Post-secondary learners are lining up in droves to become plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians — a trend that reflects job demand and coincides with a state initiative to improve go-on rates.
Apprenticeship program enrollments at Idaho’s four community colleges jumped by at least 1,100 students in recent years, according to numbers the schools sent EdNews this week.
Apprenticeships are structured, “earn while you learn” career paths that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices complete a certain amount of classroom instruction hours per year, along with required paid training hours with their employer. The programs lead to a credential in a skilled trade or profession. Offerings in Idaho include high-demand trades such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems. Other specialized areas include heavy equipment operation and medical assisting.
The College of Western Idaho, which serves the Treasure Valley, has been the epicenter of enrollment growth, with program numbers jumping from 2,037 in fiscal year 2023 to 2,760 in FY-25, a 35% climb, a spokesperson for the school said. (CWI, Idaho’s largest community college, is still checking numbers for this fiscal year. We’ll update this story when they are available.)
The state’s three smaller community colleges each tallied enrollment increases over the last three years:
- College of Eastern Idaho saw 48% growth since the 2023-24 school year, with numbers jumping from 422 to 625. Part of the increase stems from adding another program start date, said Vice President of Workforce Training and Operations Trevor Elordi. CEI’s apprenticeship programs traditionally started only in the fall, but the school this year also offered a spring start date. CEI plans to explore additional opportunities to expand access, including more start dates and hybrid learning options.
- College of Southern Idaho saw a 21% bump over the last three school years, jumping from 539 to 653 during that period, according to January enrollment snapshots. The latest number doesn’t include at least 19 students pursuing HVAC technician certifications, said CSI Workforce and Economic Development Director Brett Madron.
- North Idaho College’s workforce training courses aren’t on a traditional semester system, said communication coordinator Maureen Dolan. Apprenticeship programs run from September through May each year, so the school’s numbers are September snapshots. Over the last three years, NIC’s enrollment climbed from 858 to 910, a 17% growth rate, Dolan said.
Idaho State University’s College of Technology also offers apprenticeships in plumbing and electrical. While plumbing enrollment stayed flat over the last five school years, the university says its electrical enrollment jumped from 135 to 232 since 2021.
The phrase “high demand” is key to the growth equation, said Colby Mattila, executive director of workforce and economic development at North Idaho College.
“Idaho’s economic growth depends on a strong skilled-trades workforce, but right now there simply aren’t enough trained workers to meet demand,” said Mattila. “Registered apprenticeships are helping close that gap by connecting education, industry and employment.”
Income earned while learning helps entice enrollees, Mattila added. “For employers, it means developing a reliable pipeline of skilled workers who are trained to meet real workforce needs.”
The increase in apprenticeship enrollments also coincide with Idaho Launch, a state program that provides $8,000 for up to 80% of tuition and fees at four-year colleges, community colleges, career and technical education, or job training.
New data shows the grant program has increased the number of Idaho students who go on to college and encouraged more of them to stay in state.
The high school graduating class of 2024 was the first cohort eligible for Launch dollars.
