Best Trade Schools in Star, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Star. This page compares accredited trade programs near Star, Idaho, and explains local licensing. Use it to choose a program that leads to a job in 6–24 months. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain in steady demand in Idaho and nationwide[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Star

Below are accredited options within a short drive of Star. Program lengths are typical ranges; your timeline depends on schedule and specialization.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Reliable work across residential, commercial, solar, and industrial projects. National employment is projected to grow, and median wages remain strong[^1]. Apprenticeships in the Boise metro help you earn while you train.

• HVAC Technician

  • Growth is driven by new construction and energy-efficient retrofits. EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants, and many Idaho programs include exam prep[^1][^5].

• Welder

  • Employers in fabrication, construction, and manufacturing hire welders with process skills (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW). Certifications through AWS or ASME help you stand out. Steady national demand with opportunities to upskill into pipe or structural specialties[^1].

• Plumber

  • New building and maintenance work keep plumbing steady. Apprenticeship leads to journeyman licensing in Idaho. Backflow, medical gas, and hydronic specialties can increase pay[^1].

Note: National median pay (BLS, May 2023) is solid across these trades, and many roles allow overtime or project-based premiums[^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 regulates several construction trades through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Below are common pathways. Always verify current rules before you apply[^4].

• Electrician (Idaho Electrical Board)

  • Register as an apprentice with DOPL.
  • Complete about 8,000 hours of documented on‑the‑job training plus related classroom instruction (typically 4 years).
  • Apply for and pass the Idaho journeyman electrician exam.
  • Maintain license and continuing education as required[^4].

• HVAC (Idaho HVAC Board)

  • Register as an HVAC apprentice.
  • Accumulate required on‑the‑job hours and related training (commonly 4 years for full HVAC journeyman; specialty categories have different hour requirements).
  • Pass the appropriate journeyman or specialty exam.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling (federal)[^4][^5].

• Plumbing (Idaho Plumbing Board)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice.
  • Complete roughly 8,000 hours of supervised work and related instruction (about 4 years).
  • Apply for the journeyman plumber exam and pass.
  • Keep license current per state CE and renewal rules[^4].

• Welding

  • Idaho does not issue a general “welder” license. Employers and specific work scopes may require industry credentials such as AWS D1.1 (structural) or ASME Section IX (pipe/pressure). Boiler/pressure vessel work may require approvals through the state boilers program. Confirm requirements with your employer or the authority having jurisdiction[^4].

Helpful tip: Many schools listed above embed apprenticeship or certification prep so you can meet Idaho’s requirements on the first try.

Online & Flexible Options

If you need to balance work and training, consider these flexible pathways near Star:

• Hybrid programs at community colleges and career schools. Many lecture components (safety, codes, theory) run online, with labs scheduled on campus in the evenings or weekends.
• Registered apprenticeships. You earn a paycheck while completing required classroom hours, often one to two evenings per week during the school year.
• Short courses and credentials online. OSHA-10/30, construction math, blueprint reading, and EPA 608 exam prep can be completed online; hands-on or proctored exams may be in person[^5].
• Healthcare support roles. Medical assisting, dental assisting, and EMT programs often offer blended schedules and multiple start dates throughout the year[^2].

Ask each school about:

• Evening/weekend cohorts
• Part-time tracks
• Prior learning credit
• Military and veteran benefits
• Employer partnerships and placement

Next Steps

• Compare all Idaho options: Idaho Trade School Hub
• Explore trades and career paths: Skilled Trades Hub
• Learn how apprenticeships work: Guides
• Dive deeper by trade:
  • Electrician: Training and licensing overview
  • HVAC: Career, certifications, and EPA 608
  • Plumbing: Programs and licensing steps
  • Welding: Schools and certifications
• Ready to start local? Contact two or three schools above, ask about upcoming start dates, and schedule a campus visit. If you plan to license, review the DOPL application and exam windows so your training aligns with the testing calendar[^4].

Footnotes:

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and wage data for Electricians, HVAC/R Technicians, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator — program and campus listings for Idaho institutions. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) — accredited school directory (e.g., Northwest Lineman College, Milan Institute). https://www.accsc.org/ [^4]: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC). https://dopl.idaho.gov/ [^5]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608

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