Best Trade Schools in Hialeah, Florida (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Here are the best schools in Hialeah. All are accredited and offer job-focused training. You’ll also see Florida licensing steps and which trades are hiring in Miami-Dade. BLS expects steady demand for core trades through 20321.

Top Trade Schools in Hialeah

School Program Length Highlights
Hialeah Technical College (Hialeah) 6–15 months (clock-hour certificates) Public technical college. Programs in electricity, HVAC/R, medical, cosmetology, IT support. COE-accredited; eligible for federal aid via district2. Evening options.
Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College (Miami Lakes) 10–18 months (clock-hour certificates) Serves the Hialeah area. Electricity, HVAC/R, Welding Technology, Automotive, CNC/Advanced Manufacturing. COE-accredited; strong labs and industry ties2.
Florida National University – Hialeah Campus (Hialeah) 12–24 months (diploma/AS) SACSCOC-accredited university with hands-on allied health and tech programs. Options include Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, IT, and Business2.
George T. Baker Aviation Technical College (Miami, near MIA) 18–24 months Aviation Maintenance (Airframe and Powerplant). FAA Part 147 training and COE-accredited. Strong placement with airlines and MROs in the Miami hub2.
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College (Miami) 9–15 months Electricity, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating, Plumbing, Major Appliance and Refrigeration. COE-accredited with day/evening schedules2.
Futura Career Institute – Hialeah Gardens 9–12 months ACCSC-accredited. Electrical and A/C Technician training focused on residential/light commercial service. Small cohorts and bilingual instruction available3.
South Florida Institute of Technology (Miami) 9–12 months ACCSC-accredited. HVAC/R and Electricity programs with prep for EPA 608 and entry-level industry credentials3.
Miami Dade College – Hialeah Campus (Hialeah) 6–12 months (college credit certificates) SACSCOC-accredited public college. Short-term certificates in IT support, networking, and business office tech; stack into AS degrees2.

Tip: Visit each school’s Gainful Employment or outcomes page for completion and placement data. Verify institutional accreditation and program approvals on College Navigator or the accreditor’s directory23.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians keep Miami-Dade’s housing, retail, and industrial sites running. New builds and renovations drive steady hiring. BLS projects continued demand nationwide through 20321. Start with an electricity program, then enter an apprenticeship for paid hours. Learn more in our guide: Electrician Careers.

HVAC/R

  • South Florida’s heat and humidity create year-round service work. HVAC technicians who hold EPA 608 and solid troubleshooting skills move up fast1. Training blends refrigeration, electrical, and controls. See paths and certifications: HVAC Careers.

Welding

  • Welders support fabrication, construction, and maritime work tied to PortMiami and local manufacturers. Employers value process flexibility (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW) and AWS performance qualifications. Explore roles and pay: Welding Careers.

Plumbing

  • Population growth and hospitality projects keep plumbers busy across the metro. Many start as helpers and move into apprenticeships. Licensing is at the contractor level in Florida; see steps below and our overview: Plumbing Careers.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida regulates contractors at the state level through DBPR. Journeyman cards are typically issued by counties or cities. Always confirm local rules in Miami-Dade.

  • Oversight and boards

    • Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) – Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board4.
    • County or city journeyman/competency cards where applicable (e.g., Miami-Dade CTQB).

  • Electrician

    • Entry: Complete an electricity program or start as a helper/apprentice.
    • Journeyman: Often a local/county credential based on hours and an exam.
    • Contractor (state license): Qualify for Certified Electrical Contractor by documenting experience (typically 4 years with supervisory elements or equivalent education), pass trade and business exams, submit application, fingerprints, credit/financial responsibility, and insurance to DBPR4.
    • Keep up with continuing education per renewal cycle.

  • HVAC/R

    • EPA 608 refrigerant certification required for anyone who handles refrigerants5.
    • Contractor classes: Class A (unlimited) or Class B (limited tonnage) Air Conditioning Contractor under CILB.
    • Steps: Document verifiable experience (about 4 years or a mix of education and experience), pass trade and business exams, submit application, background, and insurance to DBPR4.
    • Many techs work under a licensed contractor while gaining hours.

  • Plumbing

    • Contractor license through CILB for Certified Plumbing Contractor.
    • Steps mirror HVAC: qualifying experience, trade and business exams, application, background, and insurance4.
    • Local journeyman cards may be available via county exams.

  • Welding

    • No state license for welding.
    • Employers and public agencies often require AWS performance qualifications (e.g., D1.1 structural steel) or procedure-specific certs. Testing is through AWS-accredited facilities6.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Many Hialeah-area technical colleges offer day, evening, and bilingual cohorts.
  • Hybrid models are common. Theory modules (safety, codes, electrical fundamentals, HVAC calculations) may be online, while labs are in person.
  • Hands-on trades like HVAC, electrical, welding, and aviation require in-person labs and competency checks.
  • Fully online options fit support roles such as IT support, office admin, or medical billing. Look for programs that stack into higher credentials at public colleges.
  • If you work full-time, ask schools about part-time pacing, externships on weekends, and credit for prior learning or industry experience.

Next Steps

Visit campuses, ask about licensure pass rates, employer partners, and lab hours. Confirm accreditation and state approvals before you enroll234.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and Employment Projections. ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional profiles and accreditation). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accredited School Directory. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Licensing for Construction and Electrical Contractors. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerant handling requirements). ↩

  6. American Welding Society (AWS), Certification and Qualification Standards. ↩

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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.