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Best Trade Schools in Greenacres, Florida (2025 Guide)
Here are the best schools in Greenacres. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, understand Florida licensing, and see which trades are hiring. Demand for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders remains steady across South Florida[^1].
Top Trade Schools in Greenacres
Below are accredited programs within an easy drive of Greenacres. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current schedules.
#1
Atlantic Technical College
📍
Coconut Creek, FL
•In-state option
Located in Coconut Creek, FL Atlantic Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.
Tuition
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4700 Coconut Creek Parkway Coconut Creek, FL 33063-3902
Located in Graceville, FL Baptist University of Florida is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.
Located in Miami, FL Barry University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Emergency Management, Art and Design Foundations, and Information Technology Systems.
Located in Daytona Beach, FL Bethune-Cookman University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology Systems.
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640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3099
Located in Boca Raton, FL Lynn University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Criminal Justice, and Data Analytics Technology.
Located in Starke, FL North Florida Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), HVAC Technician, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Located in Melbourne, FL Eastern Florida State College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aerospace Technology, Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), and Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Automotive Technician.
Electrician
Greenacres sits in a growing construction market. Contractors need entry-level helpers and apprentices. Electricians earn solid wages with strong statewide demand and steady project pipelines in residential upgrades, commercial build-outs, and solar integration[^1]. Entry routes include electricity certificates or a registered apprenticeship.
HVAC/R Technician
Air conditioning is essential in Palm Beach County. HVAC techs see year-round service calls, seasonal installs, and energy-efficiency retrofits. Many employers hire graduates who have EPA Section 608 certification and basic troubleshooting skills[^1].
Plumber
South Florida’s development and renovation cycles drive plumbing work in new construction, service, and medical gas systems. Apprenticeships are a tried-and-true way in. Contractor licensing can boost income once you gain experience[^1].
Welder
Welders support construction, marine, manufacturing, and repair shops. Structural steel, aluminum, and pipe welding skills are valuable. Employers often prefer AWS code testing for structural or pipe roles[^1].
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
Florida licenses contractors at the state level. Entry-level technicians usually start as helpers or apprentices under licensed contractors. Local jurisdictions may license journeyman electricians or plumbers.
To be a contractor: Qualify for Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) or Certified Residential Electrical Contractor (ER). Meet experience, financial, and insurance requirements; pass the state exam.
To work as a journeyman: Palm Beach County may require a local journeyman card. Expect 4 years of experience or completion of an approved apprenticeship plus an exam.
Good first step: Complete an electricity program or enter a registered apprenticeship, then prepare for local journeyman testing and, later, the state contractor exam.
HVAC/R
Board: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board[^4].
EPA 608: Required to handle refrigerants[^5].
Contractor license classes: Class A (unlimited), Class B (limited capacity), and Class C service-only. Most technicians work under a licensed contractor until they meet experience and exam requirements.
Plumbing
Board: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board[^4].
To be a contractor: Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC) requires verified experience, exam, financial responsibility, and insurance.
Journeyman: Often licensed at the county level. Apprenticeship or documentation of equivalent experience plus an exam.
Welding
No state license. Employers and project owners set qualifications.
Common credentials: AWS D1.1 Structural Steel, AWS D1.3 Sheet Steel, AWS D1.2 Aluminum, ASME Section IX for pipe[^6].
Many technical colleges prepare you for AWS code tests.
Always verify current rules with DBPR and your local building department before you test or apply.
Online & Flexible Options
Hybrid learning
Many technical colleges deliver theory online with labs on campus. HVAC and electrical programs may offer evening labs so you can work during the day. Welding and automotive require in-person labs.
Apprenticeship flexibility
Registered apprenticeships combine paid OJT with one or two nights of related instruction per week. This is a strong option if you need to earn while training.
Short courses and certifications
Look for prep classes for EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NCCER module tests, and AWS code tests. These stack well with your main program and can make you job-ready faster.
How to Choose a Program
Verify accreditation and program approvals. Use College Navigator and school accreditors[^2].
Ask about outcomes data, employer partners, and lab hours.
Confirm your program aligns with Florida licensing steps in your trade.
Check schedules. Night or weekend labs can be a difference-maker if you work.
Tour the labs. Look for current equipment and instructor certifications.
If you live in Greenacres, start with Palm Beach State College for local labs, or consider a Broward technical college for more scheduling options. If you need to earn while training, contact ABC Institute about apprenticeship entry. Once you choose a path, map your first credential, your journeyman target, and your contractor licensing timeline.
Sources
[^1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
[^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/
[^5]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608
[^6]: American Welding Society (AWS) Codes and Standards. https://www.aws.org/standards/
