Best Trade Schools in Bradenton Beach, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Bradenton Beach. This page ranks nearby accredited trade schools, shows program lengths, and explains Florida licensing so you can start a skilled career fast. Demand for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers stays strong across Florida[^1]. Use this guide to compare programs near Bradenton Beach and plan your next step.

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Top Trade Schools in Bradenton Beach

Below are accredited schools within a practical commute of Bradenton Beach. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each campus for current start dates and schedules[^2].

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician Electricians support residential and commercial growth across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Work includes installs, service calls, and solar tie-ins. Florida employers value grads who can read blueprints, bend conduit, and work safely. BLS data shows steady demand and solid wages statewide[^1]. See paths and certifications on our electrician hub: /trades/electrician.

• HVAC/R Technician Coastal heat and humidity keep HVAC techs busy year-round with installs and service. Training should cover electrical, refrigeration cycles, airflow, and EPA 608 certification prep. HVAC roles have consistent demand in Florida, including the Bradenton–Sarasota market[^1]. Learn about the trade: /trades/hvac.

• Welder Welders support marine, construction, fabrication, and infrastructure projects in the Tampa Bay region. Programs that teach SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and provide plate and pipe practice help you qualify for common shop tests. Many employers seek AWS-code capable welders. Explore welding careers: /trades/welding.

• Plumber Plumbers handle water, waste, and gas systems in homes and commercial sites. Training covers code, blueprint reading, and installs. Florida has ongoing construction and renovation activity that supports stable job prospects[^1]. Start here: /trades/plumbing.

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

Most construction trades are licensed at the state level for contractors through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Entry roles often start as helpers or apprentices. Here are the basics:

• Electrician

  • Entry: Work as an electrical helper or apprentice to gain hours.
  • Contractor license: Florida Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board issues Certified (statewide) and Registered (local) contractor licenses. Requirements include verified experience, passing trade and business exams, background check, and insurance[^4].
  • Local journeyman cards: Some counties and municipalities issue journeyman licenses. Check local building departments.
  • Continuing education is required for renewals[^4].

• HVAC/R

  • Entry: Complete an HVAC program and earn EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants[^5].
  • Contractor license: DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board issues Class A (unlimited) and Class B (limited to 25 tons cooling and 500,000 BTU heating) Air Conditioning Contractor licenses. Requires experience, trade and business exams, and insurance[^6].
  • Many techs work under a licensed contractor while building hours.

• Plumbing

  • Entry: Start as a plumbing helper or registered apprentice.
  • Contractor license: Plumbing contractors are licensed by the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. Requires documented experience, exams, and insurance[^6].
  • Local journeyman licensing may apply. Verify with your county.

• Welding

  • Florida does not have a state welder license. Employers often require passing an employer or AWS code test. NCCER credentials are widely recognized across Florida job sites[^7].

• Cosmetology and Massage

  • Cosmetology: Florida DBPR Board of Cosmetology requires 1200 hours in an approved program and passing the state exam for licensure[^8].
  • Massage Therapy: Florida Board of Massage Therapy requires an approved program of at least 500 hours, passing the MBLEx, and background screening[^9].

Always confirm current rules with DBPR and the relevant state board before you test or apply.

Online & Flexible Options

If you need a flexible schedule, you have options near Bradenton Beach:

• Hybrid learning: Many technical colleges deliver theory online with hands-on labs on campus. Expect set lab days each week for HVAC, electricity, welding, and plumbing.
• Evening and accelerated cohorts: Public technical colleges like MTC, STC, and PTC often run day and evening sections and offer multiple start dates annually.
• College credit certificates: SCF offers short-term certificates that can stack into an A.S. degree. Some courses run online or hybrid, which helps if you work full-time.
• Certification prep online: Safety, OSHA-10/30, EPA 608, and exam prep modules are commonly offered in online formats through schools or third-party partners.

Ask each school about lab schedules, required in-person hours, externships, and exam prep included in tuition. Use our guides to compare learning formats and find funding: /guides/.

Next Steps

• Compare schools statewide: /trade-school/florida/
• Browse all trades: /trades/
• Visit our national hub: /trade-school/
• Learn more about specific careers:
  • Electrician: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC: /trades/hvac
  • Welding: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing
• Need help choosing? See our guides: /guides/

If you live in Bradenton Beach, start with Manatee Technical College and Suncoast Technical College. Tour the labs. Ask about licensure pass rates, schedules, placement support, and tool lists. Apply early to secure your start date.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and Occupational Outlook, accessed 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, accessed 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions, accessed 2025. https://www.accsc.org/ [^4]: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board, licensing requirements and renewals, accessed 2025. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/electrical-contractors/ [^5]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification, accessed 2025. https://www.epa.gov/section608 [^6]: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board, contractor licensing, accessed 2025. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ [^7]: NCCER, Credentials and Certification, accessed 2025. https://www.nccer.org/ [^8]: Florida DBPR, Board of Cosmetology, licensing requirements, accessed 2025. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/ [^9]: Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy, licensing requirements, accessed 2025. https://flhealthsource.gov/massage/