Best Trade Schools in Lake Worth Beach, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Lake Worth Beach. Use this guide to compare accredited programs, program lengths, specialties, and Florida licensing steps. Skilled trades like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and welding remain in steady demand in Florida, driven by population growth and construction activity[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in Lake Worth Beach

School list focuses on accredited colleges and state-registered apprenticeship programs in and near Lake Worth Beach. Always verify current accreditation and program availability before enrolling[^2][^3].

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Electrical technicians and contractors remain essential across residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Palm Beach County. Growth is supported by new construction, retrofits, and solar integration[^1]. Training options include state-registered apprenticeships or college credit certificates. See paths and certifications at our trade hub: Electrician careers.

• HVAC/R

  • Florida’s climate keeps HVAC technicians busy year-round. Employers value hands-on experience and EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling. Many local programs offer day or evening cohorts to fit work schedules[^5]. Explore training and licensing: HVAC careers.

• Welding

  • Welders support construction, fabrication, and marine work throughout South Florida. Certifications from AWS and NCCER help you qualify for higher-skill roles and better pay[^6]. Learn paths and certs: Welding careers.

• Plumbing

  • Plumbing contractors and service technicians are in steady demand, with strong call volume from residential growth and commercial maintenance. Apprenticeships with UA Local 630 and merit-shop providers are proven routes into the trade. Start here: Plumbing careers.

These pathways offer short training timelines, stackable credentials, and strong placement support. BLS projects solid national outlooks for these occupations, and Florida’s growth trends continue to support local hiring[^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

Licensing is handled at the state level for contractors and often at the county or city level for journeyman cards. Here are the basics:

• Electrician (Florida)

  • Journeyman: Typically issued by local jurisdictions (county/city). Common requirements: an approved apprenticeship or equivalent experience and a journeyman exam.
  • Contractor (EC/EI): State licensing through Florida DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board. Requires verified experience (or a combination of education/experience), financial responsibility, background check, and passing the trade and business exams. Certified (EC) allows statewide practice; Registered (ER) is limited to specific localities[^4].

• HVAC/R (Air-Conditioning Contractor)

  • Contractor License: Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. Class A (unlimited) and Class B (up to 25 tons cooling/500,000 BTU heating). Requires experience (or degree + experience), exam, and financial/insurance documentation. Certified licenses allow statewide practice; Registered licenses are locality-specific[^4].
  • EPA Section 608: Mandatory for anyone who services or purchases refrigerants[^5].

• Plumbing

  • Journeyman: Usually local jurisdiction licensing with an exam and documented apprenticeship hours.
  • Contractor: State license via DBPR CILB as a Plumbing Contractor (Certified or Registered). Requires experience documentation, exam, and financial/insurance compliance[^4].

• Welding

  • No state contractor license for welders. Employers often require AWS or NCCER welder performance qualifications. Structural work may require city/county approvals and inspections[^6].

• Apprenticeships

  • Florida registered apprenticeships are overseen by the Florida Department of Education. Programs combine paid OJT with related instruction and culminate in journeyman-level credentials where applicable[^10].

Always check local Palm Beach County or city licensing offices for any additional permitting or journeyman requirements.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid training: Many local schools split theory online with in-person labs. This is common in HVAC, electrical code, and health programs.
• Night and weekend schedules: Look for evening cohorts at apprenticeship training centers and career schools. This lets you work while you train.
• Short industry certs: Add credentials like EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NCCER, AWS, or NATE to boost employability and pay[^5][^6].
• Community college pathways: Palm Beach State College offers stackable certificates that can roll into an AS degree, helping you build skills while working[^2].

If you need a flexible start date, ask about rolling admissions, monthly starts, or modular courses.

Next Steps

• Compare programs across the state: Florida Trade School Hub
• Explore trades and pick a path: Skilled Trades Hub
• Learn how to choose a school, pay for training, and prepare for exams: Career Guides
• Browse more local options nationwide: Trade School Directory

Before you enroll, confirm:

• Accreditation in the appropriate directory (SACSCOC, ACCSC, ABHES, ACCET, NACCAS)[^2][^3][^7][^8][^9]
• Program length and schedule
• Licensure alignment with Florida DBPR and local jurisdictions[^4]
• Certification prep included (EPA 608, NCCER, AWS, etc.)[^5][^6]

Start with two schools from the list above. Tour the labs, speak with instructors, and ask about outcomes data and employer partners. Then choose the program that fits your timeline and budget.

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook and employment trends for construction and repair trades, bls.gov [^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator [^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Directory of Accredited Institutions, accsc.org [^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), myfloridalicense.com [^5]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Refrigerant Management Requirements, epa.gov/section608 [^6]: NCCER Credentials and Training, nccer.org [^7]: ABHES Accredited Institutions Directory, abhes.org [^8]: ACCET Member Institutions Directory, accet.org [^9]: NACCAS Accredited Schools Directory, naccas.org [^10]: Florida Department of Education, Registered Apprenticeship Programs, fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/apprenticeship-programs/