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

Here are the best schools in Lake Wales. This guide lists accredited options within easy driving distance, plus Florida licensing steps and which trades are hiring now. Use it to compare programs and plan your path to a solid career in 2025.

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Top Trade Schools in Lake Wales

The schools below are accredited and offer hands-on training in skilled trades. Program lengths are typical time-to-completion for full-time students. Always confirm current details with the school.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• Steady demand statewide for installation and maintenance across residential, commercial, and solar projects[^1].
• Local programs feed apprenticeships and contractor firms in Polk and Highlands counties.
• Work includes wiring, service panels, conduit, low-voltage systems, and troubleshooting.

HVAC/R

• Florida’s heat and growth keep HVAC technicians busy all year. Employers value EPA 608 plus NATE or HVAC Excellence credentials[^1].
• Jobs span install, service, and controls in homes, schools, hospitals, and light industrial.

Welding

• Welders support construction, fabrication, utilities, and transportation. Training focuses on SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and plate/pipe positions.
• NCCER and employer-required code tests help you move up quickly[^6].

Plumbing

• Plumbers are needed for new builds, retrofits, and service. Training covers piping systems, code, fixtures, backflow, and blueprint reading.
• Pathways include registered apprenticeship and, later, plumbing contractor licensing to run your own business[^4].

BLS projects stable employment and replacement needs across these trades in Florida, with pathways to higher pay as you add certifications and experience[^1].

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

Electricians

• Start: Enroll in a certificate or apprenticeship and log supervised hours (often 4 years combined OJT/class).
• Journeyman: Many Florida jurisdictions recognize journeyman competency cards or completion of a registered apprenticeship. Check local requirements.
• Contractor: To bid/operate a business statewide, apply for Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) via the Florida DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. Requirements include verified experience, exam, background, financial responsibility, and insurance[^4].
• Keep up with continuing education each renewal cycle[^4].

HVAC/R

• Technicians: EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants[^5].
• Contractor: Class A or Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license through DBPR’s Construction Industry Licensing Board. Requires experience (or degree + experience), trade and business exams, and proof of insurance/financial stability[^4].
• Many techs work under a licensed contractor while gaining hours toward contractor licensure.

Plumbers

• Entry: School + OJT or registered apprenticeship.
• Contractor: Certified Plumbing Contractor license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Experience, state exams, and insurance are required to contract independently[^4].

Welders

• No state license. Employers and projects often require passing code tests (e.g., plate/pipe) and earning industry credentials.
• NCCER Welding credentials and documented performance qualifications help you move into higher-paid roles[^6].

Always confirm the latest rules with Florida DBPR and your local jurisdiction before you test or apply[^4].

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning: Many programs deliver theory online and skill labs on campus. Expect weekly shop time for welding, HVAC, and electrical.
• Evening and accelerated tracks: Ridge, Traviss, and Southern Technical College frequently offer evening cohorts for working adults[^2][^3].
• College Credit Certificates: Polk State and HCC offer stackable CCCs you can complete in 2–3 semesters and apply toward an AS degree later[^2].
• Short upskilling: Polk State Corporate College and SFSC run short courses in CNC, mechatronics, OSHA, and CDL to boost your resume quickly[^2].

If you need maximum flexibility, ask schools about:

• Night/weekend labs
• Multiple start dates per year
• Credit for prior learning or work experience
• Tutoring and certification exam prep

Next Steps

• Compare Florida trade programs: Florida Trade School Hub
• Explore all trades and career paths: Trades Hub
• Browse all regions and schools: Trade School Directory
• Learn more about specific paths:
  • Electrician careers and training: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC training and certs: /trades/hvac
  • Welding training and tests: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing training: /trades/plumbing
• Get ready for school: admissions timelines, study tips, and funding resources: Guides

Visit campuses around Lake Wales, talk to instructors, and pick the schedule that fits your life. The fastest way to start is to apply to two programs you like and book a lab tour this week.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook and employment trends for construction and extraction, installation/maintenance, and production occupations in Florida. [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. Institutional accreditation, program offerings, and campus details for listed colleges. [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Institutional accreditation for career schools such as Southern Technical College and Florida Technical College. [^4]: Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board requirements and applications. [^5]: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Section 608 Technician Certification for handling refrigerants. [^6]: NCCER. National Center for Construction Education and Research credentialing standards for Welding, Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing.