Best Trade Schools in Archer, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Archer. This guide shows accredited options nearby, program lengths, and the Florida licensing steps you must follow. It’s built for high school grads and career changers. Demand for skilled trades remains strong across Florida, especially in construction and building services[^1][^4][^5][^6].

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Top Trade Schools in Archer

Most programs are within a short drive in Gainesville, Ocala, Starke, and Lake City. All schools below are accredited or state-approved[^2].

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Projects in North Central Florida keep steady demand for skilled wiremen, especially those with apprenticeship experience and safety credentials[^1]. Many electricians progress into foreman roles, estimating, or electrical contracting.

• HVAC Technician HVAC techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in homes, hospitals, and labs. Florida’s long cooling season creates steady work in install, service, and preventive maintenance. EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerants is a must-have, and technicians with controls or commercial refrigeration skills stand out[^4].

• Welder Welders build and repair structures, piping, and equipment for construction, manufacturing, and utilities. Common employer requirements include AWS code tests, multi-process skills (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW), and ability to read prints. Field welders often earn overtime on shutdowns and new builds[^6].

• Plumber Plumbers install and repair water, waste, and gas systems. In Florida, experienced plumbers often advance into contracting, service management, or specialty piping. Code knowledge and backflow, medical gas, or welding endorsements boost employability[^5].

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Florida) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida licenses contractors at the state level and often manages journeyman cards locally. Here are the basics:

• Electrician

  • Work under a licensed electrical contractor while you train. Apprenticeship (e.g., JATC) is the fastest route to journeyman-level skill[^2].
  • Many counties issue journeyman licenses; check local requirements before testing.
  • To run your own business statewide, apply for Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) through the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) at DBPR. Requirements include verified experience, passing the technical and business exams, financial responsibility, and insurance[^7].
  • Keep current on National Electrical Code updates.

• HVAC (Air Conditioning)

  • Entry-level techs can start with a postsecondary certificate and on-the-job training. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerants[^9].
  • To contract work statewide, you need a Certified Class A (unlimited) or Class B (light commercial) Air Conditioning Contractor license via the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at DBPR. This requires experience, exams, and insurance[^8].
  • Many employers also value NATE or manufacturer-specific credentials.

• Plumbing

  • Train through a school or apprenticeship and work under a licensed plumbing contractor.
  • Counties may offer journeyman plumber licensing; verify local rules.
  • To operate statewide, obtain a Certified Plumbing Contractor license through DBPR’s CILB. Experience, exam passage, financial responsibility, and insurance are required[^8].

• Welding

  • Florida does not issue a state welding license. Employers typically require performance qualifications to AWS codes (such as D1.1 Structural Steel). Schools often provide AWS or NCCER performance testing opportunities[^10].
  • Maintain your qualifications and keep procedure records current.

• Massage Therapy (optional local pathway)

  • Complete an approved massage program and pass the MBLEx, then apply to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy for licensure[^11].

• Apprenticeship

  • Florida supports registered apprenticeships across many trades. Apprentices earn wages while accruing classroom hours and documented on-the-job experience[^12].

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning: Many public colleges in Gainesville, Ocala, and the region offer hybrid schedules. General education and some theory courses are online. Labs and competencies are completed on campus.
• Evening programs: Technical colleges often run evening Electricity, Welding, and HVAC courses to fit work schedules.
• Apprenticeships: JATC electrical classes are typically held in the evenings with paid daytime work on job sites.
• Certification prep: Online prep is common for OSHA-10/30, EPA 608, and trade exam reviews. Schools or apprenticeship programs will guide you to approved providers.
• Credit for experience: Some colleges award credit toward certificates based on industry certifications (NCCER, OSHA, AWS) or prior learning assessments.

Next Steps

• Compare programs and get your questions ready: format, start dates, certifications, and employer partners.
• Map your licensing path for Florida before you enroll.
• Visit our hubs:
  • State hub: Florida Trade Schools
  • National hub: Trade Schools
  • Explore trades: All Skilled Trades
  • Trade pages: Electrician, HVAC, Welding, Plumbing
  • Planning resources: Guides

Footnotes and sources:

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Electricians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (verify accreditation and programs). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
[^4]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/hvac-technicians.htm
[^5]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
[^6]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm
[^7]: Florida DBPR — Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/electrical-contractors/
[^8]: Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (Air Conditioning and Plumbing). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/
[^9]: U.S. EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608
[^10]: American Welding Society — Welder Certification. https://www.aws.org/certification/page/welder-certification
[^11]: Florida Department of Health — Board of Massage Therapy, Licensing. https://floridasmassagetherapy.gov/licensing/
[^12]: Florida Department of Education — Apprenticeship Programs. https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/apprenticeship-programs.stml