Manatee Technical College
- 6305 State Rd 70 East Bradenton, FL 34203
- (941) 751-7900
- Programs offered: 76
- Annual completions: 1212
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Select a program of interest to explore trade schools that match your goals.
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 Florida1. Use this guide to compare programs near Bradenton Beach and plan your next step.
Below are accredited schools within a practical commute of Bradenton Beach. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each campus for current start dates and schedules2.
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard
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 statewide1. 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 market1. 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 prospects1. Start here: /trades/plumbing.
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring Installer | $56,326 | 9.5% |
| Plumber | $52,910 | 4.5% |
| Welder | $50,640 | 2.2% |
| Carpenter | $49,870 | 4.5% |
| Construction Worker | $44,030 | 7.3% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $113,130 | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | $68,170 | -0.8% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Lineworker | $86,870 | 6.6% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $64,120 | 49.9% |
| Tower Technician | $60,140 | 8.6% |
| Electrician | $57,250 | 9.5% |
| HVAC Technician | $56,670 | 8.1% |
| Solar Installer | $50,550 | 42.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $76,940 | 4.0% |
| Diesel Technician | $60,490 | 2.4% |
| Gunsmith | $59,310 | 2.0% |
| CNC Machinist | $57,140 | 0.0% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $50,640 | 4.0% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $49,400 | 3.6% |
| Auto Mechanic | $48,260 | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | $48,260 | 4.2% |
| Maintenance Technician | $46,060 | 3.8% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $61,770 | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $61,770 | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $45,760 | 5.2% |
| Medical Assistant | $43,680 | 12.5% |
| Mental Health Technician | $43,570 | 20.0% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $37,510 | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | $37,510 | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | $33,800 | 17.0% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $82,940 | 13.0% |
| EKG Technician | $77,140 | 3.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | $76,750 | 4.3% |
| Surgical Technologist | $62,440 | 4.5% |
| Optician | $58,850 | 2.9% |
| Dental Assistant | $47,620 | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $45,890 | 10.0% |
| Pharmacy Technician | $43,590 | 6.4% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $40,230 | 5.6% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $45,760 | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | $41,730 | 4.2% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $71,630 | 19.2% |
| Massage Therapist | $49,680 | 15.4% |
| Personal Trainer | $38,800 | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $35,140 | 2.8% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | $46,380 | 9.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | $37,830 | 8.7% |
| Dog Trainer | $36,870 | 5.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Esthetician | $43,880 | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | $29,530 | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | $29,530 | 5.6% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | $39,604 | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | $39,604 | 7.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | $61,000 | 0.2% |
| 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.
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
HVAC/R
Plumbing
Welding
Cosmetology and Massage
Always confirm current rules with DBPR and the relevant state board before you test or apply.
If you need a flexible schedule, you have options near Bradenton Beach:
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/.
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.
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, accessed 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎
Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board, licensing requirements and renewals, accessed 2025. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/electrical-contractors/ ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification, accessed 2025. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩︎
Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board, contractor licensing, accessed 2025. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NCCER, Credentials and Certification, accessed 2025. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩︎
Florida DBPR, Board of Cosmetology, licensing requirements, accessed 2025. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/cosmetology/ ↩︎
Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage Therapy, licensing requirements, accessed 2025. https://flhealthsource.gov/massage/ ↩︎
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/.