Best Trade Schools in Miami Shores, Florida (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Miami Shores. This guide compares accredited programs nearby, how long they take, and what licenses you need in Florida. You’ll also see which trades are hiring in the Miami area and flexible ways to train.

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Top Trade Schools in Miami Shores

These schools are in or near Miami Shores and hold recognized accreditation. Program lengths are typical full-time timelines. Check each catalog for current schedules and admissions[^2].

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• The Miami metro continues to add residential and commercial projects, keeping demand steady for entry-level and journeyman electricians[^1]. Training programs feed into local apprenticeships and contractor shops. See career steps and certifications on our electrician page: Electrician.

HVAC/R

• Hot, humid climate means year-round service calls for installation and repair. HVAC technicians with EPA 608 certification and strong troubleshooting skills are competitive in the Miami area[^1]. Learn more about paths and credentials: HVAC.

Welding

• Fabrication, marine, construction, and infrastructure projects around the port and rail drive steady welding work. AWS code welding boosts your hireability[^1]. Explore welding career options: Welding.

Plumbing

• Remodels, new builds, and hospitality keep plumbers busy across Miami-Dade. Licensed contractors can lead crews or run service businesses[^1]. See training and licensing details: Plumbing.

BLS data shows these trades offer stable employment and opportunities to advance with experience and certifications[^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

Florida licenses contractors at the state level through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Many journeyman cards are issued by counties, including Miami-Dade. Here are the typical steps:

Electrician

• Start as a trainee or apprentice with a registered apprenticeship sponsor.
• Earn a local journeyman electrician card through Miami-Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board (experience + exam)[^5].
• To run your own business statewide, apply to DBPR for Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) after verified experience, pass the state exam, and meet financial/insurance requirements[^4].
• Maintain continuing education as required by the board[^4].

HVAC/R

• Get entry-level training and obtain EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification (required to work with refrigerants)[^6].
• Work under a licensed contractor to build experience.
• For business ownership or to contract directly, qualify with DBPR as a Certified Air-Conditioning Contractor (Class A or B) by meeting experience, exam, and financial responsibility requirements[^4].
• Some jurisdictions may offer or require local journeyman cards for HVAC mechanics[^5].

Plumbing

• Complete training and earn hours under a licensed plumber.
• Obtain a Miami-Dade journeyman plumber card via experience and exam when you meet county requirements[^5].
• For statewide contracting, qualify with DBPR as a Certified Plumbing Contractor (experience, exams, insurance, background)[^4].

Welding

• No state license. Employers and job sites commonly require American Welding Society (AWS) performance qualifications to specific codes (for example, D1.1 structural). Your school or employer can arrange AWS tests[^1].
• Specialty endorsements may be required for certain marine or pipeline work.

Aviation Maintenance (optional but popular in Miami)

• Complete an FAA Part 147 approved A&P program and pass FAA written, oral, and practical exams to earn Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificates[^7].

Always verify current rules with DBPR and Miami-Dade County before you test or apply[^4][^5].

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid learning: Several technical colleges deliver theory online with in-person labs for electricity, HVAC, and welding. This helps working adults manage schedules.
• Evenings and accelerated blocks: Public technical colleges in Miami-Dade often offer evening cohorts and multiple start dates. Ask about clock-hour transfer if you have prior training.
• Apprenticeships: Combine paid work with classroom instruction. Look for programs aligned to NCCER or state-registered standards in electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Many employers sponsor tuition for apprentices.
• Short industry credentials: Add-on cards like EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, and first aid/CPR strengthen your resume and can be completed quickly online or on campus.
• Aviation: FAA A&P programs require in-person labs, but schools may offer blended theory to reduce time on campus[^7].

If you need maximum flexibility, compare program schedules and delivery (day, evening, hybrid) when you contact admissions.

Next Steps

• Compare Florida programs and statewide licensing: Florida Trade School Hub
• Browse all trades and choose your path: Trades Hub
• New to training and credentials? Start here: Guides
• Ready to shortlist schools near Miami Shores? Revisit the table above and contact 2–3 programs to confirm start dates, schedules, and certification prep.

Footnotes

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment data for construction and repair trades (latest available).
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator — institutional profiles for listed schools (accreditation and program listings).
[^4]: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Construction Industry Licensing Board and Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board — license types, exams, and requirements.
[^5]: Miami-Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board — local journeyman and contractor qualification.
[^6]: U.S. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification — refrigerant handling requirements.
[^7]: Federal Aviation Administration — Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools and A&P certification process.