Best Trade Schools in Twin Falls, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Here are the best schools in Twin Falls. This guide compares accredited training options, highlights in-demand trades, and explains Idaho licensing so you can enroll with confidence. Programs below prepare you for local apprenticeships and entry-level jobs with steady demand1.

Top Trade Schools in Twin Falls

The schools listed are accredited or state-recognized career training providers. Always confirm current accreditation and program availability on College Navigator before you apply2.

School Program Length Highlights
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) – Twin Falls Certificates: 1 year; AAS: 2 years; Short-term: 4–16 weeks Public, regionally accredited. Welding, HVAC/R, Automotive, Diesel, Electrical Apprenticeship RTI, CNC/Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, CNA, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Dental Assisting, Fire Science, CDL (workforce). Strong employer ties2.
CSI Workforce Development & Training – Twin Falls 4–16 weeks typical Fast, hands-on training. CDL Class A, Welding (SMAW/GMAW), Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Level 1, OSHA 10/30, Basic HVAC/R, Forklift. Offers related training instruction (RTI) for apprenticeships2.
Academy of Cosmetology – Twin Falls Cosmetology: ~12–14 months; Esthetics/Nails: ~4–6 months NACCAS-accredited career school. Salon floor experience, guest services, state board prep for Idaho cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technician licenses2.
Milan Institute – Twin Falls 9–12 months typical Career-focused training. Common offerings include Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Massage Therapy with externships. Nationally accredited; check the Twin Falls catalog for current programs2.
Idaho State University College of Technology – Pocatello (serves Magic Valley) 10 months–2 years Welding, Automotive, Diesel, HVAC, Machining, Instrumentation, Practical Nursing. Pathways that pair well with apprenticeships and industry certs. Public, regionally accredited2.
Northwest Lineman College – Meridian 15 weeks Electrical Lineworker Program. Pole climbing, rigging, transformers, safety, CDL prep. Strong placement with utilities and contractors; NCCER-aligned curriculum1.
Statewide Registered Apprenticeships (Electrician, Plumbing, HVAC) 3–5 years Earn while you learn. Paid on-the-job training plus classroom (often evenings/weekends through colleges or JATCs). Leads to Idaho journeyman licensing exams1.

Tip: Many Twin Falls students mix CSI credit programs with short workforce classes to speed up job readiness. If you plan to pursue a journeyman license, ask admissions about “apprenticeship RTI” options that satisfy Idaho’s classroom hour requirements.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, farms, food processing, dairies, and commercial sites across the Magic Valley. Demand is steady due to growth and replacement needs1. Start in an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship, then sit for the Idaho journeyman exam.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • HVAC/R techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Food processing, cold storage, and dairies in the region keep year-round demand strong. EPA 608 certification is required for refrigerant work3. Many techs train at CSI and enter local apprenticeships or technician roles.

  • Welder/Fabricator

    • Welders support manufacturing, ag equipment, and construction. Entry-level roles start with structural welding skills; higher wages follow with AWS or ASME certifications and pipe or industrial experience. Short welding bootcamps can help you test for certifications faster1.

  • Plumber

    • Plumbers build and service water, drain, and gas systems. Most train through a 4-year apprenticeship that combines paid hours with classroom instruction. After meeting Idaho’s requirements, you can test for journeyman and later contractor licenses4.

Explore trades by role: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing, or see the full Trades Hub.

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Idaho licensing is administered by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Always verify current rules before applying4.

  • Electrical (Apprentice → Journeyman → Master/Contractor)

    • Register as an apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented work under a licensed contractor plus approved classroom hours.
    • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam. Master and contractor licenses require added experience and exams4.

  • Plumbing (Apprentice → Journeyman → Contractor)

    • Register as an apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) OJT plus required classroom instruction.
    • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam. Contractor licensing requires journeyman status, experience, and business requirements4.

  • HVAC (Apprentice → Journeyman → Contractor)

    • Register as an HVAC apprentice with DOPL.
    • Complete 4 years of supervised experience and classroom training.
    • Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman exam, then pursue contractor licensing if you plan to run a business4.

  • Refrigeration handling (HVAC/R)

    • EPA Section 608 certification required for anyone who services or disposes of equipment containing refrigerants3.

  • Welding

    • No state license. Employers often require AWS D1.1 structural, ASME Section IX pipe, or similar performance qualifications depending on the job. Schools and test facilities in Idaho can help you certify to the procedure your employer needs1.

Online & Flexible Options

  • CSI blends online theory with on-campus labs for many CTE programs. General education courses for AAS degrees are widely available online2.
  • Workforce courses at CSI often run evenings or weekends, and some offer hybrid formats for safety and theory content.
  • Medical assisting, dental assisting, and massage programs at private career schools may offer blended delivery. Confirm lab/externship schedules before enrolling2.
  • Apprenticeships pair full-time paid work with evening classroom hours. Ask about accepted online RTI modules where available4.
  • For self-paced skill building, look for NCCER-aligned content or OSHA outreach training that can be completed partially online before lab or proctored assessments1.

Next Steps

If you plan to work as an electrician, plumber, or HVAC journeyman, map your path to licensure first. Then pick a Twin Falls program that satisfies Idaho’s classroom requirements and helps you earn the certifications employers request.

Footnotes

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institution search and accreditors). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

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

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.

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.