Best Trade Schools in Melbourne, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Melbourne. This page highlights accredited programs, what they teach, typical completion times, and how Florida licensing works for electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers. Use it to compare options and plan your next steps. Local trades are hiring, and many roles offer steady growth and solid pay¹.

Top Trade Schools in Melbourne

The schools below serve Melbourne and the Space Coast region. All are accredited or formally recognized, and several offer evening or hybrid schedules. Program length is typical; confirm details with each school²³.

Tip: If you want paid training, apply to Space Coast apprenticeships first and use a college program as a backup. If you need quick, focused training, look at Orange Technical College or UTI/MMI.

Skilled Trades in Demand

• Electrician

  • Brevard County’s space, defense, and commercial growth keeps electrical contractors busy on new construction and industrial projects. Electricians have steady national demand and strong replacement needs as many retire¹. Apprenticeships are the most direct path to your card and better pay.

• HVAC/R Technician

  • Florida’s heat and year-round cooling drive consistent service calls. Technicians with EPA 608 plus schooling or apprenticeship advance fastest. The BLS projects faster-than-average growth for HVAC mechanics as upgrades and efficiency retrofits increase¹.

• Welding

  • Welders are needed across manufacturing, shipyards, aerospace fabrications, and facilities maintenance along the Space Coast. Employers value process certifications (SMAW, MIG, TIG) and AWS credentials. Hands-on lab time shortens your learning curve.

• Plumbing

  • New residential builds and commercial tenant improvements keep plumbers working. Licensed contractors can grow quickly with service and remodel work. Florida’s contractor licensing requires documented experience and passing scores, but apprenticeships and school hours can help.

Explore these careers in more detail:

• Electrician overview and pathways: /trades/electrician
• HVAC technician training and licenses: /trades/hvac
• Welding processes and certifications: /trades/welding
• Plumbing career steps in Florida: /trades/plumbing

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida licenses contractors at the state level and often licenses journeyman-level workers locally. Always check both state and city/county rules before you start.

• Electrician (State Contractor License – DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board)

  • Choose license: Certified Electrical Contractor (statewide) or Registered (specific locality).
  • Meet experience: Commonly 4 years (combination of work and education may apply).
  • Pass exams: Trade knowledge + Business & Finance.
  • Submit application, fingerprints, proof of financial responsibility/credit, and liability insurance.
  • Many counties also issue journeyman electrician cards; your apprenticeship + exam usually qualify.¹

• HVAC/R (State Contractor License – DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board)

  • Choose license class: Class A Air-Conditioning (unlimited tonnage) or Class B (limited capacity), or Mechanical Contractor for broader scope.
  • Document 4 years of experience or an approved education/experience mix.
  • Pass trade and Business & Finance exams; provide insurance and background checks.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants¹.

• Plumbing (State Contractor License – DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board)

  • Qualify as Certified or Registered Plumbing Contractor.
  • Provide 4 years of verifiable experience or equivalent.
  • Pass trade and Business & Finance exams; submit financials, fingerprints, and insurance.
  • Many jurisdictions also maintain journeyman plumber licensing.

• Welding

  • No Florida state license for welders.
  • Employers or project owners may require AWS D1.1/D17.1 or NCCER performance qualifications. Keep your procedure and test records current.

Where to verify:

• Florida DBPR boards for contractor licensing forms, exams, and reciprocity.
• Local building departments for journeyman rules and contractor registration.
• EPA Section 608 for refrigerant certification details.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid training: Several schools above blend online theory with in-person labs to reduce campus time. This works well for HVAC, electrical code, and safety coursework.
• Apprenticeships: Earn a wage while completing classroom hours in the evenings. Schedules are built for working adults.
• Modular credentials: Stack short certificates into an A.S. degree at public colleges to boost long-term pay and supervisory options.
• Exam prep: Many programs include Business & Finance and trade exam prep for Florida contractor licensing. Ask about pass rates.

If you need maximum flexibility, start with program info sessions and ask:

• Can I attend labs on weekends or evenings?
• How do online modules work for code and theory?
• Do you accept prior learning or industry certifications (NCCER, OSHA, EPA 608)?

Next Steps

• Compare Florida training options: /trade-school/florida/
• See all trades and career paths: /trades/
• Start at the main Trade School hub: /trade-school/
• Read step-by-step how-tos and checklists: /guides/

Talk to two or three schools that fit your schedule. Ask about placement help, employer partners, and licensure exam prep. Then pick the shortest path that gets you working with the right credential.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Electrician Schools in Florida
• Best Trade Schools in Cape Coral, Florida (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Clearwater, Florida (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Daytona Beach, Florida (2025 Guide)
• Best Trade Schools in Deltona, Florida (2025 Guide)