Best Trade Schools in Greenacres, Florida (2026 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 Florida1.


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.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • 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 integration1. 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 skills1.

  • 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 experience1.

  • 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 roles1.

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 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.

  • Electrician

    • Board: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board2.
    • 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 Board2.
    • EPA 608: Required to handle refrigerants3.
    • 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 Board2.
    • 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 pipe4.
    • 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 accreditors5.
  • 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.

Next Steps

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. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

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

  4. American Welding Society (AWS) Codes and Standards. https://www.aws.org/standards/ ↩︎

  5. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎


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/.