Best Trade Schools in Pocatello, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Pocatello. This guide shows accredited programs, how Idaho licensing works, and which skilled trades are hiring. Use it to pick a program and plan your next step. Idaho employers continue to add jobs in the skilled trades, and pay is competitive for workers with credentials and experience[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Pocatello

These accredited options serve Pocatello and nearby cities. Program lists are examples. Always confirm current offerings with the school[^2].

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• New construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects keep demand steady in Idaho. A state journeyman license is required for most jobs. BLS data shows solid employment and pay growth for electricians statewide[^1]. Learn training paths and salaries here: Electrician.

HVAC/R Technician

• HVAC pros handle heating, cooling, and refrigeration in homes, hospitals, schools, and plants. EPA Section 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants. Idaho demand is strong and year-round due to service and retrofit work[^1]. Explore training and licensing: HVAC.

Welder

• Welders support manufacturing, fabrication, and energy. Employers look for process proficiency (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW) and test-based certifications. Pay rises with code certifications and specialty materials. See career paths and certs: Welding.

Plumber

• Plumbing systems, gas piping, and hydronics require licensed tradespeople. Idaho’s apprenticeship-to-journeyman path is clear and in demand across residential and commercial work[^1]. Compare training routes: Plumbing.

Many Idaho trades offer median pay from the mid-0,000s to the low-0,000s, with higher earnings for licensed journeymen, overtime, and remote or industrial projects[^1].

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Idaho) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licensing is administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Below are common pathways and steps. Always verify current rules before you enroll or test[^4].

Electrician

• Register as an apprentice with DOPL and an approved training provider.
• Complete 4 years/8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus classroom instruction.
• Pass the Idaho Journeyman Electrician exam.
• Upgrade to Master after additional experience and exam[^4].

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

• Register as an HVAC apprentice.
• Complete required on-the-job experience and related instruction. Most candidates log about 4 years before testing.
• Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman exam.
• Contractor licensing requires additional experience, business insurance, and a separate license.
• EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^4][^6].

Plumbing

• Register as a plumbing apprentice.
• Complete 4 years/8,000 hours OJT and classroom hours with an approved provider.
• Pass the Idaho Journeyman Plumber exam.
• Master and contractor levels require additional experience and testing[^4].

Cosmetology/Barbering

• Graduate from an approved program and meet Idaho’s training-hour or competency requirements.
• Pass the state practical and written exams for licensure through Barber and Cosmetology Services[^5].

Welding

• Idaho does not issue a general welding license. Employers and job sites require process-specific certifications (for example, AWS code tests) and procedure qualifications. Additional credentials may be required for structural or pressure work.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

• Get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), then pass the skills test and endorsements with the Idaho Transportation Department[^7].

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning: Many trade programs in Idaho deliver theory online and hands-on labs on campus. This is common for HVAC, electrical apprenticeship classroom, and healthcare basics.
• Short-term certificates: ISU CEWT offers accelerated options like CDL, OSHA, EPA 608 exam prep, and EMT that fit around work schedules.
• Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn. Classroom may be one or two evenings per week during the school year. Related training often stacks into college credit at ISU or CEI.
• Exam prep: Online prep for EPA 608, NCCER modules, and code-based tests can help you test sooner and increase your hiring chances[^6].

If you need maximum flexibility, ask each school about night sections, weekend labs, and hybrid delivery. Seats can fill fast in high-demand labs.

Next Steps

• Compare more schools and programs in our state hub: Idaho Trade Schools.
• Explore all trades, salaries, and certifications: Skilled Trades Hub.
• Get planning help, funding ideas, and career tips: Guides.
• Browse national options and how to choose a program: Trade School Directory.

Talk to admissions, tour the labs, and confirm program start dates. Ask about employer partners and job placement. Then apply early for the next cohort and get on the list for apprenticeships.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and Occupational Outlook data for Idaho: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional accreditation and program listings): https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions: https://www.accsc.org/Directory-of-Schools/ [^4]: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), Boards and Licensing: https://dopl.idaho.gov/boards/ [^5]: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services (DOPL): https://dopl.idaho.gov/boards/ibcos/ [^6]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification: https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^7]: Idaho Transportation Department, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/cdl/

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