Best Trade Schools in Belleair Shore, Florida (2026 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Belleair Shore. This list focuses on accredited options in and around Belleair Shore (Clearwater, Largo, St. Petersburg, and Tampa). You’ll also find Florida licensing steps and local trade demand so you can plan your next move. Electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders continue to see steady demand across Florida1.


Top Trade Schools in Belleair Shore

Belleair Shore is a small beach town, so most students commute a few miles to nearby campuses. The schools below are accredited and offer hands-on training. Program lengths are typical ranges; check each school for current schedules.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • New construction, renovations, and solar retrofits keep demand steady in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Employers value candidates who have completed a state-registered apprenticeship or a clock-hour Electricity program, hold OSHA-10, and can document supervised hours. Electricians nationwide have solid job outlooks and competitive wages1. Learn the career path and certifications on our Electrician hub.
  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Florida’s climate means year-round cooling work. Technicians with EPA 608 and experience in heat pumps, mini-splits, and refrigeration have the edge. Many local programs prep you for NATE-ready skills and entry-level service roles1. Explore training paths on our HVAC guide.
  • Welder

    • Tampa Bay’s marine, manufacturing, and fabrication shops hire welders who can pass bend tests and hold AWS certifications. Flux-core, MIG, and TIG skills open doors in shipyard and structural work. Welding roles see steady replacement needs and project-driven hiring1. See pathways on our Welding page.
  • Plumber

    • Residential and commercial build-outs drive demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and service techs across the region. Completing an apprenticeship or a clock-hour Plumbing program plus local journeyman licensing is the typical route in Florida metro areas1. Learn more on our Plumbing career page.

Building & Construction Trades

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Flooring Installer$56,3269.5%
Plumber$52,9104.5%
Welder$50,6402.2%
Carpenter$49,8704.5%
Construction Worker$44,0307.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager$113,1308.7%
Home Inspector$68,170-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Lineworker$86,8706.6%
Wind Turbine Technician$64,12049.9%
Tower Technician$60,1408.6%
Electrician$57,2509.5%
HVAC Technician$56,6708.1%
Solar Installer$50,55042.1%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)$76,9404.0%
Diesel Technician$60,4902.4%
Gunsmith$59,3102.0%
CNC Machinist$57,1400.0%
Truck Driver (CDL)$50,6404.0%
Heavy Equipment Operator$49,4003.6%
Auto Mechanic$48,2604.2%
Automotive Technician$48,2604.2%
Maintenance Technician$46,0603.8%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)$61,7702.6%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)$61,7702.6%
Hemodialysis Technician$45,7605.2%
Medical Assistant$43,68012.5%
Mental Health Technician$43,57020.0%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)$37,5102.3%
Patient Care Technician$37,5102.3%
Home Health Aide$33,80017.0%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$82,94013.0%
EKG Technician$77,1403.0%
Radiologic Technologist$76,7504.3%
Surgical Technologist$62,4404.5%
Optician$58,8502.9%
Dental Assistant$47,6206.4%
Sterile Processing Technician$45,89010.0%
Pharmacy Technician$43,5906.4%
Phlebotomy Technician$40,2305.6%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist$45,7607.1%
Medical Office Administrator$41,7304.2%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Occupational Therapy Assistant$71,63019.2%
Massage Therapist$49,68015.4%
Personal Trainer$38,80011.9%
Physical Therapy Aide$35,1402.8%

Animal Care & Training

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician$46,3809.1%
Veterinary Assistant$37,8308.7%
Dog Trainer$36,8705.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician$43,8806.7%
Beauty Professional$29,5305.6%
Cosmetologist$29,5305.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef$39,6047.1%
Pastry Chef$39,6047.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal$61,0000.2%
Bookkeeper$49,330-5.8%
Digital Court Reporter$49,240-0.3%

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; job growth uses state projections when available and national projections when state data is unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. 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 trade contractors at the state level and many counties issue journeyman cards. Here is what to know if you plan to work in Belleair Shore and the Tampa Bay region.

  • Electricians

    • State contractor licenses: Certified Electrical Contractor (EC, statewide) or Registered Electrical Contractor (ER, limited to local jurisdictions) through the Florida Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) at DBPR2.
    • Typical steps:
      • Complete an apprenticeship (about 4 years) or show equivalent verifiable experience.
      • Pass the state exam (trade knowledge and business/finance).
      • Provide background check, credit/financial stability, and insurance.
      • Apply to DBPR for EC or ER; maintain continuing education.
    • Journeyman electrician: Pinellas and Hillsborough counties issue local journeyman cards. Expect 4 years of documented experience or completion of a registered apprenticeship, plus a local exam.
  • HVAC (Air Conditioning Contractors)

    • State contractor licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at DBPR: Class A (unlimited) or Class B (≤25 tons cooling/500,000 BTU heating)3.
    • Typical steps:
      • Document 4 years of experience or a combination of education and experience.
      • Pass trade and business exams.
      • Show financial responsibility and required insurance.
      • EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants4.
      • Register your business if contracting independently.
  • Plumbers

    • State contractor licensing (Certified or Registered Plumbing Contractor) via CILB at DBPR3.
    • Typical steps:
      • Complete apprenticeship or show equivalent verified experience.
      • Pass trade and business exams.
      • Submit financials, background, and insurance.
    • Journeyman plumber: Licensed at the county level; expect 4 years of experience or apprenticeship completion and a local exam.
  • Welders

    • No state license. Employers commonly require AWS structural or pipe welding certifications (position- and process-specific)5.
    • OSHA-10/30 and TWIC cards are useful for industrial and port work.

Tip: If your goal is to become a contractor, choose programs that include exam prep for Florida’s business and finance component and help document your on-the-job experience.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Blended learning: Many local technical colleges offer evening or blended schedules for Electricity, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing. Hands-on lab hours are still required.
  • Online theory, in-person labs: Schools may deliver safety, code, and troubleshooting theory online while keeping labs on campus.
  • Allied health online: Programs such as billing and coding or healthcare management can be completed online through accredited providers like UMA; externships may still be required.
  • Apprenticeships: Registered apprenticeships let you earn while you learn. Classroom hours are scheduled in the evenings, with paid OJT during the day. Check regional electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship sponsors listed with the Florida Department of Education or local trade associations.

Before enrolling, verify:

  • Institutional accreditation (ACCSC, ABHES, regional, or COE).
  • Programmatic approvals where applicable.
  • Licensure alignment for Florida (DBPR/ECLB/CILB exams).
  • Job placement support and employer partners.

Next Steps

Set up campus tours in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Bring your questions about schedules, certifications, and exam prep. Pick the program that gets you licensed and job‑ready fast; hiring outcomes vary by local market.


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians, HVAC Mechanics, Plumbers, Welders). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Florida DBPR. Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) licensing. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?chBoard=true&boardid=06&SID= ↩︎

  3. Florida DBPR. Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB): Air Conditioning and Plumbing Contractor licensing. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ ↩︎ ↩︎

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

  5. American Welding Society. Certifications and standards. https://www.aws.org/certification/ ↩︎


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.