Best Trade Schools in Clearwater, Florida (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Clearwater. This page compares accredited programs, outlines Florida licensing, and points you to in-demand trades around Tampa Bay. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers continue to see steady need and solid career paths in the region1. All schools listed are accredited and appear in U.S. Department of Education resources2.

Top Trade Schools in Clearwater

Name Program Length Highlights
Pinellas Technical College – Clearwater Campus 4–18 months depending on program COE-accredited public technical college; hands-on labs; programs include HVAC/R, Electricity, Welding Technology, Plumbing Technology, Practical Nursing, and Cosmetology; day/evening options; strong local employer ties2.
National Aviation Academy – Tampa Bay (Clearwater) 14–21 months ACCSC-accredited and FAA Part 147 approved; Aviation Maintenance Technology (A&P) and Avionics training at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport; career services and employer recruiting on campus34.
Keiser University – Clearwater 8–24 months (Diplomas and A.S.) Regionally accredited (SACSCOC); career-focused diplomas and associate degrees in health sciences and information technology; multiple start dates; day, evening, and some online coursework2.
Sunstate Academy – Clearwater 6–12 months NACCAS-accredited; Cosmetology, Barber Styling, and Massage Therapy; salon-and-spa learning environment; exam prep for Florida licensure2.
St. Petersburg College (Clearwater Campus) 4–24 months (Certificates and A.S.) Regionally accredited public college (SACSCOC); workforce certificates and A.S. programs in areas like engineering technology, public safety, and health; flexible schedules and strong transfer pathways2.
Fred K. Marchman Technical College (New Port Richey) 9–12 months COE-accredited; Welding, Electricity, HVAC/R, Automotive, and Practical Nursing; convenient for North Pinellas commuters; employer advisory boards2.
Cortiva Institute – Pinellas Park (near Clearwater) 5–9 months ACCET-accredited; Massage Therapy and Skin Care; day/evening schedules; practical training and licensure preparation2.
American Institute of Beauty – Largo 6–12 months NACCAS-accredited; Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, and Nail Technology; near Clearwater; state board exam prep and salon floor experience2.

Tip: Always confirm current programs, schedules, and accreditation on the school’s website and College Navigator before enrolling2.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians keep the region’s homes, hospitals, and businesses running. Apprenticeships and school-based “Electricity” programs can get you job-ready, with steady demand across Tampa Bay1.
  • Explore the career path and training options: Electrician.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Florida’s heat and humidity make HVAC a year-round necessity. Technicians with EPA Section 608 and solid troubleshooting skills are competitive for residential and commercial roles15.
  • Learn pathways and certifications: HVAC.

Welder

  • Welding supports construction, marine repair, and manufacturing across the Gulf Coast. Short-term certificates plus AWS credentials help you move quickly into entry-level roles1.
  • See job types and certs: Welding.

Plumber

  • Plumbers are essential for construction and service work in fast-growing Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Apprenticeships and school plumbing programs align well with contractor-led career ladders1.
  • Compare training routes: Plumbing.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Electrician (Florida)

  • Florida licenses electrical contractors through DBPR’s Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (Certified EC statewide or Registered ER for specific jurisdictions)6.
  • No statewide journeyman license. Many employers prefer apprenticeship completion or equivalent experience. Some local journeyman credentials have been phased out due to state preemption.
  • To become a Certified Electrical Contractor: meet experience/education requirements, pass the state exam, provide financial/insurance documentation, and maintain continuing education6.

HVAC/R (Florida)

  • To handle refrigerants, every technician must have EPA Section 608 certification5.
  • Florida licenses HVAC contractors (Class A/B/C) via DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)7. Class A allows unlimited HVAC; Class B is limited in capacity.
  • To become a licensed contractor: verify experience (often 4 years or equivalent), pass the trade and business exams, meet financial responsibility and insurance rules, and complete continuing education7.
  • Technicians can work under a licensed contractor without holding a separate state license.

Plumbing (Florida)

  • Plumbing contractors are licensed by the CILB (Certified or Registered)8.
  • Typical path: complete a plumbing program or apprenticeship, work under a licensed contractor, then meet experience and exam requirements to become a licensed contractor. Maintain insurance and continuing education as required8.

Cosmetology and Barbering (Florida)

  • Cosmetologists must complete an approved program (typically 1,200 hours) and pass the state exam under the Florida Board of Cosmetology (DBPR)9.
  • Barbers follow a similar process with required hours and a state exam9.

Aviation Maintenance (Federal)

  • Aviation maintenance technicians earn FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) certificates by graduating from an FAA Part 147 school or documenting sufficient experience, then passing FAA written, oral, and practical exams4.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Many Clearwater-area schools offer evening or hybrid schedules so you can work while training. Pinellas Technical College and St. Petersburg College list day/evening options for several programs.
  • Hands-on trades like HVAC, welding, aviation, and cosmetology require lab time. However, some safety, theory, and general education courses may be available online.
  • Want maximum flexibility? Consider starting with online prerequisites at St. Petersburg College or Keiser University, then complete required labs on campus.
  • For exam-focused study, look for online prep for EPA Section 608, NCCER modules, or state contractor business exams from approved providers.

Next Steps

  • Compare programs across the state: Florida Trade School Hub.
  • See trade-by-trade career paths, certs, and salaries: Skilled Trades Hub.
  • Explore more schools and planning resources: Trade School Guide.
  • Ready to act? Shortlist 2–3 schools, talk to admissions, and visit labs before you apply. Verify accreditation and placement support, and ask about employer partnerships and externships.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians; Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. bls.gov/ooh ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator – Profiles for listed institutions and accreditation details. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory – National Aviation Academy (Tampa Bay). accsc.org ↩

  4. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Mechanic Certificates (A&P) and Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. faa.gov ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Section 608 Technician Certification. epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board – Licensing requirements and applications. myfloridalicense.com ↩ ↩

  7. DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) – Air Conditioning Contractor licensing (Class A/B/C). myfloridalicense.com ↩ ↩

  8. DBPR, CILB – Plumbing Contractor licensing requirements. myfloridalicense.com ↩ ↩

  9. Florida Board of Cosmetology (DBPR), Licensure Requirements and Exams. myfloridalicense.com ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.