  • Register as an HVAC apprentice. Complete required on-the-job hours and classroom instruction through an approved program.
  • Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam.
  • Contractor licensing requires proof of experience, bonding, and insurance8.

Plumber (Idaho Division of Building Safety)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice. Complete a 4-year apprenticeship with classroom instruction.
  • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam.
  • Contractor licensing requires additional qualifications, bond, and insurance8.

Cosmetology/Barber/Esthetics (Idaho DOPL)

  • Complete an approved program: typically 1,600 hours for cosmetology, 900 for barbering, and 600 for esthetics.
  • Pass the required exams recognized by Idaho’s Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board.
  • Apply for licensure with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses9.

Welding

  • Idaho does not issue a state welding license.
  • Many employers require industry credentials such as NCCER performance verifications or specific procedure qualifications. Check job postings and local codes7.

EMT/CNA (Idaho Department of Health and Welfare)

  • EMT: Complete a state-approved course and the required certification exam. Apply for Idaho EMS licensure through the state.
  • CNA: Complete a state-approved nurse aide program and pass the state competency exam to be listed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry4.

CDL (Idaho Transportation Department)

  • Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit, complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (theory and BTW), pass the CDL skills test, and maintain a valid DOT medical card. Endorsements (like HazMat) require extra steps and background checks5.

HVAC Refrigerant Handling

  • Technicians who service or purchase controlled refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Most HVAC programs prepare you for this credential6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • College of Western Idaho offers flexible scheduling for many CTE and apprenticeship-related classes, with some online theory and hybrid labs.
  • Allied health and cosmetology schools in the Boise–Nampa area commonly offer day or evening cohorts to match work schedules.
  • CDL programs run frequent short-start classes with weekday or weekend options.
  • If you need a fully online start, many schools provide online admissions steps, orientation, and theory modules before lab or clinical days.

If you are comparing formats, ask: Which classes are online vs. in-person? How often are labs? What are the clinical or ride-along requirements? Match the schedule to your work and family needs.

Next Steps

Shortlist 2–3 schools, tour the labs, and confirm start dates. Ask each school about licensure pass rates, employer partners, and evening or weekend options. When you are ready, apply early to save your seat.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 (Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers/Pipefitters, Welders). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institution profiles for CWI, Carrington College–Boise, Paul Mitchell The School Boise, Aveda Institute Boise, Milan Institute–Boise). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) directory listing for Northwest Lineman College. ↩

  4. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Bureau of EMS and Preparedness; Idaho Nurse Aide Registry requirements. ↩ ↩

  5. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) – Commercial Driver’s License requirements and testing. ↩ ↩

  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Section 608 Technician Certification for refrigerant handling. ↩ ↩

  7. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) – welding and construction craft credentials. ↩ ↩

  8. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) – Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing requirements and exams. ↩ ↩ ↩

  9. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) – Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board requirements. ↩

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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.