Top 10 Trade Schools in Idaho

Idaho offers some of the top trade schools in the United States. Healthcare, trucking and transportation, aviation, and computer & informational technology are some of the fastest-growing industries in the state. These provide promising careers to those seeking trade jobs. Vocational schools in the state prepare students to enter the workforce in these industries by developing the proper skills and expertise to become sought-after employees.

Some schools even provide personalized training to help you excel in your field. However, choosing the right school that suits your needs and gets you prepared and stand out for your employers is essential. Read on to find out some of the best trade schools in Idaho that will help you make the right choice and progress in the journey toward a rewarding career.

Best Trade Schools in Idaho

The training, certificates, and degrees that Idaho’s trade schools provide students with a wealth of chances for progress. HVAC technicians, welding, truck driver, and mechanics are among the available skilled trade programs. Programs for a career in medicine include those in medical administration, medical assisting, and dental assisting.

1. Phlebotomy Training Specialists

Established in 1993, the Phlebotomy Training Specialists offer hand-on-training in phlebotomy to help students to develop the right skills to become marketable. It is one of the largest independent phlebotomy training programs in the country. The school has a high national exam pass rate for its programs. By enrolling in the phlebotomy program, you can become a certified phlebotomist in 32 to 80 hours.

By hiring instructors with a wide range of professional phlebotomy expertise, PTS focuses especially on providing students with knowledge from the real world. To make the course accessible to everyone and every schedule, they provide flexible timetables and hold lessons once a month.

You can get your certification through the training program, which is designed to blend classroom instruction with clinical practice. The school uses VeinViewer^TM technology in its instructions. With the technology, the “inside” of the arm will be visible to students, who will also be able to see in real-time while their blood is drawn.

2. Boise CodeWorks

Boise CodeWorks offers an Immersive Full Stack software developer program that you can finish in just 13 weeks with 500 hours of instruction. It is a highly intensive program that will make you highly skilled in the field. The program involves live coding, guided practice, lab work, and coding fireside. According to the CodeWorks Code of Conduct, being on time, participating in conversations, finishing projects, and showing professional civility to others are all requirements.

Students learn CSS, HTML, TypeScript, JavaScript, GIT, Command Line, NodeJS, Github, DotNet Core, C#, Firebase, MongoDB, VueJS, SQL, React, Angular, Azure, Rxjs, Docker, AWS, Visual Studio, Agile/Scrum, Unity, and VSCode. Students construct fully-functional real-world apps in groups while learning both front-end and back-end technologies under the guidance of professional instructors.

Students will be prepared to join the field with a good understanding of how to contribute to a team of experienced developers and an excellent portfolio of diverse projects. The tuition cost for the program is $8,900. The school offers various funding options, including Depart of Labor, Military Education Benefits, Workforce Development, in-house payments, student lenders, and others.

3. Dennis Technical Education Centre (DTEC)

Established in 2000, Dennis Technical Education Centre (DTEC) provides students in the Boise School District access to a variety of career technical programs. The students have the chance to pursue postsecondary education and training while still developing the skills that could help them land jobs. It is a cutting-edge, nationally recognized center that offers professional/technical training in a range of subjects.

The program offered includes mechatronics technology, welding, precision machining, heavy equipment/diesel technology, education assistant, medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, dental assistant, cyber security, networking support, graphic design, engineering technology education, zoology/natural resources, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades, automotive technology, auto body technology, and construction trades.

The Dennis Technical Education Centre does not charge for enrollment. Attendance is free of further tuition fees. However, students may have to pay for additional gear and materials depending on their program. Student financial aid is offered to those who qualify. Students will receive a letter grade of A–F and 4 credits for each subject they take each year. Each class lasts 82 minutes.

4. Elevate Academy

Elevate Academy is a 6^th to 12^th-grade Career Technical Charter School that offers programs in culinary arts, construction, welding and manufacturing, and graphic arts. In addition, it provides courses in business/marketing, criminal justice, and firefighting (civic and land). At Elevate Academy, earning two Industry Certificates is a requirement for every student. The Workforce Readiness Certificate, in addition to industry certification, will be required of all Elevate Academy graduates.

Through investigation of professional Technical Education, students will acquire a hands-on approach to their professional path. Four scheduled learning events are held for Elevate students each week. On the fifth day of the week, CTE programs, academic assistance for children who are falling behind, and enrichment for those who are at or beyond grade level all have designated time slots.

The school strives to educate students so that they are ready for further education or to start their jobs. The school offers placement services with a 100% placement rate. The school provides access to the federal meal program and offers transportation services for free.

5. Northwest Lineman College

Northwest Lineman College (NLC) offers safety and certification training for the telecommunications, natural gas, and electricity distribution sectors. The Electrical Lineworker Programme at the college teaches you how to build, maintain, and run the country’s electricity grid safely.

The 15-week Electrical Lineworker Programme can provide you with the training and skills you need to get ready for the trades and a fulfilling career. The program includes the smart grid and electrical equipment, electrical theory and broadband service delivery, loads, and equipment, rigging, as well as OSHA’s 10-hour Electrical Transmission & Distribution Training.

After graduation, students get to work in a range of positions, including meter technician, equipment operator, journeyman lineworker, equipment operator, electrical lineworker apprentice, first class lineworker, system operator, fiberoptic installer/repairer, telecommunication lineworker, substation technician, technical project manager, among others. The tuition for the program is $17,000. Students can benefit from the several funding options, including scholarships that the school offers.

6. SAGE Truck Driving Schools

SAGE Truck Driving School is a top supplier in the industry and a pioneer in truck driver education who is widely recognized. It helps trucking companies, fleets, and motor carriers obtain CDL training. The SC program at Sage provides far more driving time than what is mandated by state law, and all skill development is done on the range with just one student per truck.

The school offers a range of truck driving programs, including comprehensive tractor-trailer driver training, commercial driver’s license essentials, advanced Class A CDL training, truck driver refresher training, and straight truck Class B driver. The school also provides truck fleet defensive training programs and oilfield truck driver training. In addition, the school works with several Fortune 500® companies to create specialized truck driver training programs.

The school offers several educational funding options, including State and Local Grants, Workforce Training Funding, Scholarships, Veterans Funding, Vocational Rehabilitation Programmes, Tuition Assistance and/or Reimbursement from Trucking Companies, and Non-Profit Foundation Funding. The SAGE Corporation belongs to the National Safety Council, the Truckload Carriers Association, and the American Trucking Association.

7. College of Western Idaho (CWI)

Located in the Treasure Valley, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) is a popular option for higher education and Career Technical Education (CTE). With the help of the CTE programs, you can receive in-depth training in as little as nine to 24 months. The college collaborates with neighborhood firms to guarantee that they are provided with the precise skills they require from their employees. Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC), Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC), and Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) are all technical certificates offered by the school.

Some of the programs offered include Collision Repair Technology, Automotive Technology, Cisco Networking and Security Technologies, Computer Support Specialist, Cybersecurity, Dental Assisting, Heavy Duty Truck Technician, Drafting Technology, Fire Service Technology, Heavy Equipment Technician, Wildland Fire Management, Horticulture Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Powersports and Small Engine, Repair Technology, Welding and Metals Fabrication, and Law Enforcement, among several others.

In addition, the school also offers programs in Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Administrative Support, Early Childhood, Medical Assistant, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy Assistant. The tuition for the programs can range from $3,336 to $7,344 depending on whether the student is from an in-district, out-of-district, or non-resident. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has accredited the College of Western Idaho (CWI).

8. HVACRedu.net

The most comprehensive courses in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration are available at HVACRedu.net. Through structured, efficient student learning, quick response, and great customer service, it offers top-notch workforce training programs for the HVACR and associated industries.

The school offers several training programs, including Boiler Tech, Apprenticeship, Building Automation, Commercial Refrigeration, Chiller Mechanic, Facility Engineer, Metasys Tech, Rack Tech, NATE Ready to Work (RTW), NATE Core, NATE Certified HVAC Technician, and NATE AC Specialty Program.

In addition, the school offers several courses such as air conditioning, commercial refrigeration, building automation, air distribution, heating, light commercial, home performance, quality installation, and OSHA safety. A scholarship program is open to HVACR tradespeople who reside or work in California to fund the training.

9. Idaho CDL Training

Situated in the city’s center, close to the airport, Idaho CDL Training is the only locally run, family-owned truck driving school in the Treasure Valley. You may finish your driver’s education on-site at the accredited institution as it is an Idaho State Approved testing center. You can use a variety of vehicles at our training center, including Class A and B Chassis with different-sized trailers and 10 or 9-speed transmissions, for your training. Additionally, you may practice with a truck that has an automatic gearbox there.

To prepare for your CDL exam, you have two options. You may book your CDL skills test with one of the third-party CDL skills testers who are state-certified, or you can receive individualized hands-on instruction at the wheel. To drive a commercial truck safely and with a license, you will acquire the fundamental abilities. You may get the expertise and credentials required to mentor the following generations of commercial drivers through the paid instructor training program.

The school also provides on-site CDL skills testing, which enables you to finish your CDL testing with a licensed third-party CDL skills tester. Your abilities and knowledge on the topics necessary to acquire your CDL from the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles will be tested by an Idaho State Approved CDL skills Tester. Students who qualify can apply for funding options. The school has a program that also accepts the GI Bill^®.

10. Idaho Horseshoeing School

Located in Roberts, Idaho, the Idaho Horseshoeing School provides the greatest curriculum available to the farrier business and the best on-campus education. With AFA-certified instructors, students get to learn one of the most intense and faced-paced curricula. The school offers programs such as a 16-week journeyman Ferrier Course, an 8-week Certified Farrier Course, and a 4-week Farrier Fundamental Course.

The 16-week course costs $12,500 and includes 100-level material, 200-level material, 300-level material, and 400-level material. The cost of the 8-week is 9,400, which includes 100 and 200-level material. You will have to buy several tools for the programs, including a shoeing toolbox, hoof stand, shoeing apron, driving hammer, clinch cutter, crease nail puller, rounding hammer, hot shoe tongs, hoof knife, hoof nipper, clincher, and several others.

The 4-week course that includes 100-level anatomy, 100-level trimming/shoeing, 100-level basic forging, and 100-level shoe pulling and clinching costs $5,200. If you prefer to reside on campus, housing is free of cost, with all the necessary amenities. You will take pleasure in residing in the lovely Ranch House on a 25-acre campus throughout the program. Daily meals, exercise gear, and a sizable hot tub are all a part of the lodging. Upon request, you may bring your horse.

Winding Up

Trade schools in Idaho offer plenty of opportunities to progress in your field of choice. Whether you are just beginning your career or want to make a career transition, these schools can prepare you with the right training to succeed. To make the right choice while looking for a trade school in Idaho, it is essential to look for the relevant credentials, tuition costs, and training facilities that suit your needs.

Trade Schools in Idaho

The below list of trade schools are available in Idaho.

College of Massage Therapy – Blackfoot
Aveda Institute – Boise
Boise Barber College – Boise
Boise State University – Boise
Carrington College – Boise
Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology – Boise
The College of Idaho – Caldwell
North Idaho College – Coeur d’Alene
Austin Kade Academy – Idaho Falls
College of Eastern Idaho – Idaho Falls
Headmasters School of Hair Design – Lewiston
Lewis – Clark State College – Lewiston
College of Western Idaho – Nampa
Milan Institute – Nampa
The Salon Professional Academy – Nampa
Idaho State University – Pocatello
Aveda Institute – Twin Falls
College of Southern Idaho – Twin Falls