Trade and Industrial
Which trade pays the most? How long is diesel mechanic school? Where can you find welding programs near you? If you’re asking any of these questions, you are in the right place.
The Idaho State University College of Technology offers six trade and industrial programs at the state-of-the-art ISU campus that get students into these careers in as few as one semester, with placement rates between 90 and 100 percent.
Here are the six programs:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Computerized Machining Technology
- Diesel and On-Site Power Generation Technology
- Welding
What Makes the ISU College of Technology Different From a Trade School?
Every trade and industrial program at the ISU College of Technology is built around industry certification standards that employers value on day one.
Students work in fully equipped, industry-standard shops and labs from the first week. The ISU College of Technology sits on a four-year research university campus. Students have access to the same trusted ISU career services, advising, housing, and campus life while completing a focused technical program.
For Idaho residents, the Idaho LAUNCH program covers up to 80 percent of tuition and fees, up to $8,000, for in-demand programs. No GPA minimum. No financial need requirement. ISU has more Idaho LAUNCH-qualifying programs than any other Idaho university, and several engineering technology programs are eligible. Learn more at isu.edu/launch.
Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
The auto body repair school at the ISU College of Technology covers the full range of collision repair: complete body-off-frame repair, dent repair, panel replacement, MIG and MAG welding, frame straightening using industry systems, and refinishing with both solvent-based and water-based paint systems. The program is ASE certified and admits 24 students each year.
Graduates work in auto body repair shops, vehicle manufacturing locations, vehicle dealerships, and insurance claims adjustment.
- Five-year placement rate: 100%
- Average Idaho salary: $47,680
- Average national salary: $51,680
Explore the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program
Diesel/On-Site Power Generation Technology
Diesel and On-Site Power Generation Technology
The diesel mechanic program at the ISU College of Technology trains students to maintain and service diesel equipment used in farming, construction, and trucking. An on-site power generation specialization is available as a one-semester certificate for students focused on generator and power systems work. The program admits 48 students per year across August and January starts, the largest cohort in the cluster.
Note: How long is diesel mechanic school? The full Associate of Applied Science degree takes two years. The Advanced Technical Certificate takes 1.5 years. The On-Site Power Generation Specialized Certificate can be completed in one semester.
Graduates work with heavy equipment dealers, road and bridge construction companies, transportation companies, mining and manufacturing operations, and government agencies.
- Five-year placement rate: 99%
- Average Idaho salary: $58,660
- Average national salary: $60,640
Explore the Diesel and On-Site Power Generation Technology program
How to Find the Right Trade or Industrial Program for You
With six programs, here is a practical framework for finding the right fit.
If you want to work on aircraft and aviation systems: Aircraft Maintenance Technology.
If you want to work on cars and trucks: Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, Diesel and On-Site Power Generation Technology.
If you want precision manufacturing work: Computerized Machining Technology.
If you want to work in construction, agriculture, or energy infrastructure: Diesel and On-Site Power Generation Technology, Welding.
If you want the fastest path to employment: The on-site power generation specialization in Diesel Technology takes one semester. The General Welder Intermediate Technical Certificate and the Airframe Intermediate Technical Certificate each take one year.
If you want the highest earning potential: Aircraft Maintenance Technology ($65,500 average Idaho salary, $78,680 nationally) and Computerized Machining Technology ($65,670 nationally).
Not sure which direction fits? Request more information from the College of Technology, and an advisor can help you find the right program.
Learn a Trade. Build a Career.
If you want to build things, fix vehicles and equipment, and work in industries that will always need skilled people, the ISU College of Technology programs could be the right path for you.
Each program offers credentials that are completable in one semester to two years, on a four-year university campus with industry-standard labs, and nationally recognized accreditations. With an ISU education, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce as a trusted team member from day one.