Best Trade Schools in Astatula, Florida (2026 Guide)

Updated June 20, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Here are the best schools in Astatula. This guide lists accredited options nearby, popular programs, and Florida licensing steps. It also shows flexible training paths and trusted resources. Trades like electrical, HVAC, and welding remain in steady demand across Florida1.

Compare Trade Schools Near Astatula, Florida

All schools below are accredited and within a reasonable drive of Astatula. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current start dates and schedules23.

We could not confirm enough colleges teaching this subject within range of this location, so the list below shows nearby institutions instead. Confirm with each school that it offers the program before you apply.

How we rank schools – graduation rate, graduate earnings, cost and retention. Advertising plays no part.

This page lists 6 schools, closest group first, then ordered by BOC Score with the highest at the top. 6 of them carry a score.

Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate how often students finish
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry whether it paid off
25%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid; lower ranks higher
20%
Retention rate how many come back for year two
15%
Fully online availability whether you can study while working
10%

Scores come from IPEDS (2024) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are for all graduates of a school, not one program, so treat them as a signal about the institution rather than about this subject. Sponsored listings are paid placements and are labelled as such; they are separate from this ranking and never change it. Read the full methodology.

#1

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL In-state option BOC Score 61.8
Tuition $3,122 - $14,281
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 41.6%
  • Programs offered: 72
  • Annual completions: 3579
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $52,407 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#2

Lake Technical College

Eustis, FL In-state option BOC Score 47.2
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 60.4% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 36
  • Annual completions: 1152
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $40,817 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Valencia College

Orlando, FL In-state option BOC Score 46.8
Tuition $2,664 - $18,529
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 45.6%
  • Programs offered: 63
  • Annual completions: 5277
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $46,937 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

Osceola Technical College

Kissimmee, FL In-state option BOC Score 43.3
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 49.6% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 36
  • Annual completions: 555
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $37,201 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in Florida.
#SchoolBOC Score (0–100)TuitionMedian grad earnings (all majors)Graduation rateOnlineDistance
161.8$3,122 - $14,281$52,40742%Yes*In-state
247.2Contact school for pricing$40,81760%Yes*In-state
346.8$2,664 - $18,529$46,93746%—In-state
443.3Contact school for pricing$37,20150%—In-state
541.1Contact school for pricingNot reported40%—In-state
628.3Contact school for pricingNot reportedNot reported—In-state

Schools closest to the main population center in Florida are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in Florida is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Median Annual Wage by Trade - Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL's most-employed trades
Median annual wage by trade in Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL, BLS OEWS May 2025Culinary workers $61390; Medical assistants $43800; Phlebotomy technicians $39390; Nursing assistants $37690; Patient care technicians $37690.Culinary workers$61,390Medical assistants$43,800Phlebotomy technicians$39,390Nursing assistants$37,690Patient care technicians$37,690
Trades ranked by local employment (BLS QCEW); wages are median annual pay (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; metro area where reported, otherwise statewide).
Median annual wage by trade in Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
TradeMedian annual wage
Culinary workers$61,390
Medical assistants$43,800
Phlebotomy technicians$39,390
Nursing assistants$37,690
Patient care technicians$37,690
Median Graduate Earnings by School - Best Trade Schools in Astatula, Florida (2026 Guide)
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Trade Schools in Astatula, Florida (2026 Guide) (College Scorecard)Seminole State College of Florida $52407; Valencia College $46937; Lake Technical College $40817; Osceola Technical College $37201.Seminole State College of Fl...$52,407Valencia College$46,937Lake Technical College$40,817Osceola Technical College$37,201
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Trade Schools in Astatula, Florida (2026 Guide)
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Seminole State College of Florida$52,407
Valencia College$46,937
Lake Technical College$40,817
Osceola Technical College$37,201

Cost, Earnings, and Program Length in Astatula

Among the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL area’s most-employed trades (BLS QCEW 2024), median annual pay ranges from $37,690 to $61,390 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); the chart above compares the five with the largest local workforces. Published tuition across the trade-relevant schools serving Astatula ranges from $2,664 to $18,529 per year (IPEDS and College Scorecard); schools that do not publish a rate are marked “Contact school for pricing” in the table below. Typical medical assistant training runs 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) (TradeCareerPath program data).

Trade Schools in Nearby Cities

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians keep homes, schools, and businesses powered. The field shows steady national growth with ongoing replacement needs. Florida’s booming construction and service sectors support consistent demand1. Training often starts with a clock-hour program or an apprenticeship, then moves to journeyman and contractor licensing. Learn more: Electrician careers.

  • HVAC/R Technician HVAC techs install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Technicians who hold EPA 608 and additional credentials have an edge. Many Florida programs are designed to prepare you for EPA 608 right away4. Learn more: HVAC careers.

  • Welder Welders work in fabrication, construction, manufacturing, and repair. Certifications from AWS are the key to entry and advancement. Area schools offer structural and pipe basics, with practice in SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW. Learn more: Welding careers.

  • Plumber Plumbers and pipefitters serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Florida contractors value hands-on school training plus registered apprenticeships. After a few years in the field, many techs pursue the plumbing contractor exam. Learn more: Plumbing careers.

BLS data shows these trades provide stable employment with hands-on work and strong replacement needs as experienced workers retire1.

Building & Construction Trades

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Flooring Installer9.5%
Plumber4.5%
Welder2.2%
Carpenter4.5%
Construction Worker7.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager8.7%
Home Inspector-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Lineworker6.6%
Wind Turbine Technician49.9%
Tower Technician8.6%
Electrician9.5%
HVAC Technician8.1%
Solar Installer42.1%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)4.0%
Diesel Technician2.4%
Gunsmith2.0%
CNC Machinist0.0%
Truck Driver (CDL)4.0%
Heavy Equipment Operator3.6%
Auto Mechanic4.2%
Automotive Technician4.2%
Maintenance Technician3.8%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)2.6%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)2.6%
Hemodialysis Technician5.2%
Medical Assistant12.5%
Mental Health Technician20.0%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)2.3%
Patient Care Technician2.3%
Home Health Aide17.0%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer13.0%
EKG Technician3.0%
Radiologic Technologist4.3%
Surgical Technologist4.5%
Optician2.9%
Dental Assistant6.4%
Sterile Processing Technician10.0%
Pharmacy Technician6.4%
Phlebotomy Technician5.6%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist7.1%
Medical Office Administrator4.2%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Occupational Therapy Assistant19.2%
Massage Therapist15.4%
Personal Trainer11.9%
Physical Therapy Aide2.8%

Animal Care & Training

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician9.1%
Veterinary Assistant8.7%
Dog Trainer5.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician6.7%
Beauty Professional5.6%
Cosmetologist5.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef7.1%
Pastry Chef7.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal0.2%
Bookkeeper-5.8%
Digital Court Reporter-0.3%

Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Licensing is handled at the state level for contractors and often at the county/city level for journeyman cards. Always verify local rules before you test or apply.

  • Electrician (State Certified Electrical Contractor)

    • Complete a technical program or apprenticeship and build documented experience (typically 4 years).
    • Apply to the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) through DBPR, meet experience/financial requirements, and pass the exam.
    • Maintain continuing education and renew on schedule56.
    • Note: Journeyman licensing may be issued locally. Check your county/municipality.

  • HVAC (Class A or B Air Conditioning Contractor)

    • Finish an approved program or apprenticeship and attain verifiable experience (generally 4 years total, with some credit for education).
    • Earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants.
    • Apply with the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) via DBPR and pass the state exam.
    • Complete CE for renewal574.

  • Plumbing (Plumbing Contractor)

    • Complete training and accumulate verified field experience (often 4+ years).
    • Apply to CILB through DBPR and pass the state exam.
    • Maintain CE and insurance/bonding as required57.

  • Welding

    • Florida does not require a state welding license for most jobs.
    • Employers commonly require AWS certifications (such as D1.1 structural steel). Many projects also require OSHA 10/30 cards.
    • Keep certs current and test to the welding code used by your employer8.

Online & Flexible Options

Most trades require hands-on lab hours. Still, many local schools offer hybrid schedules:

  • Theory online, labs on campus. This is common in HVAC, electrical, and welding safety courses.
  • Night or weekend cohorts for working adults.
  • Short, stackable certificates that build toward an A.S. degree at Valencia or Seminole State.
  • Test-prep modules for EPA 608, NCCER Core, OSHA, or AWS written portions.

If you need maximum flexibility, ask each school about:

  • Evening or weekend labs
  • Multiple campus options
  • Credit for prior learning or work experience
  • Apprenticeship partnerships with local employers

Next Steps

A good move is to visit two or three campuses near Astatula. Sit in on a lab if allowed. Ask about outcomes data, credential pass rates, and employer partners. Then choose the program that fits your schedule and gets you into the field fast.

Outcome figures such as graduation, completion, and job placement rates are reported by schools and by federal data sources, reflect prior student cohorts, and are not a prediction or promise of future results. Individual outcomes may vary.

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. U.S. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. Florida Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/electrical-contractors/ ↩︎

  7. Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  8. NCCER - National Center for Construction Education and Research. https://www.nccer.org ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)