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

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 2033[^1].

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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 schedules[^2].

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 potential[^1].
  • 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 work[^1].
  • Typical training: 9–12 month diploma or 2-year associate, plus EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerants[^5].

• Welder

  • Why it’s strong: Manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and construction fabrication in the region. Multi-process skills (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) improve job options[^1].
  • 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 learning[^1].
  • 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 ~8,940[^1]. Local wages vary with experience, certifications, and overtime.

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 Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and its building boards. Always confirm current rules before you apply[^4].

• 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 refrigerants[^5].

• 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

• Compare Idaho trade schools and statewide options: Idaho Trade School Hub
• Explore programs by trade:
  • Electrician: Electrician Careers and Training
  • HVAC: HVAC Training and Licensing
  • Welding: Welding Schools and Certifications
  • Plumbing: Plumbing Schools and Apprenticeships
• Browse all trades: Trades Hub
• Get practical tips on paying for school, apprenticeships, and certifications: Guides
• Start broad, then shortlist local programs near Rexburg–Sugar City here: Trade School Finder

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). [^4]: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Barber & Cosmetology, Massage Therapy licensing. [^5]: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification.

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