Best Trade Schools in Mount Dora, Florida (2026 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Mount Dora. This page highlights accredited training near Mount Dora, Florida. You will see program options, typical program length, and Florida licensing steps. Use it to plan a fast, job-focused path into a skilled trade.


Top Trade Schools in Mount Dora

These accredited schools are in Mount Dora or a short commute away. Program availability can change by campus. Always confirm details with the school1.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Work includes wiring, panels, low-voltage systems, and service calls. Florida’s construction and solar growth support steady demand for electrical technicians2.
  • Electricians earned a median 1,590 nationally in 20232. Experienced electricians and licensed contractors can earn more.

HVAC/R Technician

  • Central Florida heat drives year-round service calls. HVAC mechanics install, maintain, and troubleshoot cooling, heat pumps, and refrigeration.
  • Median pay was 7,300 in 20232. EPA 608 certification is required for refrigerants in Florida and nationwide3.

Welder

  • Welders work in fabrication, construction, utilities, marine, and theme-park maintenance throughout Central Florida.
  • Median pay was 8,940 in 20232. Common processes include SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW. AWS credentials help you qualify for better jobs.

Plumber

  • Plumbers and pipefitters handle water, gas, and drain systems in new builds and remodels. The region’s growth keeps service and construction crews busy2.
  • Median pay was 1,550 in 20232. Moving up to contractor boosts earnings and autonomy.

Explore trade profiles and career paths:

  • Electrician overview and training steps: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC technician career and certifications: /trades/hvac
  • Welding training and AWS credentials: /trades/welding
  • Plumbing training and apprenticeship paths: /trades/plumbing

Building & Construction Trades

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Flooring Installer$56,3269.5%
Plumber$52,9104.5%
Welder$50,6402.2%
Carpenter$49,8704.5%
Construction Worker$44,0307.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager$113,1308.7%
Home Inspector$68,170-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Lineworker$86,8706.6%
Wind Turbine Technician$64,12049.9%
Tower Technician$60,1408.6%
Electrician$57,2509.5%
HVAC Technician$56,6708.1%
Solar Installer$50,55042.1%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)$76,9404.0%
Diesel Technician$60,4902.4%
Gunsmith$59,3102.0%
CNC Machinist$57,1400.0%
Truck Driver (CDL)$50,6404.0%
Heavy Equipment Operator$49,4003.6%
Auto Mechanic$48,2604.2%
Automotive Technician$48,2604.2%
Maintenance Technician$46,0603.8%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)$61,7702.6%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)$61,7702.6%
Hemodialysis Technician$45,7605.2%
Medical Assistant$43,68012.5%
Mental Health Technician$43,57020.0%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)$37,5102.3%
Patient Care Technician$37,5102.3%
Home Health Aide$33,80017.0%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$82,94013.0%
EKG Technician$77,1403.0%
Radiologic Technologist$76,7504.3%
Surgical Technologist$62,4404.5%
Optician$58,8502.9%
Dental Assistant$47,6206.4%
Sterile Processing Technician$45,89010.0%
Pharmacy Technician$43,5906.4%
Phlebotomy Technician$40,2305.6%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist$45,7607.1%
Medical Office Administrator$41,7304.2%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Occupational Therapy Assistant$71,63019.2%
Massage Therapist$49,68015.4%
Personal Trainer$38,80011.9%
Physical Therapy Aide$35,1402.8%

Animal Care & Training

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician$46,3809.1%
Veterinary Assistant$37,8308.7%
Dog Trainer$36,8705.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician$43,8806.7%
Beauty Professional$29,5305.6%
Cosmetologist$29,5305.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef$39,6047.1%
Pastry Chef$39,6047.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal$61,0000.2%
Bookkeeper$49,330-5.8%
Digital Court Reporter$49,240-0.3%

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; job growth uses state projections when available and national projections when state data is unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. 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 contracting at the state level. Some counties and cities issue journeyman cards. Plan for both.

Electrician

  • Who licenses: Florida DBPR, Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB)4.
  • To contract independently: Apply for Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) or Registered (ER).
  • Typical steps: Document 4+ years of experience or apprenticeship, pass trade and business exams, background check, financial responsibility, and insurance.
  • Journeyman: Many Florida counties issue journeyman credentials. A state EC license is required to advertise or contract statewide.

HVAC/R (Air Conditioning Contractor)

  • Who licenses: Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)4.
  • License types: Class A (unlimited) and Class B (≤25 tons cooling and ≤500k BTU heating).
  • Typical steps: 4 years verified experience or a mix of education and experience, pass trade and business exams, background check, and insurance.
  • EPA 608 certification is required for anyone handling refrigerants3.

Plumber

  • Who licenses: Florida DBPR, CILB4.
  • License types: Certified Plumbing Contractor (statewide) or Registered (local).
  • Typical steps: Qualifying experience, trade and business exams, background check, and insurance.
  • Journeyman: Often issued at the county or city level via local boards.

Welder

  • Florida does not issue a state welding license.
  • Employers and municipalities may require AWS structural or pipe certifications (for example, D1.1, D1.5, or 6G). Training programs prepare you for common AWS tests.

Helpful note: Many programs align with NCCER performance standards or prepare you for exams like EPA 608, AWS, or state contractor tests. These credentials signal job readiness to employers53.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many schools deliver theory online while keeping labs in person. HVAC, electricity, and welding require hands-on competencies, so expect scheduled shop time.
  • Evenings and accelerated formats: Lake Technical College and Orange Technical College offer day or evening cohorts for working students. Private career schools often run multiple start dates.
  • Credit pathways: Community colleges like Seminole State and Valencia offer college credit certificates that stack into associate degrees. This helps if you want to move into supervision or estimating later.
  • Apprenticeships: Electrical and plumbing apprenticeships blend paid work with weekly classroom training. Ask local contractors or unions about openings in Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties.

Next Steps

  • Compare Florida trade schools by region: /trade-school/florida/
  • See all skilled trades and choose a path: /trades/
  • Learn how to pay for school and plan your training: /guides/
  • Explore all state and national trade school options: /trade-school/

Tip: Visit at least two campuses. Ask about lab hours, certification pass rates, employer partners, and placement support. Bring a copy of your ID and a resume to speed up admissions and employer referrals.


Sources


  1. U.S. Department of Education. College Navigator. School profiles and program listings. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Occupational Outlook Handbook and May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Electricians, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Plumbers, and Welders. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. U.S. EPA. Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Licensing for Electrical, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing Contractors. https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. NCCER. Industry-recognized construction credentials and training. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩︎


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.