10 Best Trade Schools inIdaho

Page Navigation

Idaho has an amazing educational system with an abundance of great schools, many of which belong to the vocational form of education.

The demand for specialized skills is higher than ever, so it’s no wonder many individuals turn to trade school education to help further their careers.

Our list will feature trade school from the following areas of expertise:

  • Beauty
  • Cosmetology
  • Truck Driving
  • Welding
  • Healthcare
  • Massage
  • Aviation

With this many amazing schools around, the possibilities are endless.

One thing’s for sure: vocational schools will bring faster employment to prospective students.



State FlagTrade Schools by City


1American Institute of Clinical Massage

American Institute of Clinical Massage has been successfully operating for over 20 years.

AICM is the standard in the clinical massage industry, with hundreds of satisfied students and an abundance of top-of-the-tier courses.

Their curriculum has been carefully thought-out to combine the best of theoretical knowledge and practical work.

This school’s courses will enable students to get licensed in almost all US states and get a lot of amazing work opportunities.

Furthermore, their program has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment: All applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the time the classes start. They also have to provide proof of education – a high school diploma, high school transcripts, or GED

Fees: The tuition fee for their massage therapy course is $10,500. The registration fee is $100, and students will also have to pay $32 for a background check. The school accepts the following financial aid programs:

  • Federal Financial Aid
  • Idaho Department of Labor
  • Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation
  • S. Veterans’ Administration
  • WA State: Vocational Rehabilitation
  • WA State: WIA (Workforce Investment Act Training Program)
  • Northwest Career Colleges: nwcareercolleges.org

The school offers the following courses:

  • Massage therapy course

Contact information:

  • American Institute of Clinical Massage
  • Address: 4365 Inverness Drive, Post Falls, ID 83854
  • Phone: 208-773-5890
  • Website: https://www.aicm.edu/

2Real Estate Academy of Idaho

Real Estate Academy of Idaho is another amazing vocational school that’s among the favorites in the state.

Their goal is to produce top-of-the-notch industry professionals, ready to take on any challenge, and to further develop their careers.

Not only do they teach real estate, but they also share valuable advice on how to do job interviews, how to write resumes, and how to launch their businesses.

The instructors are a huge part of their community.

All of them are experienced real estate brokers and professionals, with years of experience working in this field.

They share real-life stories and experiences that will teach students valuable life and work lessons.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of previous education.

Fees: Tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Module 1 of Pre-license Sales (PR001) – $299
  • Module 2 of Pre-license Sales (PR002) – $299
  • Post License Fundamentals (POST001) – $75
  • Post License Pricing, Marketing, and Advertising (POST002) – $39
  • Post License Professionalism, Negotiations, and Closings (POST003) – $39
  • 2018 Commission Core Course (C2018) – $35

The school offers the following courses:

  • Module 1 of Pre-license Sales (PR001)
  • Module 2 of Pre-license Sales (PR002)
  • Post License Fundamentals (POST001)
  • Post License Pricing, Marketing, and Advertising (POST002)
  • Post License Professionalism, Negotiations, and Closings (POST003)
  • 2018 Commission Core Course (C2018)

Contact information:


3Silverhawk Aviation School

Silverhawk Aviation School was established in 1998, and it’s been successfully training new pilots from all over the country.

Their goal is excellence, and their reputation is seamless.

SAS offers amazing, competitive prices with a modern program using only the latest technology.

This school’s focus isn’t just on the flying aspect of aviation.

They want to teach students how to clean and maintain their aircraft.

As they say – the more you know about the aircraft, the better pilot you become.

Also, aviation is a very profitable industry, so why not give it a shot?

Enrollment: All applicants are required to pass an FAA medical exam.

Fees: The prices of the courses may vary according to desired flight hours and programs. Contact them via the phone number below to get further information. They also offer loans to students who meet the criteria.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Helicopter Training & First Steps
  • Helicopter Degree Program
  • Professional Helicopter Pilot Program
  • Airplane Training & First Steps
  • Airplane Degree Program
  • Professional Airplane Pilot Program

Contact information:


4Oliver Finley Academy

Oliver Finley Academy is one of the best in the country when it comes to beauty.

They teach state-of-the-art techniques and technology, allowing students to keep up with the latest trends immediately.

The instructors have been in the industry for a long time now, having served an abundance of celebrities.

Also, their makeup program has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences.

If that’s not enough, just check their online reviews!

The school’s reputation is stellar, and almost every student has nothing but praise for them and their curriculum.

Enrollment: The applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • They must be at least 16 years of age prior to enrollment
  • They must have a high school diploma or GED

Fees: The tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Esthetics – $10,635
  • Makeup – $2,995
  • Cosmetology – $20,895
  • Nail technology – $7,601

All fees include the non-refundable $100 application fee. Oliver Finley Academy also offers financial aid.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Esthetics
  • Makeup
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology

Contact information:

  • Oliver Finley Academy
  • Address: 6843 N Strawberry Glenn Rd #140, Boise, ID 83714
  • Phone: 208-658-1115
  • Website: https://oliverfinley.com/

5Aveda Institute Idaho

Aveda Institute Idaho is another amazing cosmetology school with a stellar reputation.

They have been pushing the boundaries of beauty for decades now by proudly embracing differences and inspiring students to be creative.

The school was founded by Ren and Nathan Shaw, brothers who noticed a lack of proper beauty education in the country.

Here are some interesting statistics about the school:

  • Their graduation rate is 63%
  • Student Licensure rate at Idaho State Board is 100%
  • Their job placement rate is a staggering 75%

They have exclusive cooperation with over 7,000 salons all over the world, who seek only Aveda-trained professionals.

Students will have access to the most outstanding industry leaders and state-of-the-art equipment.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria

  • They have to be at least 16 and a half years of age
  • They have to bring their ID as proof of age
  • They must have a high school diploma or GED

Fees: The average tuition fee for their courses is $20,588

The school offers the following courses:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Nail technician
  • Cosmetology instructor

The school also offers a couple of different financial aid options.

Contact information:


6Idaho CDL Training

Truck driving has been gaining a lot of traction recently, as individuals noticed that it could be a very profitable career choice.

At Idaho CDL Training, students will learn all the tricks of the trade thanks to its experienced CDL instructors.

The State of Idaho has approved Idaho CDL’s testing facility, making it very accessible to students

Located in the heart of Boise, this family-owned school treats its prospective truck drivers with respect, love, and understanding.

Their instructors will make truck driving sound like a breeze, allowing students to transition into this field of work easily.

Enrollment: All applicants must be in good health and able to operate a heavy-duty vehicle. They also have to be at least 18 years of age.

Fees: You have to call their admission office to get further information about the tuition fees. They also offer student aid programs.

The school offers the following courses:

  • 1-on-1 Behind the Wheel CDL Training

Contact information:


7Urban 113 School of Cosmetology

Urban 113 School of Cosmetology provides students will all the necessary knowledge and techniques to quickly advance in the beauty industry.

They strive for perfection and want to teach students proper professional conduct, tricks of the trade, and give valuable advice on future employment.

The instructors offer hands-on training filled with insider tips.

Urban 113’s program has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, further proving the quality of their courses.

Straight upon completion, students will have enough knowledge and experience to take the Idaho State Cosmetology Exam, get their license, and start working.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Everyone’s welcome to apply.

Fees: The tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

  • Cosmetology – $16,250
  • Nail technology – $5,600
  • Esthetics – $7,200

Urban 113 School of Cosmetology also offers financial aid programs for students who meet the criteria.

The school offers the following courses:

  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics

Contact information:

  • Urban 113 School of Cosmetology
  • Address: 113 Main Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301
  • Phone: 208-736-0044
  • Website: https://www.urban113.com/

8Tony & Guy Hairdressing Academy

Tony & Guy Hairdressing Academy has been around for a long time now.

Officially launched in 1963, this academy used to exist exclusively in Europe, before opening its doors to the United States.

Its founders, the Mascolo brothers, have managed to create a huge name for themselves in the hairdressing industry.

Nowadays, the school has kept its original charm while constantly adapting to the latest industry standards, techniques, and technology.

The school aims to create and educate prospective students in a fun and engaging way.

Hairdressing and cosmetology are forms of art, and at Tony & Guy, they know that art mustn’t be boring and repetitive.

For that reason, they formed a dynamic and accessible curriculum that will keep students entertained while learning.

 

Enrollment: All applicants must be at least 17 years of age. They also have to have a high school diploma or GED

Fees: The tuition fee for the Cosmetology course is $16, 128

The school offers the following courses:

  • Cosmetology

Contact information:


9SAGE Truck Driving School

As we have briefly touched on before, truck driving has become one of the most popular trades.

Hence, there are a lot of amazing truck driving schools emerging all over the country, and SAGE Truck Driving School is a stellar example of how schools should operate.

SAGE Truck Driving school provides customized truck drivers training to multiple Fortune 500 companies.

Their company is a part of the American Trucking Association, the National Safety Council, and the Truckload Carriers Association.

They also provide job placement assistance to all their students, thanks to their evergrowing network of local, regional, and national employers.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • They have to fill in an application form
  • They have to provide a valid copy of their driver’s license
  • They have to pass a drug test in case its administered
  • Must provide a copy of a physical examination on a DOT form
  • They have to have a high school diploma or GED
  • They have to have a clean driving record free of serious violations

Fees: The tuition fee is $5,000

The school offers the following courses:

  • CDL training

Contact information:


10Pro-Weld Welding School

Pro-Weld Welding School is located in Nampa Idaho and offers amazing welding courses.

Since there’s a high demand for welders and fabricators, the owners decided to open this school to help young individuals seeking lucrative job opportunities.

Students will get a chance to observe and learn many different welding processes, understand the structural blueprint reading, and welding symbols.

All their instructors are certified and have over 20 years of experience in this industry.

This program also provides students with an opportunity to take welder certification and qualification tests administered by a Certified Welding Inspector.

Pro-Weld Welding School provides benefits for veterans and offers multiple financing plans.

Enrollment: There aren’t any special requirements. Applicants must be in good health to operate the equipment.

Fees: The tuition fees vary from $2,500 to $4,500

The school offers the following courses:

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Pipe Welding
  • Perform Oxygen-Acetylene Burning
  • Operate Fabrication Tools
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Quality Control
  • Understanding Weld Symbols
  • Understanding AWS D1.1 Welding Codes
  • Safety Practices

Contact information:

  • Pro-Weld Welding School
  • Address: 918 S. Impressions Court, Nampa, ID 83651
  • Phone: 208-249-4911
  • Website: http://www.dcproweld.com/

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,720$52,980$25.47$77,540$30,240
Medical Records Specialists1,570$51,160$24.59$69,060$36,480
Nursing Assistants6,760$37,270$17.92$45,320$29,120
Dental Assistants3,060$40,200$19.33$50,360$31,200
Medical Assistants4,660$42,110$20.24$49,580$35,200
Phlebotomists630$42,360$20.37$47,470$30,810
Electricians5,050$55,240$26.56$77,800$37,860
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters3,360$60,310$29.00$85,350$37,630
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics4,760$49,600$23.84$76,010$28,570
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers3,280$50,350$24.21$68,840$36,320
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Idaho, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Forget about the stigma surrounding trade schools.

It’s an old wive’s tale that individuals who attend these schools won’t have enough profitable job opportunities.

Instead, it’s been proven that vocational schools bring faster employment, yield fewer costs, and are less time-consuming.

Trade schools offer stable career choices and many of the schools listed above offer amazing job assistance programs.

If you think this is the perfect life path for you, give it a go.

You won’t regret it.