Best Trade Schools in Lake Mary, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Lake Mary. This guide compares accredited programs nearby and explains Florida licensing for popular trades. Use it to pick a program that fits your timeline and career goals. Trades like electrician, HVAC, plumbing, and welding remain in demand across the Orlando metro[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Lake Mary

Below are reputable, accredited options within a short drive of Lake Mary. Program lengths are typical ranges. Check each school for current start dates and schedules.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Electrical work stays steady with construction and ongoing maintenance. Training focuses on wiring, code, motors, and safety. Many start in an apprenticeship while earning a wage. Electricians have solid pay and career ladders into foreman or contractor roles[^1]. See our overview: Electrician.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • Florida’s climate keeps HVAC service busy year-round. Programs teach troubleshooting, controls, refrigeration cycles, and brazing. You will need EPA Section 608 to handle refrigerants. Experienced techs can become licensed contractors or specialize in controls and energy efficiency[^1]. Explore HVAC.

• Welder

  • Welding is used in construction, fabrication, and repair shops across Central Florida. Training covers SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, oxy-fuel cutting, and reading prints. Employers value passing bend tests and holding relevant certifications. Welding can lead to roles in structural steel, pipe, or aerospace fabrication[^1]. Learn about Welding.

• Plumber

  • Plumbers install and service water, drainage, and gas systems. Training covers codes, layout, fixtures, and piping methods. Many start as apprentices and work toward qualifying for a contractor license. Service plumbing is steady with strong call volume across the Orlando area[^1]. See Plumbing.

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

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

Licensing is handled at the state level for contractors, with some local credentials for journey-level workers. Always check Florida DBPR and local rules before you test or apply.

• Electrician

  • Florida licenses electrical contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board.
  • Pathways:
  • Certified Electrical Contractor: state-level license to contract anywhere in Florida.
  • Registered Electrical Contractor: tied to a specific locality.
  • Typical steps: verify experience, pass state exam, provide financial/insurance documentation, complete background check, apply to DBPR[^4].
  • Note: Florida does not issue a statewide journeyman card; some counties and cities have local journeyman exams/credentials. Check Seminole County or City of Orlando if applicable.

• HVAC/R (Air Conditioning and Mechanical)

  • To run an HVAC business or pull permits, you need a state contractor license (Class A Air Conditioning, Class B Air Conditioning, or Mechanical Contractor) via DBPR.
  • Typical steps: document experience (or education plus experience), pass trade and business exams, provide insurance/financials, background check, apply to DBPR[^4].
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone servicing or disposing of equipment with regulated refrigerants[^5].
  • Technicians can work under a licensed contractor while they gain experience.

• Plumbing

  • Florida licenses plumbing contractors through DBPR (Certified or Registered).
  • Typical steps: meet experience requirements, pass trade and business exams, provide insurance/financials, background check, apply to DBPR[^4].
  • Local journeyman credentials may exist; verify with your local building department.

• Welding

  • No state license for welders. Employers often require passing performance qualification tests to relevant codes (for example, AWS D1.1 for structural steel). Training programs help you prepare for these tests.

Apprenticeships: Many students enter paid apprenticeship programs that combine classroom and job training. Schools like Seminole State and regional training centers sponsor or connect students to apprenticeships. Apprenticeships can help you log the experience needed to sit for contractor exams.

Online & Flexible Options

• Blended learning: Several nearby schools offer hybrid formats where theory is online and labs are in person. This is common for HVAC, electricity, and welding safety and code classes.
• Evening and weekend schedules: Technical colleges and private career schools in the Orlando area often run multiple shifts to support working adults.
• General education online: Community and state colleges such as Seminole State offer many A.S. support courses online, which can shorten your time on campus.
• Short course stackability: Clock-hour programs at Orange Technical College and Lake Technical College stack into advanced certificates or help you transition into A.S. pathways.

Ask admissions about:

• Lab access times and make-up policies
• Required certifications embedded in the program (EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NCCER modules)
• Employer partnerships and outcomes data
• Whether training hours count toward local apprenticeship or contractor experience requirements

Next Steps

• Compare programs and plan your timeline on the Florida trade school hub.
• Research career paths on the Trades hub. Start with Electrician, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing.
• Get tips on choosing schools, accreditation, and aid in our Guides.
• If you are still exploring, browse all locations at the main Trade School directory.

Local tip: Tour two or three campuses. See the labs, talk to instructors about pass rates on industry exams, and ask career services how they help you connect with Orlando-area employers.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Electricians; HVACR Mechanics and Installers; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/school-directory/ [^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ [^5]: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608