Best Trade Schools in Rexburg–Sugar City, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Rexburg–Sugar City. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, understand Idaho licensing, and see which trades are hiring now. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers are in steady demand across Idaho, with solid wages and growth through 20331.

Top Trade Schools in Rexburg–Sugar City

All schools below are accredited or state-recognized and serve students in the Rexburg–Sugar City area. Program lengths are typical ranges; check each school for start dates and schedules2.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) 9–24 months (certificate/associate) Public, NWCCU-accredited. Welding, HVAC, Electrical Apprenticeship, Automotive, CNC Machining, Medical Assisting, CNA. Day/evening and workforce short courses. Strong regional employer ties2.
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Pocatello) 1–2 years Public, NWCCU-accredited. Diesel, Welding, HVAC, Machining, Automotive, Electrical, Plumbing, Heavy Equipment. Apprenticeship pathways and labs built for hands-on learning2.
Paul Mitchell The School Rexburg (Rexburg) 9–12 months NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology and Esthetics-focused training, salon-floor experience, community clinics, state board prep. Flexible schedules common2.
Evans Hairstyling College – Rexburg (Rexburg) 10–12 months NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology with strong practical hours, client clinics, NIC exam preparation, local salon placement support2.
Austin Kade Academy (Idaho Falls) 6–12 months NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Barbering. Modern salon environment and business skills integrated2.

Tip: If you want a union apprenticeship in electrical or plumbing, check local JATC programs in Eastern Idaho. Registered apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and they meet Idaho licensing requirements.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Why it’s strong: New housing, data centers, solar, and industrial maintenance keep demand steady. Electricians have one of the highest skilled-trade wage ceilings with overtime potential1.
    • Typical training: 4-year apprenticeship or a pre-apprenticeship certificate that helps you place with a contractor. Idaho licenses at Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels.

  • HVAC Technician

    • Why it’s strong: Year-round service demand in Eastern Idaho’s cold winters and warm summers. Heat pump retrofits and refrigerant changes add work1.
    • Typical training: 9–12 month diploma or 2-year associate, plus EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerants3.

  • Welder

    • Why it’s strong: Manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and construction fabrication in the region. Multi-process skills (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) improve job options1.
    • Typical training: 6–12 month certificate, then AWS certifications by process and material.

  • Plumber

    • Why it’s strong: Residential growth around Rexburg–Sugar City, service/repair demand, and commercial projects. Apprentices earn while learning1.
    • Typical training: 4-year apprenticeship leading to journeyman licensure.

Median annual wages (national, May 2023): Electricians ~1,590; HVAC ~7,300; Plumbers ~1,550; Welders ~8,9401. Local wages vary with experience, certifications, and overtime.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licensing is administered by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and its building boards. Always confirm current rules before you apply4.

  • Electricians (Idaho Electrical Board)

    • Register as an apprentice and work under a licensed electrical contractor.
    • Complete 4 years (typically 8,000 hours) of supervised experience plus related classroom training.
    • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam; apply for journeyman license.
    • Master electrician requires qualifying journeyman experience and passing the master exam.
    • Electrical contractor licensing requires experience, business registration, insurance, and exam.

  • HVAC (Idaho HVAC Board)

    • Apprentice registration under a licensed HVAC contractor.
    • Complete 4 years of supervised experience and related training.
    • Pass the journeyman exam; apply for journeyman license.
    • Contractor license requires qualifying experience, insurance, and exam.
    • EPA Section 608 certification is required if you handle refrigerants3.

  • Plumbing (Idaho Plumbing Board)

    • Apprentice registration with a licensed plumbing contractor.
    • Complete 4 years (approx. 8,000 hours) of supervised experience and classroom training.
    • Pass the journeyman exam; master license requires additional journeyman experience and exam.

  • Cosmetology/Barbering (Barber and Cosmetology Services, Idaho)

    • Complete state-approved training (typical: 1,600 hours cosmetology; barbering and esthetics hour requirements vary).
    • Pass required NIC exams; apply for state license through DOPL.

  • Massage Therapy (Idaho Board of Massage Therapy)

    • Complete at least 500 hours from an approved school.
    • Pass MBLEx and apply for licensure with DOPL.

  • Welding

    • No state license. Employers often require AWS certifications (e.g., D1.1 structural) aligned to job duties. Training offered at CEI and ISU helps you prepare.

  • Commercial Driving (CDL)

    • Complete FMCSA-compliant ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider.
    • Pass Idaho CDL knowledge and skills tests. Endorsements require extra training and exams.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid programs: CEI and ISU use a mix of classroom, lab, and online coursework for general education and theory classes. Hands-on labs still occur in person.
  • Accelerated schedules: Cosmetology and esthetics schools in Rexburg and Idaho Falls often offer day, evening, or part-time cohorts to fit work schedules.
  • Pre-apprenticeship and exam prep: Short online modules can help you prepare for apprenticeship placement tests, the Idaho journeyman exam, or EPA 608.
  • Employer-sponsored learning: Many contractors in Eastern Idaho hire entry-level helpers and sponsor apprenticeship classroom hours while you earn.

If you plan to study online, confirm that any required labs, clinicals, or ride-alongs can be completed locally, and that the program meets Idaho licensing standards.

Next Steps

Have questions about Idaho licensing or which program fits your goals? Start with the state hub above, then contact your top 2–3 schools to compare program length, schedule, accreditation, and placement support.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook and May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institutional profiles for listed schools (accreditation and programs). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification. ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Barber & Cosmetology, Massage Therapy licensing. ↩

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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.