Trade SchoolsIf you live in Pocatello and you want to start a rewarding career without spending four years in higher education, trade schools are an efficient and less expensive alternative.
Most programs are designed to be completed in less than two years and focus only on the skills that are directly relevant to the student’s future profession.
Trade school education can prepare you for a wide range of in-demand careers, including:
- Medical Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Automotive Collision Repair
- Electrician
- And more
To help you choose the program that best meets your needs, on this page we have compiled information about the top trade schools in the region.
1Nathan Lane Institute
Nathan Lane Institute offers training programs for students who want to start a career in the beauty industry.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the institute:
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Nail Technology
- Instructor
- Barbering
The Cosmetology program includes 1,600 hours and can be completed in 54 weeks.
The curriculum covers topics on anatomy, the chemistry of color, safety and sanitation, manicures and pedicures, makeup application, and waxing.
The Esthetics program includes 600 hours of training and can be completed in 20 weeks.
Esthetics students take classes on skincare theory, skin analysis, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, makeup application, lash and brow tinting, skincare theory, electronic facials, chemical exfoliation, waxing, aromatherapy, sanitation and infection control, and more.
The Nail Technology program is 400-hour long and can be completed in 13 weeks
The curriculum includes classes on manicuring, pedicuring, acrylic nails, nail forms, nail art, nail design, sanitation, and safety and hygiene practices.
Tuition costs vary depending on the program.
The Barbering program costs $13,962 and includes registration, books/kit sales tax, tuition, and testing/licensing.
Contact Information
- Address: 141 E Chubbuck Rd, Chubbuck, ID 83202
- Phone: 208-232-9170
- Website: https://www.nathanlayneinstitute.com
2Idaho State University- College of Technology
About the School
Idaho State University- College of Technology provides a variety of programs that lead to Associate Degrees, Certificates, or Bachelor of Science Degrees.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a variety of programs, such as:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Accounting Technology
- Cloud Computing
- Small Business Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Associate Degree Registered Nurse
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing
- Barbering
- Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
- And more
The duration of the program depends on the program and the credential it leads to.
For example, the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program provides the following options:
- Airframe and Powerplant Associate of Applied Science- a two-year program
- Powerplant Advanced Technical Certificate- two years
- Airframe Intermediate Technical Certificate- one year
- Bachelor of Applied Science- four plus years
The Advanced Automation and Manufacturing program includes 31 credits in total and requires the completion of courses such as:
- Introduction to Machining
- Electronics Orientation
- Industrial Health and Safety
- Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers
- Fluid and Pneumatic Power
- Materials and Metallurgy
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
- Phone: (208) 282-4636
- Website: https://www.isu.edu
3Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC
About the School
Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC trains craftsmen who can build the electrical infrastructure of tomorrow.
Classes are available for apprentices and journeymen workers.
Continuing education classes are offered in three methods: traditional classroom, paper correspondence, and online correspondence.
Apprenticeships that combine 8,000 hours of continuous work and 960 hours of classroom instructors are also provided.
Apprentices receive good wages and benefits during the training program, including health insurance, pension and retirement plans, and a multi-employer labor pool.
Students also receive guaranteed constant wage rates.
The total compensation starts at $25.66 per hour, which is 50% of the journeyman worker’s salary.
Students receive gradual increases until the salary reaches $40.40 per hour in the sixth term.
This includes the per-hour wage plus estimated Union Benefits.
They pay no tuition for the related training.
Contact Information
- Address: 8450 South 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83204
- Phone: (208) 232-4300
- Website: https://www.eijatc.org
4Sage Truck Driving School
About the School
Sage Truck Driving Schools prepares students for a trucking career.
If you want to become a truck driver, the first step in this process consists of obtaining a CDL permit.
Sage Truck Driving Schools can help students obtain their permits.
The second step consists of going to school and learning the skills needed for the exam.
The “flagship” program follows a comprehensive curriculum that provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed for employment as an over-the-road truck driver.
The program consists of 150 hours of instruction and is conducted over the course of 4-5 weeks.
The third step towards a truck driving license consists of taking the CDL test.
After graduating from Sage, students are ready to take the CDL skills test.
This test includes three parts Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Test, and Road Test.
Contact Information
- Address: 80 Doud Street, Blackfoot, ID 83221
- Phone: 208-782-2282
- Website: https://sageschools.com
5Idaho Horseshoeing School
About the School
Idaho Horseshoeing School offers training for students who want to start careers in the farrier industry.
The school provides the following:
- Live horses to practice on
- Instructors certified by AFA
- An intense, fast-paced curriculum
- Access to a blacksmithing barn 24/7
- Access to a full workout gym 24/7
- 8,000 square-foot ranch home to live in
- Free boarding for the students’ personal horse
- Free homemade lunch Monday to Friday
- 24/7 access to a 15-person hot tub
Courses Offered
The course syllabus includes courses on:
- Anatomy of Hoof
- Anatomy of Leg
- Hoof abnormalities
- Plain Stamped Front Shoes
- Anatomy review
- Tendons and Ligaments
- Shoeing Protocols
- Business Ethics
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 599 N 2850 E, Roberts, Jefferson County, Idaho 83444
- Phone: 208 313 8332
- Website: https://www.idahohorseshoeingschool.com
6Kootenai Technical Education Campus
About the School
A partnership between business and industry leaders, local high school districts, and local manufacturers, Kootenai Technical Education Campus provides tuition-free industry and business grade training for students in 11th and 12th grades.
Dual enrollment credits are available, as well as industry certifications, and applied skilled learning.
The dual enrollment programs allow qualifying students to earn college and high school credits at the same time.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at Kootenai Technical Education Campus:
- Computer Repair & Networking
- Industrial Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Health Professions/CNA
- Automotive Technology
- Manufacturing & Design
- Construction Trades
- Diesel Technology
- Collision and Repair
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Plumbing
- Communication Graphics
- Technical Math/Science
Most programs can be completed in two years and prepare students for entry-level employment in their field of choice.
Students also work into industrial certifications.
Contact Information
- Address: 6838 W. Lancaster Rd. Rathdrum, ID 83858
- Phone: (208) 712-4733
- Website: https://www.ktectraining.org
7Elevate Academy
About the School
A year-round 6th-12th grade Career Technical Charter School located in Caldwell, Elevate Academy was founded on the belief that students from all backgrounds deserve the opportunity to engage in an educational program.
Elevate Academy is a free, public charter school.
The academy resides in a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot building with spaces designed by professionals in culinary science, construction, welding/manufacturing, medical arts, criminal justice, firefighting, business/marketing, and graphic design.
Students also have access to a fitness center, mental health services, individual showers, a laundry room, and a barbershop.
The academy has campuses in Caldwell, Nampa, and Post Falls.
School hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The curriculum is designed to provide a space to support students in developing knowledge and skills in state academic and industry standards.
Contact Information
- Address: 114 W. Chicago St. Caldwell, ID 83605
- Phone: (208) 779-4086
- Website: https://www.elevate2c.org
8North Idaho College- Workforce Training Center
About the School
North Idaho College offers apprenticeships in Dental Assisting, Construction, and Heavy Equipment through its Workforce Training Center.
Students can also prepare for other health careers, emergency services, and trades and industry careers.
North Idaho College has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1947.
Courses Offered
The following health programs are available at the college:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Assistance with Medication
- Advanced CNA Programs
- Mental Health Certifications
- Dental Assisting
- Health Careers
- Medical Office
The following Emergency Services programs are also available:
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Firefighter 1 Academy
- First Aid- CPR- AED Training
Trades and Industry programs are also offered for students who want to start careers in Boiler Operations, Commercial Driving, Construction, Heavy Equipment, MSHA-Mining, Maritime, Programmable Logic Controllers, Safety, Welding, and Wood Products Manufacturing.
The curriculum and number of credits required for graduation vary depending on the program.
Dual credit programs are also available for students who want to earn college and high school credits at the same time.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
- Phone: (208) 769-3300 | (877) 404-4536
- Website: https://www.nic.edu
9Eagle Gate College
About the School
Eagle Gate College prepares students for careers in the fields of nursing or healthcare.
The training programs include classroom instruction, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical experience.
Programs are available at five campuses: Boise, Idaho Falls, Layton, Murray, and Provo.
Eagle Gate College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available in Idaho Falls:
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- RN-to-BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Direct Entry MSN
To qualify for admission to the college, applicants need a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent.
The Medical Assisting program covers classes on Microbiology, Hematology, Transcription, and Charting, Patient Vital Signs, Minor Surgical Assisting, Injections and Pharmacology, and more.
The Practical Nursing program can be completed in as little as 12 months and is available in a blended-online format.
Graduates are trained in completing a plan of care, transcription and charting, patient vital signs, intravenous fluids, prescribed medications, injections and pharmacology, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 1592 E. 17th St. Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404
- Phone: (208) 285-4302
- Website: https://www.eaglegatecollege.edu
10College of Massage Therapy- Bingham Memorial Hospital
About the School
The College of Massage Therapy is offered by Bingham Memorial Hospital- one of the few hospitals in the United States to offer a massage therapy program designed to provide training in the art and science of massage therapy to adult students.
Graduates are prepared to launch successful careers as entry-level massage therapists.
The day program can be completed in 10 months, while the evening program is 13 months long.
In total, the program includes 638 hours of instruction.
The program is constantly upgraded and evaluated to meet the students’ standards and expectations and the requirements and standards determined by the Idaho State Massage Therapy Board, the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
The college provides quality education and professionals in Massage Therapy since 2004.
The school also integrates massage techniques into mainstream health by providing instruction and education in a medical setting.
The College of Massage Therapy is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools.
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 Highland Drive, Blackfoot, ID 83221
- Phone: (208) 785-3823
- Website: http://collegemassagetherapy.com
Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers
| Career | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 70 | $45,500 | $21.88 | $60,160 | $24,310 |
| Medical Records Specialists | 70 | $44,300 | $21.3 | $57,750 | $36,040 |
| Nursing Assistants | 370 | $32,280 | $15.52 | $35,010 | $28,170 |
| Dental Assistants | 170 | $35,790 | $17.21 | $45,360 | $28,400 |
| Medical Assistants | 200 | $37,130 | $17.85 | $44,870 | $29,000 |
| Electricians | 140 | $49,050 | $23.58 | $69,650 | $30,360 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 90 | $57,360 | $27.58 | $83,060 | $33,800 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 200 | $49,170 | $23.64 | $70,560 | $27,720 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 130 | $46,160 | $22.19 | $62,750 | $31,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best trade schools in Pocatello, Idaho, it’s time to decide what career path you want to pursue and choose the school that will prepare you with the skills for entry-level employment.
This is an important step, so take your time and make an informed decision.
Trade Schools by City in Idaho
