Best Trade Schools in Payette, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Payette. This guide focuses on accredited programs in and around Payette with fast training, strong placement, and clear licensing paths. Trades like electrical, HVAC, welding, and plumbing remain in steady demand in Idaho and nationwide1.

Top Trade Schools in Payette

These options are within about 10–45 minutes of Payette and reflect current accreditation and program offerings23.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Western Idaho (Nampa/Boise) 9–24 months for most certificates; 2 years for AAS Public community college (NWCCU). Welding, HVAC, Machine Tool, Automotive, Diesel, Heavy Equipment, and apprenticeship-related instruction for electrician and plumbing. Strong employer ties in the Treasure Valley2.
Northwest Lineman College (Meridian) 15 weeks (Electrical Lineworker Program) ACCSC-accredited career school. Hands-on pole yard training, CDL prep, climbing and safety certifications. High placement in utility and line construction roles3.
Treasure Valley Community College (Ontario, OR) 9–24 months for most certificates; 2 years for AAS Public community college (NWCCU). Close to Payette. Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Agriculture/Heavy Equipment-related CTE. Small class sizes and modern labs2.
Carrington College – Boise 9–12 months for most diplomas Institutionally accredited (ACCJC/WASC). Allied health trades such as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology. Blended learning and externships2.
Milan Institute – Boise About 6–12 months Nationally accredited (ACCET). Programs often include Medical Assisting, Dental Assistant, Massage Therapy, and similar short-term vocational training2.
Paul Mitchell The School – Boise (Nampa) ~10–12 months (Cosmetology) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology and related personal services trades. State board prep and strong salon network for placement2.
Idaho Electrical JATC (Meridian) 4–5 years (Registered Apprenticeship) Earn-while-you-learn pathway for inside wireman electricians. Paid OJT with classroom instruction. State- and federally registered apprenticeship leading to journeyman licensure eligibility (Idaho DOPL)4.
CWI Workforce Development – Truck Driving (Caldwell/Nampa) 4–8 weeks (Class A CDL) CDL training with modern equipment and local carrier connections. Meets ELDT requirements; prep for Idaho CDL testing25.

Tip: Always confirm current program offerings, start dates, and accreditation on each school’s website and through College Navigator or the accrediting agency23.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians power homes, farms, and industry across the Treasure Valley. The BLS projects steady growth, with strong wages and overtime potential1. Local apprenticeships and CWI’s related instruction make it realistic to go from helper to licensed journeyman in four years.

  • HVAC/R Technician Heating and cooling is essential in Idaho’s hot summers and cold winters. Technicians who hold EPA 608 and Idaho HVAC licenses are competitive for residential and light commercial service roles. The BLS shows consistent national demand driven by replacement and retrofit work1.

  • Welding and Fabrication Welders support agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, construction, and utilities throughout the valley. Schools like CWI and TVCC offer MIG, TIG, stick, and fabrication training aligned with industry needs. BLS notes solid opportunities for welders with certifications and multi-process skill1.

  • Plumbing Plumbers remain in short supply. New housing, commercial build-outs, and infrastructure work sustain demand. Idaho’s journeyman license and contractor path offer predictable career steps and business ownership potential41.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licenses most construction trades through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Here are the basic steps for common fields46:

  • Electrician (Inside Wireman)

    • Register as an apprentice with Idaho DOPL and an approved sponsor.
    • Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised OJT plus approved classroom training.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
    • Optional: After journeyman experience, pursue Master and/or Electrical Contractor licensing4.

  • HVAC

    • Register as an HVAC apprentice and work under a licensed contractor.
    • Complete about 4 years of supervised OJT and related instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam. Contractor licensing requires additional experience and business requirements4.
    • Required for refrigerants: EPA Section 608 certification (Core + Type I/II/III as needed)6.

  • Plumbing

    • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
    • Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of OJT and classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam. Contractor licensing requires journeyman experience and business qualifications4.

  • CDL (Truck Driving)

    • Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), pass skills testing, and meet FMCSA medical requirements through the Idaho Transportation Department5.

  • Cosmetology/Barbering

    • Complete a state-approved program, pass written and practical exams, and apply to the state board for licensure. Schools like Paul Mitchell prepare you for Idaho exams2.

Note: Welding does not have a statewide license, but employers prefer certifications such as AWS D1.1 structural steel and process-specific quals. Schools can help you test for these.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid and evening schedules: CWI and local apprenticeships often offer evening or hybrid classes so you can work during the day. Related instruction for electrician, HVAC, and plumbing may mix online theory with on-campus labs2.
  • Short certs you can stack: OSHA 10/30, CPR/First Aid, flagger, forklift, confined space, and EPA 608 are commonly offered in short formats through workforce divisions and help your resume.
  • Allied health flexibility: Carrington and Milan often use blended course delivery for classroom theory with in-person labs and clinicals, allowing faster completion for adult learners2.
  • Self-paced exam prep: Many programs give you access to online practice tests for journeyman exams, CDL permit prep, and EPA 608 so you can study on your schedule.

If you need a fully online program, focus on the academic or theory portions of your trade and plan to complete required labs or clinicals in person. Idaho boards require hands-on competencies for licensure in fields like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing4.

Next Steps

  • Compare all Idaho options: Visit the Idaho state hub for more schools and statewide licensing info: Idaho Trade Schools.
  • Explore trades and career paths: See training timelines, certifications, and salaries at our Trades Hub.
  • Go deeper by trade:
  • New to this? Read step-by-step guides and planning tips in our Guides.

You’re in a strong location for hands-on careers. Start with two or three schools from the list, ask about upcoming start dates, placement rates, and how they help you meet Idaho licensing requirements.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC/R, Plumbers, Welders). bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional profiles and accreditation). nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) – Accredited School Directory (e.g., Northwest Lineman College). accsc.org ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing licensing and apprenticeships). dopl.idaho.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. Idaho Transportation Department – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements and testing. itd.idaho.gov ↩ ↩

  6. U.S. EPA – Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerant handling). 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.